Connect to SAP Sybase IQ Servers and Databases

SAP 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; specify connection options that clearly identify servers.

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

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.

• Roadmap for Connections
  The roadmap shows which topics address specific connection needs.
• Ways to Connect
  Applications connect to SAP Sybase IQ databases in various ways.
• Supported Connection Interfaces
  To establish a connection, the client application calls functions in one of the supported interfaces.
• 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 Connection Parameters Work
  When an application connects to a database, it uses a set of connection parameters to define the connection.
• Connection Parameters in ODBC Data Sources
  Many client applications, including application development systems, use the ODBC interface to access SAP Sybase IQ.
• Interactive SQL Connections
  You must connect to your database in order to manage it with Interactive SQL.
• Using Server Classes for Remote Data Access
  The server class you specify in the CREATE SERVER statement determines the behavior of a remote connection. The server classes give the database server detailed server capability information. The database server formats SQL statements specific to a server's capabilities.
• ODBC Data Sources
  You can store a set of SAP 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.
• 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.
• The iAnywhere Solutions Oracle Driver
  The iAnywhere Solutions 11 - Oracle ODBC driver is custom-tailored for use with SAP 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 SAP 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. If connection pooling is enabled for a connection, when it is disconnected, the connection is automatically cached and may be reused when the application reconnects. You control connection pooling with the ConnectionPool (CPOOL) connection parameter. Once an application makes a specified number of connections with the same connection string, then the connection is pooled
• 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 <dbname>.iqmsg log records this action.