About this book

Adaptive Server Enterprise Utility Guide is a guide to the Sybase® Adaptive Server® Enterprise utility programs available for UNIX platforms and Windows NT. Utility programs are commands that you invoke directly from the operating system.

Audience

This manual is for anyone using Transact-SQL® and Adaptive Server Enterprise version 12.5. It assumes that you have the basic knowledge to use Adaptive Server and your operating system.

How to use this book

This manual includes the following:

Chapter 1, “Building Servers Using dataserver” – discusses how to use the dataserver utility to build new servers.
Chapter 2, “Using the isql Utility” – discusses how to use the interactive SQL (isql) utility that allows access to SQL from your operating system.
Chapter 3, “Using bcp to Transfer Data to and from Adaptive Server” – discusses, in detail, the bulk copy (bcp) utility which you use to move data between Adaptive Server and an operating system file.
Chapter 4, “Using dsedit” – explains how to use the directory services editor (dsedit) utility to modify the interfaces (sql.ini) file in Windows NT, and in X-Windows to view and edit server entries in the interfaces file in UNIX platforms.
Chapter 5, “Using dscp” – explains how to use the dscp utility to view and edit server entries in the interfaces file in UNIX platforms.
Chapter 6, “Migration Utility” – explains how to use the sybmigrate utility to move data and database schema from pre-12.5 databases into 12.5 databases.
Chapter 7, “Installing the Adaptive Server Plug-in” – describes how to install Adaptive Server Sybase Central plugins.
Chapter 8, “Utility Commands Reference” – lists and describes the utility commands that you use to manage and maintain your databases and Adaptive Server Enterprise.

The examples in this manual are based on the pubs2 sample database. Ask your System Administrator how to access a clean copy of pubs2.

Sybase certifications on the web

Technical documentation at the Sybase web site is updated frequently.

Finding the latest information on product certifications

Point your web browser to Technical Documents.
Select Products from the navigation bar on the left.
Select a product name from the product list and click Go.
Select the Certification Report filter, specify a time frame, and click Go.
Click a Certification Report title to display the report.

Creating a personalized view of the Sybase web site (including support pages)

Set up a MySybase profile. MySybase is a free service that allows you to create a personalized view of Sybase web pages.

Point your web browser to Technical Documents.
Click MySybase and create a MySybase profile.

Sybase EBFs and software updates

Finding the latest information on EBFs and software updates

Point your web browser to the Sybase Support Page.
Select EBFs/Updates. Enter user name and password information, if prompted (for existing web accounts) or create a new account (a free service).
Select a product.
Specify a time frame and click Go.
Click the Info icon to display the EBF/Update report, or click the product description to download the software.

Conventions

In the regular text of this document, the names of files and directories appear in italics, for example:

In Windows NT: %SYBASE%\bin
In UNIX platforms: $SYBASE

Substitute your Sybase installation drive and directory for $SYBASE in UNIX, and %SYBASE% in Windows NT.

Table 1 details the typographic (font and syntax) conventions as used in this document.

**Table 1: Font and syntax conventions for this document**
Element	Example
Command names, command option names, database names, datatypes, utility names, utility flags, and other keywords are Helvetica.	dsedit
Variables, or words that stand for values that you fill in, are in italics.	`select column_name from table_name where search_conditions`
Parentheses must be typed as part of the command.	`compute row_aggregate (column_name)`
Curly braces indicate that at least one of the enclosed options is required by the command (see comma).	`{cheese, sauce}` Do not type the curly braces.
Brackets mean that choosing one or more of the enclosed options is optional.	`[anchovies, pineapple, bell_peppers]` Do not type the brackets.
The vertical bar means you may select only one of the options shown.	`{cash \| check \| credit}` Do not type the curly braces.
The comma means you may choose as many of the options shown as you like; be sure to separate multiple choices in a command with commas.	`[extra_cheese, avocados, sour_cream]` Do not type the brackets.
An ellipsis (...) means that you can repeat the unit that the ellipsis follows as many times as you like.	`buy thing = price [cash \| check \| credit] [, thing = price [cash \| check \| credit] ]...` You must buy at least one thing (item) and give its price. You may choose a method of payment: one of the options enclosed in square brackets. You may choose also to buy additional items: as many of them as you like. For each item you buy, provide its name, its price, and (optionally) a method of payment.
Syntax statements, which display the utility’s syntax including all its options, appear as shown here, either in san serif font for flags and options (-v), or italics for user-supplied values (username).	charset [-Ppassword] [-Sserver] [-Iinterface] sort_order \| charset
Examples that illustrate computer output appear in `Courier`, as shown:	`pub_id pub_name city state ------ --------- ------- ----- 0736 New Age Books Boston MA 0877 Binnet & Hardley Washington DC (2 rows affected)`

If you need help

Each Sybase installation that has purchased a support contract has one or more designated people who are authorized to contact Sybase Technical Support. If you cannot resolve a problem using the manuals or online help, please have the designated person contact Sybase Technical Support or the Sybase subsidiary in your area.