Stored procedures and built-in functions can greatly expand the power and usefulness of SQL, but surprisingly these highly useful tools remain untapped by many programmers. For programmers who are new to the subject or those who want to expand on what they already know, this book provides a terrific introduction to the creation and use of built-in functions and stored procedures under OS/400 and is/OS. But what are they?

Built-in functions are a part of practically every programming language and can be a big boost to productivity by identifying and isolating functions that need to be executed repeatedly. SQL makes particularly good use of its built-in functions. Stored procedures are programs that can be called from within SQL-and other programming languages, such as RPG-to process entire datasets. This book will put you on the fast track to using and writing both effectively.

After you learn the basics of these powerful tools, you'll go on to explore some of the stored procedures and functions included with SQL on the iSeries as part of OS/400 and 15/OS. Author Mike Faust even explains the process of developing custom built-in functions for your own use and has included a stored procedure that can be used to create a crosstab or pivot table representation of supplied data.

This book is the tool you need to boost the power of your is/OS SQL programming skills.

• SQL on the iSeries
• Built-in Functions
• Creating Custom Stored Procedures
• Creating User-Defined Functions
• Using Functions and Procedures
• A. Example Installation Instructions
• B. SQL