If you want to build an app that connects to IBM DB2, a high-performance relational database system, and publish it across platforms, here's the process in simple terms:
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Set Up Your Tools:
- Adalo: A no-code app builder that lets you create apps and deploy them as web, iOS, and Android apps without rebuilding for each platform.
- DreamFactory: Automatically generates REST APIs for your IBM DB2 database.
- IBM DB2 Database: Use an existing DB2 instance or set one up via IBM Cloud.
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Generate APIs with DreamFactory:
- Install DreamFactory and connect it to your DB2 database.
- Configure API details like host name, port, and credentials.
- Secure your API with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and SSL encryption.
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Connect Adalo to IBM DB2:
- Use Adalo's External Collections feature to link DreamFactory's API.
- Map DB2 fields to app components using Adalo’s drag-and-drop interface.
- Test the connection to ensure data syncs correctly.
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Design Your App:
- Build screens using Adalo's visual tools.
- Add lists, forms, and filters to display and interact with DB2 data.
- Enable full CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
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Secure and Optimize:
- Set up user authentication in Adalo to protect sensitive DB2 data.
- Use DreamFactory to filter data at the source for better performance.
- Cache static data in Adalo for faster load times.
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Test and Deploy:
- Test all app features thoroughly.
- Publish your app as a Progressive Web App (PWA) or to iOS and Android app stores.
This process eliminates the need for backend coding, making it easier to integrate enterprise-grade DB2 data into user-friendly apps.
6-Step Process to Build an App with IBM DB2 Data Using DreamFactory and Adalo
NeuralSeek with IBM DB2 and Watson Integration
What You Need Before You Start
To build your app, you'll need three key components: an Adalo account, a DreamFactory instance, and access to an IBM DB2 database - either hosted on IBM Cloud or on your own server. These tools are essential for integrating DB2 data into your Adalo app.
Required Tools and Accounts
First, set up an Adalo account. While you can start with a free plan, publishing your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store requires a $45/month subscription. Additionally, the External Collections feature - used for connecting to DreamFactory's API - is only available on paid plans.
Next, you'll need a DreamFactory instance. DreamFactory offers a 14-day free trial. You can either use a hosted account, install it locally via Bitnami (compatible with Windows and Linux), or deploy it on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. However, keep in mind that connecting to IBM DB2 from a DreamFactory installation on Mac OS X is not supported.
For the IBM DB2 database, IBM Cloud provides a free DB2 instance for development purposes. If you already have access to a local or remote DB2 server (version 10.5 or higher), you can use that instead.
Once you've set up these accounts and tools, you’ll need to configure your DB2 connection details to enable seamless API integration.
Technical Setup for DB2 Integration
To connect to DB2, make sure you have the following details: the host name (IP address or domain), port number (default is 56789 unless specified otherwise), database name, username, and password. If you’re hosting DreamFactory yourself, ensure the PHP extensions ibm_db2 and pdo_ibm are installed and enabled.
When linking Adalo to DreamFactory, you’ll need the API Base URL from your DreamFactory instance and a DreamFactory API Key. This key is included in a header named X-DreamFactory-API-Key. For security, configure RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) and enable SSL encryption before making your API publicly accessible. You can also test your API connection using DreamFactory's auto-generated Swagger documentation before integrating it with Adalo.
Adalo simplifies deployment by allowing you to build your app once and publish it as a Progressive Web App or as native mobile apps for iOS and Android. This eliminates the need for separate builds for each platform, giving you a streamlined, production-ready solution.
Step 1: Set Up DreamFactory to Generate APIs from IBM DB2
DreamFactory serves as a crucial link between your IBM DB2 database and Adalo, simplifying the process of creating REST APIs from your DB2 tables - no manual backend coding required. Terence Bennett, CEO of DreamFactory, explains, "Handwriting code for database APIs can be a time consuming and expensive process that often exposes organizations to a variety of risks relating to quality, consistency, and developer effort". DreamFactory supports DB2 versions 10.5 and above, including both DB2 LUW (Linux, Unix, Windows) and DB2 for z/OS mainframes. This setup is a key step in integrating DB2 data with your no-code Adalo app.
Install and Configure DreamFactory
To get started, install DreamFactory using the available installers or Docker images. If you're hosting DreamFactory on your own server, make sure the PHP extensions ibm_db2 and pdo_ibm are installed and activated.
