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. |
How Are Records Stored In An Esds, Entry Sequenced Dataset? |
|
Answer» They are STORED without respect to the contents of the RECORDS and in the order in which they are INCLUDED in the FILE. They are stored without respect to the contents of the records and in the order in which they are included in the file. |
|
| 2. |
What Are The Distinctive Features Of A Ksda, Key Sequenced Dataset? |
|
Answer» The INDEX and the DISTRIBUTED FREE SPACE. The index and the distributed free space. |
|
| 3. |
What Is A Sequence Set? |
|
Answer» This is the part of the index that POINTS to the CA and CI of the RECORD being accessed. This is the part of the index that points to the CA and CI of the record being accessed. |
|
| 4. |
What Is The Upgrade Set? |
|
Answer» The upgrade set is the LIST of all AIXes that VSAM MUST maintain for a specific base cluster, so that when DATA in the base cluster is UPDATED, the AIX files are also updated. The upgrade set is the list of all AIXes that VSAM must maintain for a specific base cluster, so that when data in the base cluster is updated, the AIX files are also updated. |
|
| 5. |
What Is A Vsam Split? |
|
Answer» If there isn't enough space in the control interval VSAM PERFORMS a control interval split by moving some records to the FREE control intervals. If there isn't a free control interval VSAM performs a control area split by ALLOCATING a new control area and moving HALF of the control intervals to it. If there isn't enough space in the control interval VSAM performs a control interval split by moving some records to the free control intervals. If there isn't a free control interval VSAM performs a control area split by allocating a new control area and moving half of the control intervals to it. |
|
| 6. |
Do Primary Key Values Have To Be Unique? Do Alternate Key Values Have To Be Unique? |
|
Answer» Primary KEY VALUES MUST be UNIQUE; alternate key values NEED not be. Primary key values must be unique; alternate key values need not be. |
|
| 7. |
In The Cobol Select Statement For A Ksds What Are The Three Possibilities For Access? |
|
Answer» ACCESS can be SEQUENTIAL, RANDOM or DYNAMIC. ACCESS can be SEQUENTIAL, RANDOM or DYNAMIC. |
|
| 8. |
What Is The Index Set? |
|
Answer» This is the other PART of the index. It has MULTIPLE LEVELS with POINTERS that ultimately reach to the sequence set. This is the other part of the index. It has multiple levels with pointers that ultimately reach to the sequence set. |
|
| 9. |
What Is A Ca, Control Area? |
|
Answer» A GROUP of CONTROL INTERVALS MAKES up a control AREA. A group of control intervals makes up a control area. |
|
| 10. |
What Is A Ci, Control Interval? |
|
Answer» A control INTERVAL is the UNIT of INFORMATION that VSAM TRANSFERS between virtual and auxilliary storage. A control interval is the unit of information that VSAM transfers between virtual and auxilliary storage. |
|
| 11. |
What Is The Base Cluster? |
|
Answer» The base cluster CONSISTS of the DATA COMPONENT and the index component for the primary index of a KSDS. The base cluster consists of the data component and the index component for the primary index of a KSDS. |
|
| 12. |
In The Cobol Select Statement What Is The Organization For A Ksds? |
|
Answer» The ORGANIZATION is INDEXED. The ORGANIZATION is INDEXED. |
|
| 13. |
What Is The Cobol Record Key Clause? |
|
Answer» The RECOED KEY in the SELECT clause identifies the FILES primary key as it will be KNOWN to the PROGRAM. The RECOED KEY in the SELECT clause identifies the files primary key as it will be known to the program. |
|
| 14. |
What Is The Significance Of The Shareoptions Parameter? |
|
Answer» It specifies how the FILE may be SHARED between jobs and between batch and CICS ENVIRONMENTS. It specifies how the file may be shared between jobs and between batch and CICS environments. |
|
| 15. |
There Are At Least Seven Idcams Commands Name And Explain Each Of Them? |
|
Answer» ALTER modifies information for a catalog, alternate INDEX, cluster or path. BLDINDEX builds the alternate index, of course. DEFINE is used for ALTERNATEINDEX, CLUSTER or PATH. DELETE REMOVES the catalog entry for a catalog, cluster, alternate index or path. LISTCAT lists information about the dataset. PRINT prints the dataset contents. REPRO COPIES RECORDS from one file to ANOTHER. ALTER modifies information for a catalog, alternate index, cluster or path. BLDINDEX builds the alternate index, of course. DEFINE is used for ALTERNATEINDEX, CLUSTER or PATH. DELETE removes the catalog entry for a catalog, cluster, alternate index or path. LISTCAT lists information about the dataset. PRINT prints the dataset contents. REPRO copies records from one file to another. |
