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Status Future consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories Db2 for i
Created by Guest
Created on Oct 27, 2016

RELATED IDEAS

DB2 Alter Table Rename column

DB2 for LUW and z/OS provide the capability to rename a column. DB2 for i should have the same functionality. Renaming a column's system name should be included, too.


Use Case:

In our IT department, Data Studio is used to create or modify tables and indexes. The developers try to correctly name the columns, long and system, but occasionally mistakes are made. Our DBE reviews the tables and indexes before promotion to production, too, and usually catches the incorrect names.

For empty tables it's OK to drop a column and add it back with the correct names.

Recreating the table is an option, too, unless it's a parent with dependents. The constraints have to be dropped then recreated. This may not be possible on a production system running 24x7.

When tables contain data the solution is even more difficult. Especially when the data loading process is complex and/or date/time sensitive, i.e. snapshot values for a point in time.

A hack can be used if both long and system names need to be changed. But the hack gets much worse if only one of the column names should be changed. And a hack, aka QID (quick and dirty), may compound the problem rather than resolve it.

Using a statement like "ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME column TO new_column_name FOR SYSTEM NAME short_column_name" would work correctly every time and eliminate the need for a hacked solution.


Idea priority Medium
  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Mar 23, 2023

    Another vote for this. It looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me since we can't simply rename a column!

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Jan 6, 2023

    I must ReDesign a big old Database and need this option, asap.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Jun 24, 2021

    We have been running across this issue lately. I will also put this in as a LUG requirement.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Apr 29, 2021

    Certainly needed to keep db2 functionality in line with other DBMS... voted...

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Feb 26, 2021

    IBM will use this request as input to planning but no commitment is made or implied. This request will be updated in the future if IBM implements it.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Oct 27, 2017

    IBM has received the requirement and is evaluating it. IBM will provide a response after evaluation is complete.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Aug 15, 2017

    The CAAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority requirement that should be addressed. While the issue may be due to user error, correcting the error can be difficult and this RFE would make it easier.

    Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CAAC has a key role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your RFE.

    For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac

    For more details about CAAC's role with RFEs, see http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/Blogs/i-Can/May-2017/COMMON-Americas-Advisory-Council-%28CAAC%29-and-RFEs/

    Dawn May - CAAC Program Manager

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Nov 30, 2016

    I sent an email to Phil asking for more information.

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