What are the common commands and syntax?

Common commands include those for defining data elements (e.g., DEFINE ELEMENT), defining databases (e.g., DEFINE DATABASE), and generating reports (e.g., REPORT STRUCTURE). The syntax typically involves specific keywords and parameters, such as DEFINE ELEMENT NAME(element_name) TYPE(data_type) LENGTH(length). Configuration is managed through control cards and system datasets.

What types of APIs does DB/DC Data Dictionary expose?

The product does not expose modern APIs like REST or SOAP. It primarily interacts through batch jobs and utilities. There are no specific API endpoints or method names available in a modern sense.

What are the main system components and how do they communicate?

The main components include the Data Dictionary itself, the Data Dictionary Manager, and various utility programs. These components communicate through batch job execution and data set interactions. Data is stored in VSAM datasets.

How is DB/DC Data Dictionary administered?

Administration is primarily performed through JCL (Job Control Language) and utility programs. User management is handled through the mainframe security system (e.g., RACF). Configuration parameters are set via control cards and system datasets. Monitoring and logging capabilities are limited to job logs and system messages.

What business value did DB/DC Data Dictionary provide?

DB/DC Data Dictionary provided a centralized metadata repository, which improved data consistency and facilitated application development by providing a single source of truth for data definitions. It helped in understanding and managing complex database structures.

How did DB/DC Data Dictionary assist with change management?

By documenting data structures and relationships, the product aided in impact analysis when changes were made to databases or applications. This helped to reduce the risk of errors and improve the efficiency of maintenance tasks.

How did DB/DC Data Dictionary improve data quality?

The product helped in standardizing data definitions across an organization, which improved data quality and reduced the potential for data inconsistencies. This standardization also made it easier to integrate different applications and systems.

What security features does DB/DC Data Dictionary offer?

The product's security features are limited. Authentication relies on the underlying mainframe security system (e.g., RACF). Access control is managed through the mainframe's security mechanisms. Encryption is not a core feature, and audit logging is limited to system logs.

What authentication methods are supported?

Authentication is handled through the mainframe security system, such as RACF or similar security products. There are no specific built-in authentication methods beyond what the mainframe provides.

What access control model is used?

Access control is managed through the mainframe's security mechanisms, such as RACF, which uses an access control list (ACL) model. Users are granted or denied access to resources based on their defined permissions.

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Audit logging capabilities are limited to the system logs provided by the mainframe. There are no specific audit trails within the product itself.

What are the key operational tasks?

Operations primarily involve running batch jobs to define, maintain, and report on metadata. Monitoring is done through system logs and job output. There are no specific operational dashboards or real-time monitoring tools.

What monitoring capabilities exist?

Monitoring is performed by reviewing system logs and job output. Operators would check for job completion codes and error messages. There are no specific monitoring dashboards or tools within the product.

How is backup and recovery handled?

Backup and recovery are handled through standard mainframe procedures for VSAM datasets. This includes regular backups of the data dictionary datasets and procedures for restoring them in case of data loss.

What performance tuning capabilities exist?

Performance tuning is limited to optimizing JCL and system resource allocation. There are no specific performance monitoring tools within the product. Performance depends on the underlying mainframe resources.

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DB/DC Data Dictionary

IBM Not Supported z/OS zVSE/VSE

Data Discovery Mining and Processing Data Management

Vendor

IBM

Product Overview

The architecture of DB/DC Data Dictionary comprised several key components. The central component was the Data Dictionary itself, which stored metadata definitions. The Data Dictionary Manager provided the interface for managing the dictionary.

Utility programs were used for tasks such as data definition, reporting, and maintenance. Data was stored in VSAM datasets, which were managed by the mainframe operating system. Communication between components occurred through batch job execution and data set interactions.

The product did not support modern API integration. , RACF), which managed authentication and access control. The product's operational aspects involved running JCL jobs for various tasks.

Given the product's end-of-life status, organizations should consider migrating to modern data catalog solutions. These solutions offer enhanced features, improved integration capabilities, and better support for current data environments. The migration process involves extracting metadata from the existing data dictionary and importing it into the new platform.

This process may require data transformation and mapping to align with the new system's data model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DB/DC Data Dictionary?

DB/DC Data Dictionary is a metadata repository designed to document and manage database structures and relationships, primarily for IMS and DL/I databases on z/OS and z/VSE platforms. It provides a centralized location for information about data elements, databases, and application programs.

What is the product's lifecycle status?

The product was initially released in the 1970s and was withdrawn from marketing in 2002. Support ended in 2015. It is no longer actively maintained or supported by IBM.

What platforms does DB/DC Data Dictionary support?

DB/DC Data Dictionary was designed to run on IBM mainframe systems, specifically z/OS and z/VSE. It is tightly integrated with IMS and DL/I database environments.

What are the main functions of DB/DC Data Dictionary?

The primary function is to document and manage metadata related to databases and applications. This includes defining data elements, database structures, and the relationships between them. It also supports the generation of database schemas and application program interfaces.

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