|
| 16. |
What Is A Vsam Slot? |
|
Answer» A RELATIVE record dataset (RRDS) CONSISTS of a SPECIFIED NUMBER of areas called slots. Each slot is identified by a relative record number (RRN) which indicates its relative position in the file. A relative record dataset (RRDS) consists of a specified number of areas called slots. Each slot is identified by a relative record number (RRN) which indicates its relative position in the file. |
|
| 17. |
Name Some Common Vsam Error Conditions And Codes? |
|
Answer» They are end of FILE (10), duplicate KEY (22), RECORD not FOUND (23), VSAM logic error (90), OPEN problem (92) and space problem (93). They are end of file (10), duplicate key (22), record not found (23), VSAM logic error (90), open problem (92) and space problem (93). |
|
| 18. |
How Do You Define An Altindx? How Do You Use Altindxs In Batch, Cics Programs? |
|
Answer» DEFINE ALTERNATEINDEX. Important PARAMETERS are RELATE where you specify the base cluster NAME, KEYS, RECORDSIZE, SHAREOPTION, UNIQUEKEY (or NONUNIQUEKEY), DATA (DS NAME for the data component), INDEX(DS name for the index component). Then DEFINE PATH. Important paramters are NAME (DS name for the path). PATHENTRY (DS name of the alternate index name). UPDATE (or NOUPDATE) which specifies WHETHER an ALT index is updated when a update to the vase cluster takes place. Then BLDINDEX. Paramters are INDATASET (DS name of base cluster), OUTDATASET (DS name of AIX). DEFINE ALTERNATEINDEX. Important parameters are RELATE where you specify the base cluster name, KEYS, RECORDSIZE, SHAREOPTION, UNIQUEKEY (or NONUNIQUEKEY), DATA (DS NAME for the data component), INDEX(DS name for the index component). Then DEFINE PATH. Important paramters are NAME (DS name for the path). PATHENTRY (DS name of the alternate index name). UPDATE (or NOUPDATE) which specifies whether an ALT index is updated when a update to the vase cluster takes place. Then BLDINDEX. Paramters are INDATASET (DS name of base cluster), OUTDATASET (DS name of AIX). |
|
| 19. |
What Is The Meaning Of Each Of The Values In Shareopts (2 3)? |
|
Answer» Value of 2 for cross region MEANS that the file can be PROCESSED simultaneously by multiple users provided only one of them is an updater. Value of 3 for cross system means that any number of jobs can process the file for INPUT or output (VSAM does nothing to ensure integrity). Value of 2 for cross region means that the file can be processed simultaneously by multiple users provided only one of them is an updater. Value of 3 for cross system means that any number of jobs can process the file for input or output (VSAM does nothing to ensure integrity). |
|
| 20. |
Would You Specify Freespace Ce For An Esds? |
|
Answer» No. Because you cannot insert records in an ESDS, ALSO when you rewrite a RECORD, it must be of the same length. THUS putting any value for FREESPACE does not make any sense. No. Because you cannot insert records in an ESDS, also when you rewrite a record, it must be of the same length. Thus putting any value for FREESPACE does not make any sense. |
|
| 21. |
Under Idcams, Multiple Functions Can Be Executed, Each Of Which Returns A Condition Code. What Will Be The Condition Code Returned To The Operating System? |
|
Answer» The MAXIMUM CONDITION code generated is RETURNED as the condition code of the IDCAMS step. The maximum condition code generated is returned as the condition code of the IDCAMS step. |
|
| 22. |
What Is The Meaning Of Dynamic Processing? |
|
Answer» It's rarely used. It MEANS one PROGRAM uses both sequential and RANDOM PROCESSING for a VSAM KSDS file. It's rarely used. It means one program uses both sequential and random processing for a VSAM KSDS file. |
|
| 23. |
What Is The Vsam-code Field? |
|
Answer» It is a COBOL II ENHANCEMENT to VSAM batch processing expanding the FILE STATUS FIELD. It is DEFINED in WORKING-STORAGE as a six byte group item with three two byte elements, the normal return code, the function code and the feedback code. It is a COBOL II enhancement to VSAM batch processing expanding the FILE STATUS field. It is defined in WORKING-STORAGE as a six byte group item with three two byte elements, the normal return code, the function code and the feedback code. |
|
| 24. |
What Is The Meaning Of The Define Model Parameter? |
|
Answer» It specifies whether Daniela Pestova or Yamila - oops! Wrong MODELS! The MODEL parameter allows you to model your CLUSTER by MODELING it after an existing cluster. It specifies whether Daniela Pestova or Yamila - oops! Wrong models! The MODEL parameter allows you to model your cluster by modeling it after an existing cluster. |
|
| 25. |
What Is A Lds (linear Data Set) And What Is It Used For? |