Once installed, open the DreamFactory console and navigate to the "Database" service. From the list of connectors, select "IBM DB2." Assign a unique lowercase name (e.g., db2_api) for your API URL and fill in your DB2 connection details: host name (IP address or domain), port number (commonly 50000 for DB2), database name, username, and password. Enable caching and set an appropriate Time-To-Live (TTL) value to improve performance. After entering the details, click "Save" to generate the REST API along with its documentation.
Create and Secure REST APIs for DB2
When you save your DB2 service, DreamFactory automatically generates REST endpoints for all tables, views, and stored procedures in your database. These APIs offer full CRUD functionality (Create, Read, Update, Delete) along with features like paging, sorting, and advanced query filters using logical AND/OR operations. You can immediately test these endpoints using the "API Docs" tab, which is powered by Swagger/OpenAPI, without needing to write a single line of code.
To secure your API, implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). In the Roles section, create a new role with specific permissions - for instance, granting GET access for read-only features or full CRUD permissions for data management tasks. Next, create an "App" in DreamFactory to generate an API key. This key must be included in the X-DreamFactory-API-Key header for all API requests. For added security, enable SSL encryption to safeguard data during transmission between Adalo and your DB2 server. Consider setting up rate limiting as well to prevent server overloads and reduce the risk of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
With your REST APIs ready and secured, you're all set to connect Adalo and start utilizing your DB2 data.
Step 2: Connect Adalo to IBM DB2 Through DreamFactory APIs
With your DreamFactory REST APIs ready to go, the next step is linking them to Adalo using the External Collections feature. This connection allows your app to access IBM DB2 data in real time, without needing to store it in Adalo. Every time your app makes a request, it fetches the latest data directly from your database. This setup ensures seamless integration between DreamFactory and Adalo, keeping your DB2 data live and up-to-date.
Adding DreamFactory as an External Collection in Adalo
Start by opening the Adalo app builder and navigating to the Database tab. Select Add Collection and choose External Collection. Give your collection a clear name, like "DB2_Employees", to easily identify it later. In the Base URL field, input the endpoint for your DB2 table in the following format:
https://<your-dreamfactory-domain>/api/v2/<db2-service-name>/_table/<table-name>
In the Headers section, add the key X-DreamFactory-API-Key and provide your API key. This header is essential, as Adalo uses it to authenticate requests to the DreamFactory API.
Set the Results Key to resource to ensure Adalo correctly maps the JSON response. DreamFactory organizes record collections under this key, making it vital for proper data handling.
One important note: your DB2 table must use numeric primary keys since Adalo doesn’t support non-numeric IDs. If necessary, modify your database schema or create a view that includes numeric identifiers.
| Configuration Field | Required Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Name | e.g., "DB2_Employees" | Identifies your data source in Adalo |
| Base URL | https://<your-dreamfactory-domain>/api/v2/<db2-service-name>/_table/<table-name> |
Directs to the specific DB2 table |
| Header Name | X-DreamFactory-API-Key |
Authenticates API requests |
| Results Key | resource |
Identifies the record array in the JSON response |
Once these settings are in place, you're ready to test the connection.
Testing the Connection and Data Sync
After configuring the collection, click Run Test in the Adalo setup modal. This triggers a request to your DreamFactory API and checks if Adalo can successfully retrieve data from your DB2 database. If everything is set up correctly, you’ll see the raw JSON output from your DB2 table in the test results window.
A successful test means Adalo will automatically detect and map the columns (or properties) from your DB2 table. These keys from the JSON response become available as properties in your Adalo collection, ready to be used in your app.
If the test fails, double-check your API key, RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) settings, and the JSON response format. Common issues include incorrect API keys, misconfigured RBAC permissions, or errors in the DB2 connection. To troubleshoot, use DreamFactory's Live API Docs (Swagger/OpenAPI interface) to ensure the DB2 service is returning data correctly.
Once the test passes and the properties are mapped, click Save to finalize the integration. Your Adalo app will now have real-time access to IBM DB2 data. Any updates made to the database will reflect in your app the next time data is fetched. You can use Adalo's Magic Text feature to map these DB2 fields to various components in your app.
Adalo is designed to help you build, launch, and scale apps efficiently. Whether you’re deploying a Progressive Web App (PWA) or native apps for iOS and Android, Adalo eliminates the need to rebuild for each platform, streamlining the entire process.
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Step 3: Design App Screens with IBM DB2 Data
With your DB2 data now integrated into Adalo, it's time to design the app screens that will bring your data to life. These steps will help you build an app that fully utilizes the DB2 data accessed through DreamFactory.
