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CAPABILITIES

Detailed tools for database file work

WRKDBF provides direct access to IBM i database records, flexible field presentation, and practical tools for examining and maintaining data. Select any screenshot for a larger view.

Record maintenance

Browse and maintain database records

Display, add, change, copy, delete, undelete, print, and undo record changes. Navigate by keyed access or relative record number, position by full or partial keys, and examine data directly within a 5250 session.

Field presentation

Arrange fields for the task at hand

Reorder, hide, and lock fields in position while viewing other columns. Save named field sequences and restore them later, so familiar files can be presented consistently across sessions.

User configuration

Configure WRKDBF for users and groups

Establish individual or group preferences, including read-only restrictions, confirmation prompts, and scan limits. Configuration entries are resolved by user profile, group profile, then *PUBLIC; normal IBM i object authorities continue to apply.

Additional capabilities

Tools for everyday file work

  • Lock key fields together so they remain immediately visible, even when the keys are scattered throughout the file’s field structure.
  • Find matching records without case sensitivity and select records using criteria.
  • Switch between keyed and arrival-sequence access, including relative record number positioning.
  • Work with multiple-format logical files, distributed data management (DDM) files, and flat files with field definitions.
  • View supported field data in hexadecimal as well as formatted character and numeric forms.
  • Use 24×80 or 27×132 displays; 27×132 offers more data and context on-screen.
  • Optionally produce an audit report of record changes performed through WRKDBF (not changes made using SQL).

SQL convenience

SQL commands from within WRKDBF

WRKDBF includes convenient SQL operations for certain file-maintenance tasks, including SELECT, COUNT, UPDATE, DELETE, LABEL and INSERT. SELECT results can be directed to a display, printed output, an output file, or an IFS stream file, as supported by the application.

This is a convenience within WRKDBF, not a substitute for the full IBM i SQL environment.

Compatibility and restrictions

Designed for IBM i database files

WRKDBF operates within IBM i security rules. It supports common IBM i file structures and record types. Some data types are unsupported or untested, including DBCS, NULL-capable, and graphic fields. Consult the user documentation for details.

Read the user documentation →