InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1. |
When We Create A Target As Flat File And Source As Oracle. How Can I Specify First Rows As Column Names In Flat Files? |
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Answer» Use a pre SQL statement., but this is a hard coding method. If you change the column NAMES or put in extra columns in the flat FILE, you will have to change the insert statement. You can also achieve this by changing the setting in the Informatica Repository manager to display the columns heading. The only disadvantage of this is that it will be applied on all the files that will be generated by this SERVER. Use a pre sql statement., but this is a hard coding method. If you change the column names or put in extra columns in the flat file, you will have to change the insert statement. You can also achieve this by changing the setting in the Informatica Repository manager to display the columns heading. The only disadvantage of this is that it will be applied on all the files that will be generated by this server. |
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| 2. |
What Is Meant By Direct And Indirect Loading Options In Sessions? |
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| 3. |
What Is Difference Between Informatica 7.1 And Abinitio? |
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Answer» There is a lot of DIFFERENCE between informatica and AbInitio:
There is a lot of difference between informatica and AbInitio: |
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| 4. |
How To Join Two Tables Without Using The Joiner Transformation? |
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Answer» Its possible to join the TWO or more tables by using source qualifier. But provided the tables should have relationship. When you drag and drop the tables you will getting the source qualifier for each table. DELETE all the source qualifiers. Add a common source qualifier for all. Right click on the source qualifier you will FIND EDIT click on it. Click on the properties tab, you will find sql QUERY in that you can write your sqls. You can also do it using SESSION --- mapping---source there you have an option called User Defined Join there you can write your SQL. Its possible to join the two or more tables by using source qualifier. But provided the tables should have relationship. When you drag and drop the tables you will getting the source qualifier for each table. Delete all the source qualifiers. Add a common source qualifier for all. Right click on the source qualifier you will find EDIT click on it. Click on the properties tab, you will find sql query in that you can write your sqls. You can also do it using Session --- mapping---source there you have an option called User Defined Join there you can write your SQL. |
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| 5. |
Difference Between Static And Dynamic Cache And Explain With One Example? |
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Answer» Static - Once the DATA is cached , it will not change, example UNCONNECTED lookup uses static cache. Dynamic - The cache is UPDATED as to reflect the update in the table (or source) for which it is reffering to.(EX. connected lookup). Static - Once the data is cached , it will not change, example unconnected lookup uses static cache. Dynamic - The cache is updated as to reflect the update in the table (or source) for which it is reffering to.(ex. connected lookup). |
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| 6. |
How The Informatica Server Sorts The String Values In Ranktransformation? |
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Answer» When Informatica SERVER runs in UNICODE DATA movement mode ,then it USES the SORT order configured in session properties. We can run informatica server either in UNICODE data moment mode or ASCII data moment mode. Unicode mode: In this mode informatica server sorts the data as per the SORTED order in session. ASCII Mode: In this mode informatica server sorts the date as per the binary order. When Informatica Server runs in UNICODE data movement mode ,then it uses the sort order configured in session properties. We can run informatica server either in UNICODE data moment mode or ASCII data moment mode. Unicode mode: In this mode informatica server sorts the data as per the sorted order in session. ASCII Mode: In this mode informatica server sorts the date as per the binary order. |
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| 7. |
What Is Data Merging, Data Cleansing, Sampling? |
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Answer» CLEANSING: TO identify and remove the redundancy and inconsistency. sampling: just SAMPLE the data through send the data from SOURCE to target. Data merging: It is a PROCESS of combining the data with similar structures in to a single output. Data Cleansing: It is a process of identifying and rectifying the inconsistent and INACCURATE data into consistent and accurate data. Data Sampling: It is the process of sample by sending the data from source to target. Cleansing: TO identify and remove the redundancy and inconsistency. sampling: just sample the data through send the data from source to target. Data merging: It is a process of combining the data with similar structures in to a single output. Data Cleansing: It is a process of identifying and rectifying the inconsistent and inaccurate data into consistent and accurate data. Data Sampling: It is the process of sample by sending the data from source to target. |
