---
title: "IMS DB: Quick Tutorial on GU and GHU calls"
description: "How and when to use GU and GHU calls is perfectly needed to write logic in IMS DB programs. Read more."
url: https://srinimf.com/2017/05/06/gu-and-ghu-calls-in-ims-db/
date: 2017-05-06
modified: 2026-10-10
author: "Srini"
image: https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pexels-photo-4145190.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1255&ssl=1
categories: ["IMS DB"]
tags: ["IMS DB Tips and Tricks"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# IMS DB: Quick Tutorial on GU and GHU calls

Top differences between GU and GHU calls of [IMS DB](https://srinimf.com/2015/05/07/imsdb-application-calls-and-system-service-calls/) explained here for your reference.

Related[5 Reasons Why You need Qualified SSAs in IMS DB DL/I Calls](https://srinimf.com/2016/06/13/qualified-ssas-in-ims-db-dli-calls-5-reasons-why-you-need/)

## GU CALL

**GU CALL**-Used to retrieve a specific segment occurrence independent of the current position within the database Qualified SSAs identifying each hierarchical level are normally provided.

A GET UNIQUE call with missing levels of qualification uses current control block information for missing levels. If none exist, unqualified SSAs are assumed for the missing levels.

**A GET UNIQUE** call always returns the first segment in the database that satisfies the qualification.

**STATUS CODES:**
‘GE’ – Segment not found
‘bb’ – Successful call

## GHU CALL

**Get Hold call–**Replace and Delete Call-Function Code: ‘REPL ‘ and ‘DLET’. Used to replace and delete the specified segment

Related[What is Replace Call (REPL) in IMS DB](https://srinimf.com/2015/04/08/updating-segments-in-imsdb/)

Read With Hold is necessary before you work on with these calls.

GHU, GHN, GHNP.

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While replacing, key portion cannot be modified. For delete call do not move anything into segment area.

```
GHU  EMPSEG (EMPNO=123456)
DLET
(here no need to specify qualification)
```

REPL & DLET must be preceded by HOLD call. Otherwise IMS will give you the return code ‘DA’, ‘DJ’.

Other way of using DLET command

```
GHU       EMPSEG(EMPNO=123456)
GHN       PRSEG---*L  => go for last PRSEG
                  *F  =>go for first PRSEG
DLET
```

 * indicates [Command Code](https://srinimf.com/2012/05/07/imsdb-command-code-d-and-proc-option-p/) Follows

 -,-,-Three spaces

**Also Read**

- [IMS DB SSA: List of Top Command Codes](https://srinimf.com/2017/05/05/command-codes-in-ims-db/)DateMay 5, 2017
- [What is Replace Call (REPL) in IMS DB](https://srinimf.com/2015/04/08/updating-segments-in-imsdb/)DateApril 8, 2015
- [Top IMS DB Status codes Asked in Many Interviews](https://srinimf.com/2015/07/12/these-ims-db-ims-dc-error-codes-asked-in-many-mainframe-interviews/)DateJuly 12, 2015

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