Chapter 1, "SQL Statements," describes SQL statements and segments. The chapter is divided into six sections. The first four sections provide an introduction to the statements and segments. These sections cover the following subjects: entry of SQL statements, entry of SQL comments, categories of SQL statements, and categories of ANSI compliance. The fifth and sixth sections, "Statements" and "Segments," are the major sections of the chapter.
"Statements" explains the workings of all the SQL statements that Informix products support. Detailed syntax diagrams walk you through every clause of each SQL statement, and syntax tables explain the input parameters for each clause. Thorough usage instructions, pertinent examples, and references to related material complete the description of each SQL statement.
"Segments" explains all the SQL segments. SQL segments are language elements, such as table names and expressions, that occur in many SQL statements. Instead of describing each segment in each statement where it occurs, this manual provides a comprehensive stand-alone description of each segment. Whenever a segment occurs within a given syntax diagram, the diagram points to the stand-alone description of the segment in this section for further information.
Chapter 2, "SPL Statements," presents all the detailed syntax diagrams and explanations for SPL statements. You can use stored procedures to perform any function you can perform in SQL as well as to expand what you can accomplish with SQL alone. You write a stored procedure using SPL and SQL statements. For task-oriented information about using stored procedures, see the Informix Guide to SQL: Tutorial.
