Sybase IQ Connections

Sybase IQ runs in a client/server environment, in which many users can connect to a database server across a network.

You may be able to connect to more than one database server. The connection options you choose must take these factors into account.

Client applications can connect to databases from ODBC, OLE DB, and Embedded SQL applications, from Sybase Central, and from Interactive SQL.

For more information on connecting to a database from Sybase Open Client™ applications, see System Administration Guide: Volume 2: > Sybase IQ as a Data Server.

For more information on connecting via JDBC (if you are not working in Sybase Central or Interactive SQL), see SQL Anywhere Server – Programming.

Any client application that uses a database must establish a connection to that database before any work can be done. The connection forms a channel through which all activity from the client application takes place. For example, your user ID determines permissions to carry out actions on the database—and the database server has your user ID because it is part of the request to establish a connection.

• Connection Status
  Some client tools may not clearly indicate connection status. A failed command is your first indication that the connection does not exist.
• How Sybase IQ Establishes Connections
  To establish a connection, the client application calls functions in one of the supported interfaces.
• Learning Roadmap for Connections
  Connection topics are designed for a variety of IQ users. The roadmap shows which topics address specific connection needs.
• How Connection Parameters Work
  When an application connects to a database, it uses a set of connection parameters to define the connection.
• How Applications Pass Connection Parameters
  Connection parameters are passed to the interface library as a connection string.
• Connection Parameters in ODBC Data Sources
  Many client applications, including application development systems, use the ODBC interface to access Sybase IQ.
• Sybase Central or Interactive SQL Connections
  You must connect to your database in order to manage it with Sybase Central or Interactive SQL.
• Connection Shortcuts in Sybase Central
  By following the procedures in these topics, you can simplify Sybase Central connections.
• Simple Connection Examples
  Although the connection model for Sybase IQ is configurable, and can become complex, in many cases connecting to a database is very simple.
• ODBC Data Sources
  You can store a set of Sybase IQ connection parameters as a data source in either the system registry or as a file. Data sources are required to use applications that connect using the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) interface.
• Creating an ODBC Data Source from the Command Line
  You can create User and System Data Sources using the iqdsn command-line utility. You cannot create File Data Sources with iqdsn. You can also use the ODBC Administrator to create User, System, and File Data Sources.
• Testing an ODBC Data Source
  You can test ODBC Data Sources using the ODBC Administrator.
• Configuring ODBC Data Sources in ODBC Administrator
  Options on the ODBC configuration dialog are organized by tab.
• File Data Sources
  On Windows operating systems, ODBC data sources are typically stored in the system registry. File data sources are an alternative, which are stored as files. File data sources are supported on both Windows and UNIX systems.
• ODBC Data Sources on UNIX
  On UNIX-like operating systems, the odbc.ini file contains a list of data sources.
• The iAnywhere Solutions Oracle Driver
  The iAnywhere Solutions 11 - Oracle ODBC driver is custom-tailored for use with Sybase IQ or iAnywhere. This driver does not work with third-party software.
• Database Connections Using OLE DB
  OLE DB uses the Component Object Model (COM) to make data from a variety of sources available to applications.
• Connections from Other Databases
  You can access data in Sybase IQ tables as a foreign data source from Adaptive Server Enterprise. To take advantage of this feature, use the Component Integration Services (CIS) interface, which makes data from distributed, heterogeneous sources available to clients.
• How to Test Connections
  The dbping command-line utility is provided to help troubleshoot connections. In particular, you can use it to test if a server with a certain name is available on your network.
• Integrated Logins
  The integrated login feature allows you to maintain a single user ID and password for both database connections and operating system and/or network logins.
• Connection Pooling
  Connection pooling may improve the performance of applications that make multiple, brief connections to the database server.
• Temporary Connections
  Temporary connections perform operations like running backups or initializing databases.
• Logical Server Configuration
  In a multiplex, you can only access servers by using logical servers.
• How to End Connections
  Connections must be ended under certain circumstances.
• Connection Logging
  By default, each time a user connects or disconnects from a database, the .iqmsg log records this action.