Netezza ODBC connection - equivalent of "use database"

Question

After connecting to a Netezza system is there any way to switch the database? For instance, in MSSQL one could send the command use database_name in order to switch to the database_name.

Is there anything in Netezza like "use" on mssql?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188366.aspx

My reason for asking is in regards to metadata queries; I can only access _v_table of the "currently connected database".

Answer 1

Prior to Version 7.0 there wasn't an equivalent to USE. You had to log in to specific databases on the server however you can still access any object using. database.schema.objectname

Post Version 7.0 the equivalent is Set Catalog

SET CATALOG <database_name> 

Regarding your specific inquiry. Please consider using _V_TABLE_XDB instead of _V_TABLE. This system table should provide you with a list of all tables, not just those in the database you are connected to.

Answer 2

If you're using NPS v7.0+, then the SET CATALOG command will connect you to a different database dynamically (without having to disconnect and reconnect). The beauty of this command is that it can be submitted from an ODBC/JDBC client as well as in an nzsql script.