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| 8. |
What Are The Unsupported Repository Objects For A Mapplet? |
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| 9. |
Discuss Which Is Better Among Incremental Load, Normal Load And Bulk Load. |
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Answer» It depends on the requirement. Otherwise Incremental load which can be BETTER as it takes one that data which is not available PREVIOUSLY on the TARGET. According to performance bulk is better than normal. But both having some conditions in source data. Conditions are like:
It depends on the requirement. Otherwise Incremental load which can be better as it takes one that data which is not available previously on the target. According to performance bulk is better than normal. But both having some conditions in source data. Conditions are like: |
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| 10. |
What Is Update Strategy Transformation ? |
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Answer» The model you choose constitutes your update strategy, how to HANDLE changes to existing rows. In PowerCenter and PowerMart, you set your update strategy at two different levels: WITHIN a session : When you configure a session, you can instruct the Informatica Server to either treat all rows in the same way (for example, treat all rows as INSERTS), or use instructions coded into the session MAPPING to flag rows for different database operations. Within a mapping : Within a mapping, you use the Update Strategy transformation to flag rows for insert, delete, update, or reject. update strategy is used to update the target
The model you choose constitutes your update strategy, how to handle changes to existing rows. In PowerCenter and PowerMart, you set your update strategy at two different levels: Within a session : When you configure a session, you can instruct the Informatica Server to either treat all rows in the same way (for example, treat all rows as inserts), or use instructions coded into the session mapping to flag rows for different database operations. Within a mapping : Within a mapping, you use the Update Strategy transformation to flag rows for insert, delete, update, or reject. update strategy is used to update the target
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| 11. |
How To Delete Duplicate Rows In Flat Files Source Is Any Option In Informatica? |
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Answer» Use a sorter TRANSFORMATION, in that you will have a "DISTINCT" OPTION MAKE use of it . Use a sorter transformation, in that you will have a "distinct" option make use of it . |
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| 12. |
What Is Change Data Capture? |
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Answer» Change data capture (CDC) is a set of SOFTWARE design PATTERNS USED to determine the data that has CHANGED in a DATABASE so that action can be taken using the changed data. Change data capture (CDC) is a set of software design patterns used to determine the data that has changed in a database so that action can be taken using the changed data. |
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| 13. |
What Are Main Advantages And Purpose Of Using Normalizer Transformation In Informatica? |
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Answer» Narmalizer TRANSFORMATION is used mainly with COBOL sources where most of the TIME data is stored in de-normalized format. Also, Normalizer transformation can be used to create multiple rows from a single row of data.
Narmalizer Transformation is used mainly with COBOL sources where most of the time data is stored in de-normalized format. Also, Normalizer transformation can be used to create multiple rows from a single row of data. |
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| 14. |
What Are Two Modes Of Data Movement In Informatica Server? |
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Answer» The data movement mode DEPENDS on whether Informatica SERVER should process single byte or multi-byte character data. This mode selection can affect the enforcement of code page relationships and code page validation in the Informatica Client and Server.
The data movement mode depends on whether Informatica Server should process single byte or multi-byte character data. This mode selection can affect the enforcement of code page relationships and code page validation in the Informatica Client and Server. |
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| 15. |
What Is Difference Between Partitioning Of Relational Target And Partitioning Of File Targets? |
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Answer» PARTITION's can be done on both relational and flat files.
