Chapter 4: Using isql

Introducing isql

Using the Interactive SQL (isql) utility, you can type requests directly onto a 3270-type window. The Client Option routes SQL requests to the requested server and displays the results in a window at your terminal. No programming is required.

From the mainframe, you can also use isql to access ASE, Open Server, or host-based databases through the Server Option. The server is specified in the login window.

Function and action keys for isql

This chapter describes the program windows and the entry choices available on them. Table 4-1 shows the keyboard commands for isql on these windows:

**Table 4-1: isql function and action keys**
Key	Action
Clear	Ends the current transaction and exits from the current window to the CICS command window.
Enter	Performs the indicated action.
Tab	Moves the cursor to the next field.
PF1	Does one of the following: Resets the fields to blank. Resets the temporary storage browse pointer to the beginning of the queue.
PF3	Does one of the following: Terminates the connection to the server or, if not connected, terminates the environment. For viewing isql results, terminates the current result set. If you are viewing the last or only result set, it returns to the SQL input display.
PF4	Terminates all result sets and returns to the SQL input display.
PF7	Scrolls backward.
PF8	Scrolls forward.
PF9	Displays messages.
PF10	Shifts left.
PF11	Shifts right.