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Welcome to this enlightening blog post from SQLSupport.org. Today, we are delving into the world of DB2 Inline SQL Scalar Functions - a powerful tool in your database management arsenal. These functions, also known as user-defined functions, allow users to extend SQL by writing their own functions that can be used in SQL expressions. They are called inline because their logic is defined within the CREATE FUNCTION statement, which makes them easier to manage. As database technologies continue to evolve, understanding and properly using these functions are crucial for optimal data management and analysis.

To begin with, let's take a look at a simple example of an inline SQL scalar function in DB2.

-- DB2 code
CREATE FUNCTION DOUBLE (INTEGER)
  RETURNS INTEGER
  LANGUAGE SQL
  CONTAINS SQL
  NO EXTERNAL ACTION
  DETERMINISTIC
RETURN INTEGER * 2;

In the above DB2 code, we are creating an inline SQL scalar function named DOUBLE that accepts an integer as input and returns an integer. The function simply multiplies the input integer by 2. The DETERMINISTIC keyword indicates that the function will always return the same result for the same input, which can help improve performance.

Now, let's see how this function can be used in a SQL statement.

-- DB2 code
SELECT DOUBLE(SALARY) FROM EMPLOYEES;

In the above SQL statement, we are using the DOUBLE function to multiply every employee's salary by 2 in the EMPLOYEES table. The function is called for each row in the table, and the result is included in the SELECT statement's output.

For DB2 users on SQL Server 2022, Azure SQL, or Microsoft Fabric, you can use the Open Query or Linked Servers feature to execute this DB2 function from SQL Server. This can be especially useful when dealing with heterogeneous database environments. For instance, you might have an application that primarily uses SQL Server, but needs to pull in data from a DB2 database.

On the other hand, Delta Lake on Databricks provides an open-source storage layer that brings ACID transactions to Apache Spark™ and big data workloads. It is fully compatible with the API of Apache Spark, and when combined with DB2 inline SQL scalar functions, it enables users to build robust ETL pipelines and perform advanced data analysis tasks.

In the era of AI, OpenAI + SQL can be used to build intelligent database applications. For example, you could use an AI model to predict future sales based on historical data and then use a DB2 inline SQL scalar function to calculate the percentage change in sales. With the convergence of AI and database technologies, the possibilities are endless.

In conclusion, DB2 Inline SQL Scalar functions offer a great deal of flexibility and power to developers and data analysts. They enable you to encapsulate complex logic within a function, which can then be easily reused across your SQL statements. Whether you're working with SQL Server, Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric, Delta Lake, OpenAI, or Databricks, understanding and using DB2 Inline SQL Scalar functions can help you unlock new levels of efficiency and insight in your data analysis tasks.

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