All these are applicable for relational targets. For flat file only database partitioning is not applicable. Informatica supports Navy partitioning. you can just SPECIFY the name of the TARGET file and create the partitions, rest will be TAKEN care by informatica session. Partition's can be done on both relational and flat files. All these are applicable for relational targets. For flat file only database partitioning is not applicable. Informatica supports Navy partitioning. you can just specify the name of the target file and create the partitions, rest will be taken care by informatica session. |
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| 16. |
Why We Use Stored Procedure Transformation? |
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Answer» A STORED Procedure transformation is an important tool for populating and maintaining DATABASES. Database ADMINISTRATORS create stored procedures to automate time-consuming tasks that are too complicated for standard SQL STATEMENTS. A Stored Procedure transformation is an important tool for populating and maintaining databases. Database administrators create stored procedures to automate time-consuming tasks that are too complicated for standard SQL statements. |
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| 17. |
What Are The Differences Between Informatica Power Center Versions 6.2 And 7.1, Also Between Versions 6.2 And 5.1? |
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Answer» The MAIN difference between informatica 5.1 and 6.1 is that in 6.1 they introduce a new THING called repository SERVER and in place of server manager(5.1), they introduce workflow manager and workflow MONITOR. The main difference between informatica 5.1 and 6.1 is that in 6.1 they introduce a new thing called repository server and in place of server manager(5.1), they introduce workflow manager and workflow monitor. |
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| 18. |
What Is The Procedure To Load The Fact Table. Give In Detail? |
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Answer» BASED on the requirement to your fact table, choose the SOURCES and data and transform it based on your business needs. For the fact table, you need a primary key so use a sequence generator transformation to GENERATE a unique key and pipe it to the TARGET (fact) table with the foreign keys from the source TABLES. Based on the requirement to your fact table, choose the sources and data and transform it based on your business needs. For the fact table, you need a primary key so use a sequence generator transformation to generate a unique key and pipe it to the target (fact) table with the foreign keys from the source tables. |
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| 19. |
How Can We Partition A Session In Informatica? |
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Answer» The Informatica PowerCenter Partitioning option optimizes parallel PROCESSING on multiprocessor hardware by providing a thread-based architecture and built-in data partitioning. The Informatica PowerCenter Partitioning option optimizes parallel processing on multiprocessor hardware by providing a thread-based architecture and built-in data partitioning. |
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| 20. |
How Do I Import Vsam Files From Source To Target. Do I Need A Special Plugin |
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Answer» As far my knowledge by USING power EXCHANGE tool convert VSAM file to ORACLE tables then do mapping as USUAL to the target table. As far my knowledge by using power exchange tool convert VSAM file to oracle tables then do mapping as usual to the target table. |
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| 21. |
If You Want To Create Indexes After The Load Process Which Transformation You Choose? |
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Answer» Its usually not done in the MAPPING (transformation) level. Its done in session level. CREATE a COMMAND task which will EXECUTE a SHELL script (if Unix) or any other scripts which contains the create index command. Use this command task in the workflow after the session or else, You can create it with a post session command. Its usually not done in the mapping (transformation) level. Its done in session level. Create a command task which will execute a shell script (if Unix) or any other scripts which contains the create index command. Use this command task in the workflow after the session or else, You can create it with a post session command. |
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| 22. |
Can We Run A Group Of Sessions Without Using Workflow Manager. |
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Answer» It is POSSIBLE TWO run two SESSION only (by precession, post session) USING pmcmd without using WORKFLOW. Not more than two. It is possible two run two session only (by precession, post session) using pmcmd without using workflow. Not more than two. |
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| 23. |
How Many Types Of Facts Are There And What Are They? |
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Answer» There are three TYPES of facts
There are three types of facts |
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| 24. |
To Provide Support For Mainframes Source Data,which Files Are Used As A Source Definitions? |
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Answer» COBOL Copy-book files. |
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| 25. |
What Is Source Qualifier Transformation? |
