Topic: COBOL

Question: answer to anon question for difference between next and continue clause
Answer: FOR ANON, Dear friends the difference between the next and continues verb is that in
the continue verb it is used for a situation where there in no eof condition that is the records are
to be accessed again and again in an file , whereas in the next verb the indexed file is accessed
sequentially ,hence when index class is accessed sequentially read next record command is
used hope that is satisfactory

Question: What is the Importance of GLOBAL clause According to new standards of COBOL
Answer: When any data name, file-name, Record-name, condition name or Index defined in an
Including Program can be referenced by a directly or indirectly in an included program, Provided
the said name has been declared to be a global name by GLOBAL Format of Global Clause is
01 data-1 pic 9(5) IS GLOBAL.

Question: What is the Purpose of POINTER Phrase in STRING command

Answer: The Purpose of POINTER phrase is to specify the leftmost position within Receiving
field where the first transferred character will be stored

Question: What is Local Storage section in COBOL & what is its purpose?
Answer: I don’t know.

Question: How do we get currentdate from system with century?

Answer: By using Intrinsic function, FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE

Question: what is the difference between search and search all in the table handling?
Answer: search is a linear search and search all is a binary search.

Question: What is the maximum length of a field you can define using COMP-3?
Answer: 10 Bytes (S9(18) COMP-3).

Question: What will happen if you code GO BACK instead of STOP RUN in a stand alone
COBOL program i.e. a program which is not calling any other program.
Answer: The program will go in an infinite loop.

Question: Q.HOW MANY SECTIONS ARE THERE IN DATA DIVISION?.

Answer: SIX SECTIONS1.FILE SECTION2.WORKING-STORAGE
SECTION3.LOCAL-STORAGE SECTION4.SCREEN SECTION5.REPORT
SECTION6.LINKAGE SECTION

Question: How can I tell if a module is being called DYNAMICALLY or STATICALLY?

Answer: The ONLY way is to look at the output of the linkage editor (IEWL)or the load module
itself. If the module is being called DYNAMICALLY then it will not exist in the main module, if
it is being called STATICALLY then it will be seen in the load module.Calling a working storage
variable, containing a program name, does not make a DYNAMIC call. This type of calling is
known as IMPLICITE calling as the name of the module is implied by the contents of the
working storage variable. Calling a program name literal (CALL

Question: What is the difference between a DYNAMIC and STATIC call in COBOL.
Answer: To correct an earlier answer:All called modules cannot run standalone if they require
program varibles passed to them via the LINKAGE section. DYNAMICally called modules are
those that are not bound with the calling program at link edit time (IEWL for IBM) and so are
loaded from the program library (joblib or steplib) associated with the job. For DYNAMIC
calling of a module the DYNAM compiler option must be choosen, else the linkage editor will
not generate an executable as it will expect ull address resolution of all called modules. A
STATICally called module is one that is bound with the calling module at link edit, and therefore
becomes part of the executable load module.

Question: What is the defference between PIC 9.99 and 9v99?

Answer: PIC 9.99is a FOUR-POSITION field that actually contains a decimal point where as
PIC 9v99 is THREE-POSITION numeric field with implied or assumed decimal position.

Question: How is PIC 9.99 is defferent from PIC 9v99?

Answer: PIC 9.99 is a four position field that actually contains a decimal point where as 9v99 is a
three position numeric field with an implied or assumed decimal point.

Question: what is Pic 9v99 Indicates?

Answer: PICTURE 9v99 is a three position Numeric field with an implied or assumed decimal
point after the first position; the v means an implied decimal point.

Question: WHAT GUIDELINES SHOULD BE FOLLOWED TO WRITE A STRUCTURED

COBOL PRG'M?
Answer: 1) USE 'EVALUATE' STMT FOR CONSTRUCTING CASES. 2) USE SCOPE
TERMINATORS FOR NESTING. 3)USE IN LINE PERFORM STMT FOR WRITING 'DO '
CONTRUCTIONS. 4)USE TEST BEFORE AND TEST AFTER IN THE PERFORM STMT
FOR WRITING DO-WHILE CONSTRUCTIONS.

Question: read the following code. 01 ws-n pic 9(2) value zero. a-para move 5 to ws-n. perform
b-para ws-n times.b-para. move 10 to ws-n.how many times will b-para be executed ?
Answer: 5 times only. it will not take the value 10 that is initialized in the loop.

