Building a keyword string

You can systematically select keywords to describe a failure in Db2 for z/OS® (Db2) or internal resource lock manager (IRLM). Keywords are predefined words or abbreviations that identify aspects of a program failure.

A string of keywords can be used to pinpoint a similar known problem in the IBM Support website. If the search is successful, a similar problem description and, usually, a fix exists. If the search is unsuccessful, use these keywords when you communicate with IBM® Support for more assistance or when you are documenting a possible APAR (Authorized Program Analysis Report).

The keywords are in two distinct formats: Db2 format (or free format) and structured database format.

Getting started

Before you build a keyword string, thoroughly check the application programs, JCL, and data set definitions for user errors.

The first keyword specifies a component identification number for Db2 or internal resource lock manager. A search of the IBM Support site with this keyword alone would detect all reported problems for that component (Db2 or internal resource lock manager). Each added keyword makes the search argument more specific and reduces the number of problem descriptions.

Sometimes, a similar problem can be found by using an incomplete set of keywords. To some extent, then, each keyword after the first is optional. If too many matches occur, keywords can be added to narrow the search.

When you communicate with IBM Support, identify the program failure with these keywords:
  • Component identification keyword
  • Release level keyword
  • Type-of-failure keywords, including:
    • CSECT keyword (required for certain failure types)
    • Modifier keywords (optional).
  • Dependency keyword

These keywords can be specified either in the Db2 format or in the structured database (SDB) format. For both formats, the choice of keywords depends on the type of failure that occurred.

Building a keyword string in Db2

Procedure:
  1. Locate the three-digit release identifier in the title area of the formatted dump. It follows COMP=XYR00. For example: 
    COMP=XYR00.121.SSSC-SSI CALL
    The highlighted digits signify:
    12
    Version
    1
    Release level
  2. Build a keyword similar to Rxxx, replacing xxx with the version, release, and modification level numbers. Add this information to the component identifier keyword and turn to Type-of-failure keywords. 
         5740XYR00 R121  (free format)
     PIDS/5740XYR00 LVLS/121  (structured format)