Several of the following SQL run-time messages refer to open data paths.
An open data path (ODP) definition is an internal object that is created when a cursor is opened or when other SQL statements are run. It provides a direct link to the data so that I/O operations can occur. ODPs are used on OPEN, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT INTO statements to perform their respective operations on the data.
Even though SQL cursors are closed and SQL statements have already been run, the database manager in many cases will save the associated ODPs of the SQL operations to reuse them the next time the statement is run. So an SQL CLOSE statement may close the SQL cursor but leave the ODP available to be used again the next time the cursor is opened. This can significantly reduce the processing and response time in running SQL statements.
The ability to reuse ODPs when SQL statements are run repeatedly is an important consideration in achieving faster performance.