|
Answer» LDS is a VSAM dataset in name only. It has unstructured 4k (4096 bytes ) fixed size CT's which do not contain control fields and therefore from VSAM's standpoint they do not contain any logical records. There is no free space, and no access from Cobol. Can be accessed by DB2 and IMS fast path datasets. LDS is essentially a table of DATA maintained on DISK. The 'table entries' must be created via a user program and can only be logically accessed via a user program. When passed, the entire LDS must be mapped into STORAGE, and then data is accessed via base and displacement TYPE processing. LDS is a VSAM dataset in name only. It has unstructured 4k (4096 bytes ) fixed size CT's which do not contain control fields and therefore from VSAM's standpoint they do not contain any logical records. There is no free space, and no access from Cobol. Can be accessed by DB2 and IMS fast path datasets. LDS is essentially a table of data maintained on disk. The 'table entries' must be created via a user program and can only be logically accessed via a user program. When passed, the entire LDS must be mapped into storage, and then data is accessed via base and displacement type processing. |
|
| 26. |
Using Alternate Indexes In Batch Program? |
|
Answer» In the JCL, you must have DD statements for the cluster and for the path9s). In the COBOL program, SELECT ... ASSIGN TO ddname for base cluster RECORD KEY IS... ALTERNATE RECORD KEY IS. In the JCL, you must have DD statements for the cluster and for the path9s). In the COBOL program, SELECT ... ASSIGN TO ddname for base cluster RECORD KEY IS... ALTERNATE RECORD KEY IS. |
|
| 27. |
Using Alternate Indexes In Cics Program? |
|
Answer» FCT entires must be CREATED for both base cluster and the path. To read USING the ALTERNATE index, use the DD name of the path in CICS FILE control commands. FCT entires must be created for both base cluster and the path. To read using the alternate index, use the DD name of the path in CICS file control commands. |
|
| 28. |
Assuming That The Define Jcl Is Not Available, How Do You Get Info About A Vsam Files Organisation? |
|
Answer» Use the LISTCAT command. |
|
| 29. |
Suppose 3 Generations Of A Gdg Exist. How Would You Reference The 1st Generation In The Jcl? |
|
Answer» Use GDG name(-2). |
|
| 30. |
Do All Versions Of The Gdg Have To Be Of The Same Record Length? |
|
Answer» No, the DCB of the model dataset can be overridden when you allocate new VERSIONS. No, the DCB of the model dataset can be overridden when you allocate new versions. |
|
| 31. |
How Do You Load A Vsam Data Set With Records? |
|
Answer» Using the REPRO command. |
|
| 32. |
How Do You Calculate Record Size Of An Alternate Cluster? Give Your Values For Both Unique And Nonunique? |
|
Answer» UniqueCase: 5 + (alt-KEY-length + primary - key ) UniqueCase: 5 + (alt-key-length + primary - key ) |
|
| 33. |
How Do You Define A Gdg? |
|
Answer» Use the DEFINE GENERATIONDATAGROUP command. In the same IDCAMS step, another dataset must be defined whose DCB PARAMETERS are used when new generations of the GDG are created. This dataset is KNOWN as the model dataset. The DS name of this model dataset must be the same as that of the GDG, so use a disp of keep rather than catlg and ALSO SPECIFY space = (trk,0). Use the DEFINE GENERATIONDATAGROUP command. In the same IDCAMS step, another dataset must be defined whose DCB parameters are used when new generations of the GDG are created. This dataset is known as the model dataset. The DS name of this model dataset must be the same as that of the GDG, so use a disp of keep rather than catlg and also specify space = (trk,0). |
|
| 34. |
How Are Different Versions Of Gdg Named? |
|
Answer» base-file-name. GnnnnnnV00 where nnnn=GENERATION number (upto 255). nnnn will be 0000 for the 1st generation. base-file-name. GnnnnnnV00 where nnnn=generation number (upto 255). nnnn will be 0000 for the 1st generation. |
|
| 35. |
During Processing Of A Vsam File, Some System Error Occurs And It Is Subsequently Unusable What Do You Do? |
|
Answer» Run VERIFY. |
|
| 36. |
How Do You Fix The Problem Associated With Vsam Out Of Space Condition? |
|
Answer» DEFINE new VSAM DATASET allocated with more space. Define new VSAM dataset allocated with more space. |
|
| 37. |
What Is The Meaning Of Vsam Return-code 28? |
|
Answer» Out of SPACE CONDITION is RAISED. Out of space condition is raised. |
|
| 38. |
On Which Dataset You Can Have Alt Index? |
|
Answer» only on KSDS and ESDS - not RROS only on KSDS and ESDS - not RROS |
|
| 39. |
How Many Alternate Indexes You Can Have On A Dataset? |
|
Answer» 255 - but you must be a nut to have so MANY ALT INDEXES on a DATASET ! 255 - but you must be a nut to have so many ALT Indexes on a dataset ! |
