| name | backup-and-recovery |
| description | Query and analyze IBM i backup and recovery resources including save files, save file contents, media libraries, and tape cartridges via SQL services. Use when user asks about: (1) save file history or contents, (2) finding where an object was saved, (3) media library device status, (4) tape cartridge inventory, (5) backup verification, or (6) replacing DSPSAVF, WRKTAP, WRKMLBRM commands. |
IBM i Backup & Recovery
Query and analyze backup resources on IBM i using SQL services from QSYS2.
Available Tools
The ibmi CLI is the primary tool for executing backup queries. Set SKILL_DIR to this skill's installed location (the directory containing this SKILL.md file):
ibmi tools --tools "$SKILL_DIR/tools/" --toolset backup_and_recovery_default
ibmi tool get_save_file_info --tools "$SKILL_DIR/tools/"
ibmi sql "SELECT * FROM QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_INFO FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY"
Service Selection Guide
Save File Analysis
- QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_INFO — Save file metadata (timestamps, object counts, commands used)
- QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_OBJECTS (view) — Broad search across all save files for specific objects
- QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_OBJECTS (table function) — Targeted inspection of a specific save file
Media Hardware
- QSYS2.MEDIA_LIBRARY_INFO — Tape library device inventory and status
- QSYS2.TAPE_CARTRIDGE_INFO — Tape cartridge inventory, status, and location
Key Capabilities
Backup Verification
- List save files with timestamps, object counts, and save commands
- Filter by save file library or source library
- Verify backup completeness and timing
Object Recovery
- Search all save files for a specific object by name
- Find the most recent save containing a given object
- Inspect individual save file contents with type filtering
Media Management
- Check tape library device status (varied on/off)
- Inventory tape cartridges by status, location, or volume ID
- Verify media hardware availability before backup operations
Common Use Cases
1. Backup Audit
List recent save files to verify backup schedule compliance
2. Object Recovery Search
Find which save file contains a specific object for restore
3. Save File Inspection
List all objects in a specific save file before restoring
4. Tape Drive Status
Check tape library devices before starting a backup job
5. Cartridge Inventory
List available tape cartridges and their current status
CL Command Migration
| CL Command | SQL Service |
|---|
| DSPSAVF | SAVE_FILE_OBJECTS (table function) |
| WRKTAP | TAPE_CARTRIDGE_INFO |
| WRKMLBRM | MEDIA_LIBRARY_INFO |
Quick Examples
List recent save files
Always scope by SAVE_FILE_LIBRARY — the unfiltered view scans every save file on the system and will time out.
SELECT SAVE_FILE_LIBRARY, SAVE_FILE, SAVE_TIMESTAMP, OBJECTS_SAVED, LIBRARY_NAME
FROM QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_INFO
WHERE SAVE_FILE_LIBRARY = 'QGPL'
ORDER BY SAVE_TIMESTAMP DESC
FETCH FIRST 20 ROWS ONLY;
Find a saved object
Narrow to a specific save file library to avoid a full-system scan.
SELECT SAVE_FILE_LIBRARY, SAVE_FILE, OBJECT_NAME, SAVE_TIMESTAMP
FROM QSYS2.SAVE_FILE_OBJECTS
WHERE SAVE_FILE_LIBRARY = 'QGPL'
AND OBJECT_NAME = 'MYFILE'
ORDER BY SAVE_TIMESTAMP DESC;
Check tape drive status
SELECT DEVICE_NAME, DEVICE_STATUS, DEVICE_TYPE, DEVICE_MODEL,
RESOURCE_NAME, RESOURCE_STATUS, DEVICE_DESCRIPTION
FROM QSYS2.MEDIA_LIBRARY_INFO
ORDER BY DEVICE_NAME;
Pre-built Tools
The tools/backup-and-recovery.yaml file provides 5 ready-to-use tools:
| Tool | Description |
|---|
get_save_file_info | Save file metadata with timestamps and object counts |
get_save_file_objects_view | Broad search across all save files |
get_save_file_objects_detail | Targeted save file content inspection |
get_media_library_info | Tape library device inventory |
get_tape_cartridge_info | Tape cartridge status and location |
ibmi tool <tool_name> --tools "$SKILL_DIR/tools/"
ibmi tool <tool_name> --tools "$SKILL_DIR/tools/" --dry-run
ibmi tools show <tool_name> --tools "$SKILL_DIR/tools/"
Reference Documentation