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Answer» When you ADD a relational or a flat file source definition to a MAPPING NEED to connect it to a source qualifier transformation. The source qualifier transformation represents the records that the informatica server reads when it RUNS a SESSION. When you add a relational or a flat file source definition to a mapping need to connect it to a source qualifier transformation. The source qualifier transformation represents the records that the informatica server reads when it runs a session. |
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| 26. |
What Is The Difference Between Connected And Unconnected Stored Procedures? |
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Answer» Unconnected: The unconnected Stored Procedure transformation is not connected directly to the FLOW of the mapping. It either runs before or after the session, or is CALLED by an EXPRESSION in another transformation in the mapping. connected: The flow of data through a mapping in connected mode also passes through the Stored Procedure transformation. All data ENTERING the transformation through the input ports affects the stored procedure. You should use a connected Stored Procedure transformation when you need data from an input port sent as an input parameter to the stored procedure, or the results of a stored procedure sent as an output parameter to another transformation. Unconnected: The unconnected Stored Procedure transformation is not connected directly to the flow of the mapping. It either runs before or after the session, or is called by an expression in another transformation in the mapping. connected: The flow of data through a mapping in connected mode also passes through the Stored Procedure transformation. All data entering the transformation through the input ports affects the stored procedure. You should use a connected Stored Procedure transformation when you need data from an input port sent as an input parameter to the stored procedure, or the results of a stored procedure sent as an output parameter to another transformation. |
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| 27. |
How Can You Access The Remote Source Into Your Session? |
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Answer» Relational source : To ACCESS relational source which is situated in a REMOTE place , you need to configure database connection to the datasource. FileSource : To access the remote source file you MUST configure the FTP connection to the host machine before you CREATE the session. Heterogeneous : When you are mapping contains more than one source type, the server manager creates a heterogeneous session that displays source options for all types. Relational source : To access relational source which is situated in a remote place , you need to configure database connection to the datasource. FileSource : To access the remote source file you must configure the FTP connection to the host machine before you create the session. Heterogeneous : When you are mapping contains more than one source type, the server manager creates a heterogeneous session that displays source options for all types. |
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| 28. |
What Is The Difference Between Informatica Powercenter Server, Repositoryserver And Repository? |
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Answer» Repository is a database in which all informatica components are STORED in the form of TABLES. The repository server CONTROLS the repository and maintains the data INTEGRITY and Consistency across the repository when multiple USERS use Informatica. Powercenter Server/Infa Server is responsible for execution of the components (sessions) stored in the repository. Repository is a database in which all informatica components are stored in the form of tables. The repository server controls the repository and maintains the data integrity and Consistency across the repository when multiple users use Informatica. Powercenter Server/Infa Server is responsible for execution of the components (sessions) stored in the repository. |
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| 29. |
What Is The Difference Between Normal Load And Bulk Load? |
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Answer» Normal LOAD : Normal load will write information to the database log file so that if any recovery is needed it is will be HELPFUL. when the source file is a text file and LOADING data to a table, in such cases we should you normal load only, ELSE the session will be failed. BULK Mode : Bulk load will not write information to the database log file so that if any recovery is needed we can't do any thing in such cases. comparatively Bulk load is pretty faster than normal load. Normal Load : Normal load will write information to the database log file so that if any recovery is needed it is will be helpful. when the source file is a text file and loading data to a table, in such cases we should you normal load only, else the session will be failed. Bulk Mode : Bulk load will not write information to the database log file so that if any recovery is needed we can't do any thing in such cases. comparatively Bulk load is pretty faster than normal load. |
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| 30. |
What Are The Methods For Creating Reusable Transformations? |
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Answer» There two METHODS for creating REUSABLE transformations:
There two methods for creating reusable transformations: |
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| 31. |
Define Informatica Repository? |