|
| 40. |
Is It Slower If You Access A Record Through Alt Index As Compared To Primary Index? |
|
Answer» Yes. Why? Because the ALTERNATE key WOULD first locate the primary key, which in turn LOCATES the ACTUAL RECORD. Needs twice the number of I/Os. Yes. Why? Because the alternate key would first locate the primary key, which in turn locates the actual record. Needs twice the number of I/Os. |
|
| 41. |
What Is Recovery And Speed Parameters In Define Cluster Command? |
|
Answer» RECOVERY (DEFAULT ) and SPEED are mutually exclusive. Recovery performats the CONTROL areas during the initial dataset LOAD, if the job fails, you can restatt but you must have a recovery routine already written to restart the job. SPEED does not preformat the CAs. It is recommended that you specify SPEED to speed up your initial DATA load. RECOVERY (default ) and SPEED are mutually exclusive. Recovery performats the control areas during the initial dataset load, if the job fails, you can restatt but you must have a recovery routine already written to restart the job. SPEED does not preformat the CAs. It is recommended that you specify SPEED to speed up your initial data load. |
|
| 42. |
Describe Shareoptions Parameter (shr) In Define Cluster Command? |
|
Answer» It DEFINE the cross-region and cross-system sharing capabilities of the DATASET. Syntax is SHR (Crvalue, CSvalue) value 1 means multiple read OR single write (read integrity ) 2 means multiple read AND single write ( Write integrity ) 3 means Multiple read AND multiple write 4 is same as 3, which REFRESHES the buffer with every random access defualt is SHR(1 3). It define the cross-region and cross-system sharing capabilities of the dataset. Syntax is SHR (Crvalue, CSvalue) value 1 means multiple read OR single write (read integrity ) 2 means multiple read AND single write ( Write integrity ) 3 means Multiple read AND multiple write 4 is same as 3, which refreshes the buffer with every random access defualt is SHR(1 3). |
|
| 43. |
What Does The Keyranges Parameter In Define Cluster Commends Do? |
|
Answer» It divides a large dataset into SEVERAL volumes ACCORDING to the Key RANGES specified. e.g. KEYRANGES ((0000001 2999999) (3000000 5999999)). if the activity on the key ranges are evenly distributed, CONCURRENT access is POSSIBLE, which is a performance inprovement. It divides a large dataset into several volumes according to the Key ranges specified. e.g. KEYRANGES ((0000001 2999999) (3000000 5999999)). if the activity on the key ranges are evenly distributed, concurrent access is possible, which is a performance inprovement. |
|
| 44. |
What Are The Optional Parameters To The Input Dataset While Loading The Empty Cluster With The Data Records? |
|
Answer» 1) FROMADDRESS(address) 1) FROMADDRESS(address) |
|
| 45. |
What Is Idcams? And What Is The Purpose Of It? |
|
Answer» IDCAMS is an access method SERVICES UTILITY used for CREATING, deleting, altering VSAM FILES and copying sequential file to a VSAM file, etc. IDCAMS is an access method services utility used for creating, deleting, altering VSAM files and copying sequential file to a VSAM file, etc. |
|
| 46. |
How To Delete A Member Using Jcl? |
|
Answer» USING IDCAMS a MEMBER can be DELETED. DELETE XXX.YYY (member) Using IDCAMS a member can be deleted. DELETE XXX.YYY (member) |
|
| 47. |
What Is The Difference Between Lds And Esds? |
|
Answer» There two DATASETS are VSAM datasets. ESDS MAINTAINS control information. But LDS does not maintains the control information. There two datasets are VSAM datasets. ESDS maintains control information. But LDS does not maintains the control information. |
|
| 48. |
Is A Delete Operation Possible In An Esds? B, Is Rewrite Operation Possible In Esds? |
|
Answer» No DELETE operation is not POSSIBLE in VSAM ESDS.B. YES REWRITE operation is possible in an ESDS. No delete operation is not possible in VSAM ESDS.B. yes rewrite operation is possible in an ESDS. |
|
| 49. |
What Is An Alternate Index And Path? |
|
Answer» An alternate INDEX is an another way of accessing KEY sequenced data RECORD stored in a base cluster and path is the linkage which connect alternate index to its base cluster. An alternate index is an another way of accessing key sequenced data record stored in a base cluster and path is the linkage which connect alternate index to its base cluster. |
|
| 50. |
How Many Buffers Are Allotted To Vsam Ksds And Esds? |
|
Answer» 2 data buffers by default for ESDS. For KSDS it allots 2 data buffers and 1 index buffers. each BUFFER is about 4K. 2 data buffers by default for ESDS. For KSDS it allots 2 data buffers and 1 index buffers. each buffer is about 4K. |
|