Use the Drag-and-Drop Builder
Start by navigating to the Screens tab in Adalo and creating a new screen for your app. Click the + button to open the component panel, where you'll find tools like lists, forms, buttons, text fields, and images. To display your DB2 data, drag and drop a List component onto the screen. In the list settings, select "What is this a list of?" and choose your DB2 external collection (for example, "DB2_Employees" from the previous step).
Use Magic Text to bind DB2 fields to the list components. For instance, if your DB2 table contains employee records, you can map the Employee_Name field to the list title and Department to the subtitle. This creates a dynamic list that updates in real time. Adalo provides several list styles to choose from - Simple Lists for straightforward directories, Card Lists for visual layouts, and Custom Lists for complete design flexibility.
To allow users to create or update records, add a Form component to your screen and link it to your DB2 collection. Customize the form by selecting the fields you want to display based on your DB2 data properties. When users submit the form, Adalo sends the data to DreamFactory, which writes it back to your IBM DB2 database. This seamless two-way sync ensures your app always reflects the latest database updates.
Once your basic design is in place, it's time to add more interactivity with filters and actions.
Add Filters and Actions for Data Interaction
Filters help narrow down the DB2 records displayed in your app. Select your list component and click "Add another filter." Choose a DB2 property, such as Status or Hire_Date, and set conditions like "Includes", "Between", or "True/False." To enable search functionality, add a Text Input component above the list. Then, create a filter where a DB2 property "Contains" the value entered in the input field.
Make your app more dynamic by adding actions to list items. Select a list item, assign a Click Action, and choose "Link > New Screen." Adalo will automatically pass the selected record's data to the linked screen, allowing you to create detailed views showing complete information for a single DB2 entry. You can also add buttons for actions like "Update", "Delete", or "Create" to enable full CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. For apps handling large datasets, enable Native Custom List Pagination in the list settings to maintain performance and ensure a smooth user experience.
Step 4: Add Logic, Authentication, and Performance Improvements
Secure your app's access and fine-tune its performance to handle real-world usage while protecting sensitive DB2 data.
Set Up User Authentication
Adalo includes a built-in Users collection to manage app access. To secure your IBM DB2 data, connect user accounts to your DB2 collection. Go to the Data tab, select your DB2 external collection, and add a new property of type Relationship that links it to the Users collection. This setup ensures that each user can only access their own records.
To enforce user-level security, apply filters to your app screens. For instance, if you’re displaying a list or form connected to DB2 data, click Add Filter and configure it to show only records where the relationship property matches "Logged In User." This guarantees that users only see their own data.
In the external collection settings, add a header with the Name: X-DreamFactory-API-Key and include your secure API key from DreamFactory. This keeps your credentials safe and prevents them from being exposed in URLs.
Finally, optimize data retrieval methods to enhance query performance.
Improve DB2 Query Performance and Data Caching
Handling large datasets efficiently is key to maintaining a responsive app. Instead of pulling all records into Adalo and filtering them locally, filter data at the source. Use DreamFactory to create specific API endpoints that return only the data you need - like a view that shows only active employees. This reduces API latency and helps you avoid hitting rate limits.
For data that doesn’t change often, leverage Adalo’s internal collections as a cache. Create an internal collection that mirrors your DB2 structure, and use actions to copy frequently accessed records into this collection. Cached data loads instantly, improving performance. Update the cache periodically using scheduled actions or manual refresh options.
When updating DB2 records, always use PATCH instead of PUT. As the Adalo team advises:
"Use PATCH not PUT for updates - critical difference prevents data deletion in other fields".
PATCH modifies only the specified fields, whereas PUT can unintentionally erase data in fields you didn’t include in the update.
To identify and resolve slow queries, use IBM's Db2 Query Workload Tuner or Visual Explain tools. Enable pagination to load records in smaller, manageable batches. These strategies ensure your app remains fast and responsive, even when working with large datasets.
With Adalo's single-build platform, you can deploy your app as a progressive web app (PWA) and as native apps for iOS and Android - all from one production-ready codebase.
Step 5: Test, Deploy, and Publish Your App
Now that you've integrated DreamFactory and Adalo, it's time to ensure your IBM DB2 data syncs seamlessly and your app runs smoothly across all platforms.
Test Data Flows and App Functionality
Start by clicking "Run Test" to confirm your API is retrieving data correctly. Set the Results Key to resource (as configured earlier), and preview your app to make sure the DB2 fields are displayed properly using Magic Text. Check that click actions transfer "Current Record" data from lists to detail screens. Manually test all CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations to ensure they function as intended. Once satisfied, share the app link with stakeholders for feedback and validation.
