With the introduction of the IMS catalog, IMS has embraced a modern, metadata-driven approach to managing database and application definitions. The catalog stores metadata for DBDs, PSBs, and other critical resources in a structured format that can be queried using SQL. This opens new opportunities for developers, DBAs, and system programmers to access IMS metadata in a dynamic and flexible way—without relying on traditional static source libraries or manual navigation.
This session will focus on how to effectively retrieve and analyze IMS catalog data using SQL. Attendees will learn how to construct SQL queries to access DBD and PSB definitions, explore program-to-database relationships, and extract metadata to support auditing, DevOps pipelines, and system documentation. Real-world examples will demonstrate how SQL-based access to the IMS catalog streamlines system management, improves transparency, and enhances automation efforts in modern mainframe environments.