Copy files: overview

You can use the copy function to move data between device files, between database files (including distributed DB2^® Multisystem files), or between device and database files.

Unlike traditional copy utilities, the iSeries™ copy function is field-level sensitive. Therefore, if you use the copy function, you can rearrange, enlarge, or drop any of the fields. The server also provides a way to define database files. Specific copy commands simplify dealing with tape and diskette units, database source files, and open query files.

See the CL topic for the specific parameters supported by each copy command.

• Copy files: commands
  You can copy records to and from files with commands discussed in this topic.
• Copy files: supported functions
  iSeries provides many copy functions for database files and copy functions for device files. Each function has associated parameters and files types.
• Copy files: basic functions
  You can copy from a physical or logical database file, open query file, diskette file, tape file, or inline data file. The to-file can be a physical database file, diskette file, tape file, program-described printer file, or *PRINT.