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Answer» The informatica REPOSITORY is at the center of the informatica suite. You CREATE a set of METADATA tables within the repository database that the informatica application and TOOLS access. The informatica client and server access the repository to save and retrieve metadata. The informatica repository is at the center of the informatica suite. You create a set of metadata tables within the repository database that the informatica application and tools access. The informatica client and server access the repository to save and retrieve metadata. |
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| 32. |
Doubts Regarding Rank Transformation: Can We Do Ranking Using Two Ports? Can We Rank All The Rows Coming From Source, How? |
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Answer» When ETL load the DATA from source we can declare the RANK of the incoming data to pass a rank transformation. We can't declare two rank on a single source data. We can do rank the ROW by declaring the rank Transformation and declaring the rank port. When ETL load the data from source we can declare the rank of the incoming data to pass a rank transformation. We can't declare two rank on a single source data. We can do rank the row by declaring the rank Transformation and declaring the rank port. |
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| 33. |
How Can We Use pmcmd Command In A Workflow Or To Run A Session |
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Answer» By using COMMAND in the command task there is a option PRESSION. we can WRITE appropriate command of pmcmd to RUN workflow. By using command in the command task there is a option pression. we can write appropriate command of pmcmd to run workflow. |
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| 34. |
How The Informatica Server Increases The Session Performance Through Partitioning The Source? |
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Answer» For a relational SOURCES informatica server CREATES multiple connections for each partition of a single SOURCE and extracts separate range of data for each CONNECTION. For a relational sources informatica server creates multiple connections for each partition of a single source and extracts separate range of data for each connection. |
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| 35. |
What Are The Difference Between Joiner Transformation And Source Qualifier Transformation? |
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Answer» You can join heterogeneous data SOURCES in joiner transformation which we cannot achieve in source qualifier transformation. You can join heterogeneous data sources in joiner transformation which we cannot achieve in source qualifier transformation. |
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| 36. |
Can You Start A Batches With In A Batch? |
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Answer» You cannot. If you WANT to start batch that resides in a batch, create a NEW independent batch and COPY the NECESSARY sessions into the new batch. You cannot. If you want to start batch that resides in a batch, create a new independent batch and copy the necessary sessions into the new batch. |
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| 37. |
What Is Meant By Aggregate Fact Table And Where Is It Used? |
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Answer» BASICALLY fact TABLES are two kinds.
Aggregated fact table has aggregarted columns. for EG. Total-Sal, Dep-Sal. where as in factless fact table will not have aggregated columns and it only has FK to the Dimension tables. Basically fact tables are two kinds. Aggregated fact table has aggregarted columns. for eg. Total-Sal, Dep-Sal. where as in factless fact table will not have aggregated columns and it only has FK to the Dimension tables. |
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| 38. |
What Is The Default Source Option For Update Strategy Transformation? |
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Answer» Default OPTION for update strategy transformation is dd_insert or we can PUT '0' in session level DATA DRIVEN. Default option for update strategy transformation is dd_insert or we can put '0' in session level data driven. |
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| 39. |
What Is The Difference Between Summary Filter And Detail Filter? |
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Answer» SUMMARY filter can be applieid on a group of rows that CONTAIN a COMMON value. WHEREAS detail filters can be APPLIED on each and every rec of the data base. Summary filter can be applieid on a group of rows that contain a common value. whereas detail filters can be applied on each and every rec of the data base. |
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| 40. |
How Can You Improve Session Performance In Aggregator Transformation? |
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Answer» One way is supplying the SORTED input to aggregator transformation. In SITUATIONS where sorted input cannot be supplied, we need to CONFIGURE data cache and index cache at session/transformation level to allocate more space to support AGGREGATION. One way is supplying the sorted input to aggregator transformation. In situations where sorted input cannot be supplied, we need to configure data cache and index cache at session/transformation level to allocate more space to support aggregation. |
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| 41. |
How Do We Estimate The Number Of Partitions That A Mapping Really Requires? Is It Dependent On The Machine Configuration? |
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Answer» It depends UPON the informatica version we are using. suppose if we are using informatica 6 it SUPPORTS only 32 PARTITIONS where as informatica 7 supports 64 partitions. It depends upon the informatica version we are using. suppose if we are using informatica 6 it supports only 32 partitions where as informatica 7 supports 64 partitions. |
