You can eliminate database fragmentation in two ways:

  • Dump and reload the database.

    Dumping and reloading the database creates a new starting version of the database and loads the table contents into this new database. During the loading stage, any gaps created when database elements were deleted are removed, thereby more efficiently allocating disk space. There are many methods available to dump and load data; for instructions, see Dumping and Loading.

  • Move individual tables and indexes.

    You can use PROUTIL TABLEMOVE and PROUTIL IDXMOVE to move tables and indexes from one storage area to another while the database remains online. As a result, disk space is efficiently allocated and gaps are removed. For more information about moving tables and indexes, see Maintain Database Structure.

For a Type II area, you may also delay or avoid the need to dump and load data by reorganizing a table within its current storage area. For details see PROUTIL TABLEREORG qualifier.