Change schemas while the database is running

You can use the SCHEMA-CHANGE attribute during an ABL session to perform a growing range of schema maintenance while the database is running.

The SCHEMA-CHANGE attribute relaxes the requirement for exclusive access to a database in order to make the following schema changes online:

• Add new sequences.
• Add new tables, as well as any associated fields, indexes, and database triggers (which must be added within the same transaction).
• Add new fields to an existing table.
• Add new inactive indexes to an existing table.

The attribute must be set to "NEW OBJECTS" to activate this feature.

Notes

• For more information on the SCHEMA-CHANGE attribute, see: SCHEMA-CHANGE attribute.
• For a list of schema change commands that can be executed against an online database using SQL, see: SQL commands to modify schema.
• For more information on activating an inactive index, see: Activate a single index and PROUTIL IDXACTIVATE qualifier.