There are multiple methods for installing DB2® database products. Each installation method is suited for specific circumstances.
The following table shows the installation methods that are available by operating system.
Installation method | Windows | Linux or UNIX |
---|---|---|
DB2 Setup wizard | Yes | Yes |
Response file installation | Yes | Yes |
db2_install command | No | Yes |
Payload file deployment | No | Yes |
The following list describes DB2 installation methods.
On Linux and UNIX operating systems, to install a DB2 product using the DB2 Setup wizard, you require an X Window System (X11) to display the graphical user interface (GUI). To display the GUI on your local workstation, the X Window System software must be installed and running, and you must set the DISPLAY variable to the IP address of the workstation you use to install the DB2 product (export DISPLAY=<ip-address>:0.0). For example, export DISPLAY=192.168.1.2:0.0. For details, see this developerWorks® article: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/community/blogs/paixperiences/entry/remotex11aix?lang=en.
A response file installation is also referred to as a silent installation.
Another advantage to response files is that they provide access to parameters that cannot be set by using the DB2 Setup wizard.
On Linux and UNIX operating systems, if you embed the DB2 installation image in your own application, it is possible for your application to receive installation progress information and prompts from the installer in computer-readable form. This behavior is controlled by the INTERACTIVE response file keyword.
One benefit of this installation method is that you can create a response file without performing an installation. This feature can be useful to capture the options required to install the DB2 database product. The response file can be used at a later time to install the DB2 database product according to the exact options you specified.
You can export a client or server profile with the db2cfexp command to save your client or server configuration. Import the profile by using the db2cfimp command. A client or server profile exported with the db2cfexp command can also be imported during a response file installation by using the CLIENT_IMPORT_PROFILE keyword.
You should export the client or server profile after performing the installation and cataloging any data sources.
Although the db2_install command installs all components for the DB2 database product you specify, it does not perform user and group creation, instance creation, or configuration. This method of installation might be preferred in cases where configuration is to be done after installation. To configure your DB2 database product while installing it, consider using the DB2 Setup wizard.
On Linux and UNIX operating systems, if you embed the DB2 installation image in your own application, it is possible for your application to receive installation progress information and prompts from the installer in computer-readable form.
This installation method requires manual configuration after the product files are deployed.
This installation method requires manual configuration after the product files are deployed.