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A number of FACTORS can cause the application to go down. Here are STEPS that you can take to troubleshoot the issue with the application down.

• First, CHECK to see if the application server is reachable. Usually, applications will STOP working if the server is down. In case of a server issue, tell the server team to troubleshoot the problem.
• If any other problem arises, examine the deployment architecture of the application.
• Alternatively, check the configuration of the application and fix the problem accordingly.

The test command evaluates conditional expressions. Upon evaluating the expression parameter, the test command returns 0 (TRUE) if the expression is True, otherwise, it returns a nonzero (False) exit value. A nonzero exit value is also returned if no parameters are specified. You can use the test command with the -d option to find out WHETHER a DIRECTORY exists.

For directories with white/black spaces in their names, always ENCLOSE the variable "$mydir" in double-quotes. For example:

PWD STANDS for PRINT working directory. The pwd command in the Linux OPERATING system is used to print out the current working directory.

Syntax: 

pwd has options that specify how it should behave. Some of the options are as follows:

• -L (Logical): This displays the logical path of the current working directory.
• -P (Physical): This displays the physical or actual path of the current working directory.
• --Help: This displays a help message and then exits.

Example:

Command:

Ouput:

To find out which users are currently LOGGED in to your server or system, use the who command. The who command provides the following information:

• Last system boot TIME
• Current system run-level
• List of users logged in, etc.

Syntax: 

Examples:

• No Option: If no option is specified, the who command DISPLAYS the following information for each user currently logged on to the system:
  • The user's login name
  • The user's login time
  • The user's REMOTE hostname
  • Terminal LINE numbers

Command

Output

• Option H: This option displays the headers of columns displayed by the who command.

Command

Output

• Option whoami: This displays the actual username of the system.

Command

Output

Varchar is a variable-length character string. Both Varchar2 and Varchar are data types for STORING character strings.

Application crashes are among the most COMMON SCENARIOS encountered by technical SUPPORT engineers. An application crash is usually caused by unhandled exceptions and different looping structures in the application. Several ways can be taken to resolve this problem, and the following are some of the most common ones.

• Try checking for an Unhandled exception. In case of unhandled exceptions, the application support ENGINEER should add the error code and the error description for the same.
• Make sure you perform a full stack trace for unhandled exceptions to find out what is happening at the application end.
• Start the Unix server again after gaining PERMISSION and see if the application works.

One of the most common situations TECHNICAL support engineers encounter is APPLICATION crashes. Unhandled exceptions are the main cause of application crashes. Also, it OFTEN happens that frustrated customers use abusive language to vent their frustrations, and in such situations, the application support engineer should remain calm and show empathy for the customer. PATIENT and calm are two of the most important QUALITIES of an application support engineer. 

One of the main responsibilities of the application support engineer is to ensure that the system is running SMOOTHLY and that users can carry out their everyday tasks. FURTHERMORE, they focus on DATA integrity as well, since the only way to make an application system healthy is to have ACCURATE and reliable data.

In the world of application support, teamwork is the most important strategy. The problem arises abruptly in most applications, so almost every member of the IT department needs to work together for a quick solution. Thus, the application support engineer needs to be capable of WORKING with other professionals. As for mindset, someone who is passionate about helping others should be a GOOD FIT for this role. Application support usually entails answering QUERIES and ASSISTING people with their application problems.

An Application support engineer must possess both human and technical skills as follows:

Human Skills: Application support engineers need good human support skills as they interact with various stakeholders (like top management, departments, and customers). These skills are among the most VALUED by employers:

• Writing and verbal communication
• Leadership
• Customer service
• Multi-tasking]
• Diagnostics
• Critical thinking
• Patience and calmness.
• Relationship management

Technical Skills: An application support engineer must possess the following technical skills:

• Programming skills in front-end and back-end languages such as C++, Javascript, Python, and Ruby.
• Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Capable of managing code migration, documenting configuration CHANGES, and monitoring performance.
• Up-to-date knowledge of SOFTWARE coding and scripting.
• Familiarity with standard IT hardware and software.
• Supports internal departments and web-based clients with exceptional front-end skills.
• Extensive expertise in diagnosing and fixing application errors.\
• Experience with Advanced Encryption Standards (AES).
• Adaptable to new technologies when designing applications.
• Knowledge of tools for tracking and managing issues.

Depending on the industry or organization, applications support engineers MAY have different duties and responsibilities. Application support engineers often monitor the system or applications, check messages, and improve existing procedures. Some of the other duties of an application support engineer include:

• These professionals are well versed in how systems function and have the skills to troubleshoot systems and applications and handle technical issues. If they are unable to resolve the issue, they are required to alert their superiors, such as the senior engineer, for assistance.
• Application support engineers act as a liaison between customers and their complaints. These professionals assess customer PROBLEMS in order to PINPOINT specific problems the organization should address.
• Their job is to synchronize operations between VARIOUS departments within the company.
• They prepare maintenance plans and upgrade schedules for the organization's systems.
• Despite their busy schedules, they maintain good PROFESSIONAL relationships with engineering and customer service departments.
• Regularly, they prepare and install tools needed for the proper operation of software applications and systems.
• Under the guidance of senior engineers, they organize and execute projects ranging from small to medium-sized and provide support to all processes.

Application support engineers (ASEs) are IT PROFESSIONALS who help businesses troubleshoot software applications and systems, and ensure help desk tickets are handled promptly. Their job INVOLVES installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting software applications. It is their responsibility to KEEP programs up-to-date, ensure they are PERFORMING at their maximum capacity, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. At a large enterprise, an ASE may SERVE as a subject matter expert for specific software stacks, while the ASE at a small or midsize business may support a small number of client-facing software applications. These professionals are knowledgeable about high-level technologies and have the ability to interpret end-user feedback and address other issues as needed.