Library file system (QSYS.LIB)

 

The QSYS.LIB file system supports the i5/OS^® library structure.

This file system provides you with access to database files and all of the other i5/OS object types that the library support manages on the system and in the basic user auxiliary storage pools (ASPs).

In addition, it:

• Supports all user interfaces and programming interfaces that operate on i5/OS libraries and objects in those libraries

• Supports all programming languages and facilities that operate on database files

• Provides extensive administrative support for managing i5/OS objects

• Supports stream I/O operations on physical file members, user spaces, and save files

Before the integrated file system was introduced in Version 3 of OS/400^®, the QSYS.LIB file system was the only file system. Programmers who used languages, such as RPG or COBOL, and facilities, such as DDS, to develop applications were using the QSYS.LIB file system. System operators who used commands, menus, and displays to manipulate output queues were using the QSYS.LIB file system, as were system administrators who were creating and changing user profiles.

All of these facilities and the applications based on these facilities work as they did before the introduction of the integrated file system. These facilities cannot, however, access QSYS.LIB through the integrated file system interface.

 

Accessing QSYS.LIB through the integrated file system interface

The QSYS.LIB file system can be accessed through the integrated file system interface using either the i5/OS file server or the integrated file system commands, user displays, and APIs.

• QPWFSERVER authorization list in the QSYS.LIB file system
  The QPWFSERVER is an authorization list (object type *AUTL) that provides additional access requirements for all objects in the QSYS.LIB file system being accessed through remote clients.

• File-handling restrictions in the QSYS.LIB file system
  Here are some restrictions to be aware of when handling files in the QSYS.LIB file system.

• Support for user spaces in the QSYS.LIB file system
  QSYS.LIB supports stream input and output operations to user space objects.

• Support for save files in the QSYS.LIB file system
  The QSYS.LIB file system supports stream I/O operations to save file objects.

• Case-sensitivity in the QSYS.LIB file system
  In general, the QSYS.LIB file system does not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase characters in the names of objects.

• Path names in the QSYS.LIB file system
  Each component of the path name must contain the object name followed by the object type of the object.

• Links in the QSYS.LIB file system
  Symbolic links cannot be created or stored in the QSYS.LIB file system.

• Integrated file system commands and displays in the QSYS.LIB file system
  Many integrated file system commands and displays are valid in the QSYS.LIB file system.

• Integrated file system APIs in the QSYS.LIB file system
  Many integrated file system APIs are valid in the QSYS.LIB file system.

 

Parent topic:

File systems