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| 42. |
What Are Partition Points? |
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Answer» Partition points MARK the THREAD BOUNDARIES in a SOURCE pipeline and divide the pipeline into STAGES. Partition points mark the thread boundaries in a source pipeline and divide the pipeline into stages. |
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| 43. |
How Can You Complete Unrecoverable Sessions? |
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Answer» Under certain circumstances, when a session does not complete, you need to truncate the target tables and run the session from the beginning. Run the session from the beginning when the Informatica Server cannot run recovery or when running recovery might RESULT in INCONSISTENT data. If there is no recovery mode on in session and workflow failed in mid of execution then
Under certain circumstances, when a session does not complete, you need to truncate the target tables and run the session from the beginning. Run the session from the beginning when the Informatica Server cannot run recovery or when running recovery might result in inconsistent data. If there is no recovery mode on in session and workflow failed in mid of execution then |
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| 44. |
What Is The Difference Between Stop And Abort? |
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Answer» stop : If the session u WANT to stop is a part of batch you MUST stop the batch, if the batch is part of NESTED batch, Stop the outer most batch. Abort : You can issue the abort command, it is similar to stop command except it has 60 SECOND TIME out. stop : If the session u want to stop is a part of batch you must stop the batch, if the batch is part of nested batch, Stop the outer most batch. Abort : You can issue the abort command, it is similar to stop command except it has 60 second time out. |
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| 45. |
What Is Difference Between Maplet And Reusable Transformation? |
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Answer» MAPLET : Reusable transformation :
Maplet : Reusable transformation : |
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| 46. |
How To Recover Sessions In Concurrent Batches? |
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Answer» If MULTIPLE SESSIONS in a concurrent batch fail, you might want to truncate all targets and run the batch again. However, if a session in a concurrent batch FAILS and the REST of the sessions complete successfully, you can recover the session as a standalone session. To recover a session in a concurrent batch:
If multiple sessions in a concurrent batch fail, you might want to truncate all targets and run the batch again. However, if a session in a concurrent batch fails and the rest of the sessions complete successfully, you can recover the session as a standalone session. To recover a session in a concurrent batch: |
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| 47. |
What Is The Target Load Order? |
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Answer» A target load order group is the COLLECTION of source qualifiers, transformations, and TARGETS linked together in a mapping. You specify the target load order based on source qualifiers in a mapping. If you have the multiple source qualifiers CONNECTED to the multiple targets, you can designate the order in which Informatica SERVER loads DATA into the targets. A target load order group is the collection of source qualifiers, transformations, and targets linked together in a mapping. You specify the target load order based on source qualifiers in a mapping. If you have the multiple source qualifiers connected to the multiple targets, you can designate the order in which Informatica server loads data into the targets. |
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| 48. |
At The Max How Many Transformations Can Be Us In A Mapping? |
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Answer» In a mapping we can USE any number of transformations DEPENDING on the project, and the INCLUDED transformations in the particular RELATED transformations. In a mapping we can use any number of transformations depending on the project, and the included transformations in the particular related transformations. |
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| 49. |
How Can I Get Distinct Values While Mapping In Informatica In Insertion? |
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Answer» You can add an AGGREGATOR before insert and GROUP by the fields that NEED to be DISTINCT. You can add an aggregator before insert and group by the fields that need to be distinct. |
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| 50. |
What Is Hash Table Informatica? |
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Answer» In HASH partitioning, the Informatica Server USES a hash function to group ROWS of data among partitions. The Informatica Server groups the data based on a partition key.Use hash partitioning when you want the Informatica Server to distribute rows to the partitions by group. For EXAMPLE, you need to sort items by item ID, but you do not know how many items have a particular ID number. In hash partitioning, the Informatica Server uses a hash function to group rows of data among partitions. The Informatica Server groups the data based on a partition key.Use hash partitioning when you want the Informatica Server to distribute rows to the partitions by group. For example, you need to sort items by item ID, but you do not know how many items have a particular ID number. |
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