In DB2 table space management, what does the COPY PENDING status mean and when does a table space typically enter this state?

Introduction / Context:
COPY PENDING is a common status code seen by DB2 DBAs when managing table spaces and recovery. Understanding this status is essential for maintaining data integrity, especially after utilities such as LOAD REPLACE. Interviewers often ask about COPY PENDING to test whether candidates know when image copies are required.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working with DB2 table spaces that may be subject to LOAD and recovery utilities.
• After certain operations, the table space status is shown as COPY PENDING.
• Applications may be blocked or limited until the status is cleared.

Concept / Approach:
COPY PENDING indicates that DB2 needs a current image copy in order to support proper recovery and logging of subsequent changes. For example, a LOAD REPLACE with LOG NO can leave the table space in COPY PENDING, and an image copy must be taken before normal update activity can continue. The correct answer must mention the need for an image copy and its relationship to recovery, not space or locking issues.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that DB2 relies on image copies and logs to recover table spaces after failures. Step 2: Recognize that certain utilities, such as LOAD with specific options, can change the table contents without full logging. Step 3: After such operations, DB2 sets COPY PENDING to force the DBA to take a fresh image copy. Step 4: Once the image copy completes successfully, the status can be reset and normal operations resume. Step 5: Therefore, choose the option that clearly links COPY PENDING to the requirement for an image copy.

Verification / Alternative check:
DB2 documentation and practice show that commands like LOAD REPLACE LOG NO often result in COPY PENDING, and running the COPY utility clears this status. If COPY PENDING were about free space or exclusive locks, the resolution steps would be different. This behavior supports the chosen explanation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because full space conditions may require REORG or space allocation, but they are not reported as COPY PENDING.
Option C is wrong because a dropped table space would simply no longer exist; COPY PENDING implies it still exists but needs an image copy.
Option D is wrong because exclusive locks do not change table space status to COPY PENDING; they are transient lock states.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to ignore COPY PENDING and attempt to rerun utilities or application jobs without resolving it. Another pitfall is not scheduling regular image copies, which can complicate recovery and lead to prolonged outages when issues occur. DBAs should understand which utilities can trigger COPY PENDING and be ready with appropriate backup procedures.

Final Answer:
COPY PENDING means that DB2 requires an image copy of the table space, often after a LOAD REPLACE or certain recovery operations, before normal access can resume.