Getting started with IBM Informix

Get up and running

After you install Informix, follow the steps in this tutorial to configure the database server, create and view a demonstration database, and perform basic administrative tasks. You install IBM OpenAdmin Tool (OAT) for Informix on a Linux or Windows operating system to become familiar with the database server. You can use OAT to monitor and administer a database server that is installed on a different computer. You can use OAT to create database objects and storage spaces, and query data. See IBM OpenAdmin Tool (OAT) for Informix for details.

Prerequisites:

• Install the Informix database server on a computer that is running any supported operating system.
• Install IBM Informix Client Software Development Kit (Client SDK) with the default options on a computer that is running a supported Linux or Windows operating system. OAT is installed by default with Client SDK.
• Perform the necessary post-installation tasks, such as setting environment variables and starting the database server.
• If your database server and OAT are installed on separate computers, configure connectivity on both computers.

To get started with Informix by using OAT:

1. Start OAT:
   • Linux: From the $INFORMIXDIR/OAT directory, run the StartApache script.
   • Windows: Choose Start > All Programs > IBM OpenAdmin Tool (OAT) for Informix > IBM OpenAdmin Tool (OAT) for Informix.
2. Connect to the database server. On the Login page for OAT, complete the Server Details fields and click Login.
3. Create a demonstration database:
   1. Click SQL Toolbox > Schema Manager.
   2. Choose Databases > Create demo database from the Actions menu.
   3. Choose a dbspace and click Create.

   The stores_demo database appears in the list of databases. You can view and manage databases from this page.

4. View information about the tables in the stores_demo database:
   1. Click SQL Toolbox > Databases. If prompted, enter the informix user name and password.
   2. In the list of Databases, click stores_demo. A list of tables in the database is displayed on the Tables page. From this page you can browse the tables, view information about columns, and view information about table partitions.
   3. Click the customer table to view the column information.
   4. Click the Table Browse tab to view the data in the customer table.
5. View the health of the database server. Click Health Center > Health Advisor and click Run Health Advisor. The report shows in a separate browser window and contains results and recommendations about the database server, the databases, and the operating system. From the Health Advisor page, you can enable alarms, schedule tasks, and set up notification.
6. Configure the database server by setting configuration parameters:
   1. Click Server Administration > Configuration.
   2. Select Recommendations from the Show list. All parameters with settings that do not follow the OAT recommendations are highlighted in yellow.
   3. To view or change a parameter, click the parameter name.
7. View storage spaces. Click Space Administration > Storage. From this page, you can create, modify, and drop storage spaces and chunks.
8. Back up the database server:
   1. Click Space Administration > Backup.
   2. Click Configuration, and then click Configure to start the Backup wizard.

Next steps

The database server
Learn the basics of setting up the database server and performing routine administrative tasks.

Database design
Find information to help you design, implement, and manage your Informix databases. This document includes data models that illustrate different approaches to database design and shows you how to use structured query language (SQL) to implement and manage your databases.