7 Beginner-Friendly DB2 Books That Make Learning Easy

Steve Eckols' decades of experience teaching COBOL and DB2 programming culminate in this approachable introduction designed specifically for programmers new to DB2. You’ll learn how to write programs using embedded SQL, supported by clear explanations of essential coding elements and the underlying concepts that make DB2 work. The book’s 11 chapters combine practical coding instruction with conceptual insights, helping you remember details more easily. This makes it a solid choice if you’re transitioning from COBOL or starting your journey in database programming, though those seeking advanced DB2 topics may find the scope limited.

While working as a database instructor, Djoni Darmawikarta noticed many beginners struggled with the complexity of SQL in enterprise systems. This book, IBM DB2 SQL for Beginners, offers a straightforward entry point by focusing on the free Express-C Edition of IBM DB2, making it accessible for newcomers. You learn SQL fundamentals specifically tailored to DB2's implementation, including querying, data manipulation, and basic administration, through practical examples rather than abstract theory. If you want to get comfortable with DB2 SQL without wading through overly technical jargon, this book lays a solid foundation for your database skills.

This tailored book explores DB2 from the ground up, designed specifically to match your background and learning pace. It begins with foundational concepts to remove overwhelm, then progressively builds your skills through intermediate topics, fostering confidence as you advance. The content focuses on your interests and goals, providing a personalized path through SQL basics, database structures, and practical DB2 applications. By addressing your unique needs, it ensures you grasp essential concepts without unnecessary complexity, making the learning journey approachable and engaging. This tailored approach transforms what might seem daunting into a clear, manageable progression, empowering you to become a confident DB2 user.

Susan Graziano Sloan's book offers a clear pathway for newcomers to DB2 on the z/OS platform, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplification. You gain a solid grounding in relational database basics, SQL fundamentals, and practical user tasks essential for managing and programming DB2. The text walks you through database design, object creation, and daily administration while also introducing advanced topics like distributed data and data sharing in a way that respects your beginner status. If you’re stepping into the mainframe DB2 world, this book helps you build confidence and competence without overwhelming detail.

What if everything you knew about designing DB2 applications was missing a crucial layer? Gabrielle Wiorkowski and David Kull bring decades of experience to lay out the mechanics of DB2 SQL processing and application design with clarity. You’ll explore how to maximize performance through practical guidelines, such as how to effectively use packages and plans, with fresh insights from Release 2.3. The book balances depth and accessibility, making it a solid resource not only for database professionals but also for newcomers looking to grasp the essentials without getting overwhelmed.

Drawing from IBM's deep expertise in mainframe database systems, Susan Graziano Sloan and Ann Kilty Hernandez deliver a clear and approachable introduction to DB2 for OS/390 version 7. You’ll explore foundational concepts like relational databases and SQL, then progress to practical tasks such as database design, administration, and application development tailored for OS/390 environments. The book doesn’t just cover basics; it also guides you through more advanced features including data sharing and distributed data, with pointers to further IBM resources. If you’re stepping into enterprise-level DB2 on mainframes for the first time, this book lays out a straightforward path without overwhelming you.

This tailored DB2 Fundamentals Toolkit explores essential DB2 concepts through a learning experience crafted to match your background and goals. It gradually introduces foundational topics, ensuring a comfortable pace that builds confidence while avoiding overwhelm. The book covers key areas such as SQL basics, data organization, embedded SQL, and mainframe considerations, all curated to align with your preferred learning style. By addressing your specific goals, it creates a clear and focused path through DB2’s core elements, making complex ideas accessible and manageable. This personalized approach helps solidify your understanding efficiently and effectively, making it an ideal companion for newcomers aiming to master DB2 with clarity and ease.

Blaine Lucyk draws on his extensive experience as a DB2 database administrator to tackle some of the most challenging and nuanced problems faced by practitioners. This book dives into advanced DB2 topics like mass data movement, sparse indexes, and log analysis, providing you with concrete algorithms, formulae, and hands-on scenarios not typically found in standard manuals. You'll gain practical skills in troubleshooting issues such as hot spots and corrupt program backouts, along with tools and techniques to improve system performance. If you're looking to deepen your DB2 expertise beyond the basics and prepare for complex real-world challenges, this book offers a focused, problem-solving approach tailored to your needs.

Grant Allen’s approachable style makes Beginning DB2 a solid entry point into IBM’s DB2 Express Edition, specifically tailored for developers and database administrators new to this relational database system. You’ll find detailed explanations on managing both XML and traditional relational data, paired with numerous code snippets across popular programming languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python, which clarify how to implement DB2 in real applications. The book’s structure guides you from foundational concepts to practical usage, making it easier to grasp DB2's capabilities without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re aiming to build robust, scalable backend systems with DB2, this book offers grounded insights without unnecessary complexity.