After confirming everything is working as expected, you’re ready to move on to deployment and public release.
Publish to Web and App Stores
Adalo simplifies the process of publishing your app across the web, iOS, and Android - all from a single codebase. For web deployment, you can connect a custom domain, which typically costs $10–$45 per year. To avoid delays in submitting your app to app stores, prepare assets like icons, screenshots, and descriptions in advance.
| Platform | Cost | Review Process | Icon Size | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple App Store (iOS) | $99/year | Human review by Apple employees | 1024 x 1024px | Up to 10 screenshots |
| Google Play Store (Android) | $25 one-time | Primarily machine learning algorithms | 512 x 512px | Feature graphics and screenshots |
| Web (Custom Domain) | $10–$45/year | Instant/Manual control | N/A | Custom URL |
Make sure to include a Privacy Policy URL, as it’s a mandatory requirement for apps that request specific user permissions. For iOS apps, you can use up to 100 characters for keywords, separating them with commas instead of spaces. On Android, your application ID (e.g., com.sample.app) must be unique and cannot be changed after it’s set.
As Adalo’s developer documentation advises:
"We fully expect you to test your component on all three platforms before you submit it for review".
Adalo provides an all-in-one platform for building, launching, and scaling your app. Whether you’re publishing as a Progressive Web App or natively to iOS and Android app stores, Adalo ensures your app is production-ready from a single build.
Conclusion
This guide has shown how to combine DreamFactory's automated API generation with Adalo's visual app-building tools to simplify IBM DB2 integration. By following these steps, you've created a production-ready app that directly connects to IBM DB2 data - without needing to write backend code. This approach modernizes legacy IBM systems and makes DB2 data accessible without requiring a database migration.
Using DreamFactory and Adalo together saves weeks or even months of development time, while still delivering enterprise-level security features like Role-Based Access Control, SSL encryption, data caching, and rate limiting. Your app is now fully prepared for practical use and can scale as your business grows - whether it's an internal operations tool or a customer-facing application.
DreamFactory's automatically generated API documentation ensures smoother collaboration as your app evolves. Meanwhile, Adalo enables you to deploy your app as a Progressive Web App (PWA) or publish it natively to iOS and Android app stores - all from a single build. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive solution for building, launching, and scaling apps that harness IBM DB2 data effectively.
FAQs
How can I secure APIs created with DreamFactory for my IBM DB2 data?
Securing APIs generated by DreamFactory is straightforward with its built-in access control and authentication features. Start by implementing role-based access control (RBAC). This allows you to define roles - like admin or read-only - and assign specific permissions to each service or endpoint. For added security, generate unique API keys for every client or application, link them to the appropriate roles, and store them safely.
Next, select an authentication method that suits your needs, such as API keys, OAuth, or certificate-based authentication, and enforce it for all API requests. To prevent misuse, you can set rate limits, restrict access to only the required schemas or tables, and enable logging to track activity for any signs of suspicious behavior.
Once everything is configured, test your setup using tools like Postman. This ensures that unauthorized requests are blocked while authorized ones function as intended. By taking these measures, you can effectively safeguard your APIs and the IBM DB2 data they interact with.
What are the costs of using Adalo and DreamFactory to create an app with IBM DB2 data?
Adalo provides a free plan at no cost, alongside paid options like Starter, Professional, and Publish, which come with expanded features and greater flexibility. Similarly, DreamFactory offers a free hosted account, giving you a chance to dive into app development without any upfront cost.
These free options from both platforms allow you to test their tools and features, helping you decide if a paid plan aligns with your project needs.
How can I keep my app fast when working with large IBM DB2 datasets?
To keep your Adalo app running smoothly while working with large IBM DB2 datasets, focus on strategies that optimize both data retrieval and app performance:
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Retrieve only the essentials: When connecting to DB2, be selective about the data you pull. Use specific columns and apply query parameters like
LIMITorWHEREto minimize the size of each request. - Leverage server-side processing: Handle tasks like filtering, sorting, and searching directly within the DB2 query. This approach reduces the load on your app and speeds up performance.
- Implement pagination or lazy loading: Break down data into smaller, manageable chunks by enabling pagination or adding “load more” functionality to list components. This ensures smoother interactions, even with large datasets.
By applying these methods, you can maintain a responsive and user-friendly app experience, no matter the size of your DB2 data.
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