Blob data storage on the iSeries
What would be the best way to store and retrieve Blob(jpg etc) images on the iSeries so we could access them through a web page interface using v5r3 of RPGLE and cgi?
I know how to do it through the IFS. Is there a way to store Blobs in the iSeries native file system?
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
September 7, 2005 6:17 PM
UPDATED:
November 9, 2009 7:18 AM
Answer Wiki:
To answer your second question, here's the database reference at the Information Center on data types:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v5r3/ic2924/index.htm?info/db2/rbafzmstch2data.htm
Scroll down to Binary Strings and Large Objects.
Here's the URL to the CREATE TABLE function where you can also look at the syntax for setting up the BLOB column in a table:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v5r3/ic2924/index.htm?info/db2/rbafzmsthctabl.htm
As to the first question, that would depend on many factors. Other people might be able to offer a more expert opinion.
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.
the answer is mainly in the question : a BLOB (binary Large Object) is a type of SQL column. So the best way to store or retrieve is a SQL call.
Direct call or stored procedure depending on your architecture, or if not, on samples you will find.
And storage of BLOB inside the database or outside (ie if IFS) also : depends of your architecture or found samples.
some month ago I have read some docs on BLOBs but don’t remember where I found it.
Look at ibm infocenter (SQL Reference InfoCenterinfodb2rbafzmst.pdf), or in search400 or on the web.
I agree that the ‘answer is in the question’. If it’s a BLOB, then it’s already in the native file system. Otherwise it’s not a BLOB — it’s a streamfile.
Tom