Question: What is the difference between SEARCH and SEARCH ALL? What is more
efficient?
Answer: SEARCH is a sequential search from the beginning of the table. SEARCH ALL is a
binary search, continually dividing the table in two halves until a match is found. SEARCH ALL
is more efficient for tables larger than 70 items.

Question: What are some examples of command terminators?

Answer: END-IF, END-EVALUATE

Question: What care has to be taken to force program to execute above 16 Meg line?
Answer: Make sure that link option is AMODE=31 and RMODE=ANY. Compile option should
never have SIZE(MAX).BUFSIZE can be 2K, efficient enough.

Question: Give some advantages of REDEFINES clause.

Answer: 1. You can REDEFINE a Variable from one PICTURE class to another PICTURE
class by using the same memory location.2. By REDEFINES we can INITIALISE the variable
in WORKING-STORAGE Section itself.3. We can REDEFINE a Single Variable into so many
sub variables.(This facility is very useful in solving Y2000 Problem.)

Question: Why do we code s9(4)comp. Inspite of knowing comp-3 will occupy less space.
Answer: Here s9(4)comp is small integer ,so two words equal to i byte so totally it will occupy 2
bytes(4 words).here in s9(4) comp-3 as one word is equal to 1/2 byte.4 words equal to 2 bytes and
sign will occupy 1/2 byte so totally it will occupy 3 bytes.

Question: The maximum number of dimensions that an array can have in COBOL-85 is
________.
Answer: SEVEN in COBOL - 85 and THREE in COBOL - 84
Question: What is the LINKAGE SECTION used for?
Answer: The linkage section is used to pass data from one program to another program or to
pass data from a PROC to a program.

Question: Describe the difference between subscripting and indexing

Answer: Indexing uses binary displacement. Subscripts use the value of the occurrence.

Topic: JCL.

Question: WRITE A JCL TO EXECUTE A JOB BY 7 A.M ON JAN 20,1986 ?

Answer: THE code IS : //*MAIN DEADLINE=(0700,B,012086)

Question: HOW MANY TYPES OF LIBRARIES ARE THERE IN JCL ?

Answer: LIBRARIES ARE OF THREE TYPES. 1.SYTEM LIBRARIES: SUCH AS
SYS1.LINKLIB 2.PRIVATE LIBRARIES: SPECIFIED IN A JOBLIB OR STEPLIB DD
STATEMENTS. 3.TEMPORARY LIBRARIES:CREATED IN A PREVIOUS STEP OF THE
JOB.

Question: WHAT U MEAN BY INCLUDE STATEMENT IN JCL ?

Answer: AN INCLUDE STATEMENT IDENTIFIES A MEMBER PF A PDS OR PDSE THAT
CONTAINS.THIS SET OF JCL STATEMENTS IS CALLED AN INCLUDE GROUP.THE
SYSTEM REPLACES THE INCLUDE STATEMENT WITH THE STATEMENTS IN THE
INCLUDE GROUP.

Question: THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF IN-STREAM PROCEDURE YOU CAN CODE IN

ANY JCL IS ?
Answer: 15.

Question: What you mean by skeleton JCl?

Answer: Jcl which changes during run time ie the values for the jcl such as pgm name ,dd name
will change .ie same jcl can be used for various job, equivalent to dynamic sql...

Question: How do you submit a JCL under CICS environment ?

Answer: Edit the JCL in Extra partition TDQ and submit the same using some system command
(not sure) under CICS subsystem. This is what i think, please clarify....

Question: what is jcl

Answer: it is interface between operating system(mvs) & application program. when 2 related
programs are combined together on control statements is called job control language

Question: What is the max blocksize for a Tape file?

Answer: It is 32,760.Based on that we can calculate effecient number of Records in a Block

Question: What are the basic JCL Statements for a Job?

Answer: 1.JOB : Idenfies a job and supplies accounting info 2.EXEC : Identifies a job step by
indicating the name of the program to be executed. 3.DD : Identifies a data set to be allocated
for the job step 4.Delimiter (/*): Marks the end of an in-stream dataset 5.Null(//):Marks the end
of a job 6.Comments(//*): Provides Comments 7.PROC : Marks the beginning of a procedure
8.PEND : Marks the end of a procedure 9.OUTPUT: Supplies options for SYSOUT processing.

Question: What does the statements: typrun=scan and typrun=hold do in a JCL statement
Answer: typrun=scan checks the JCL for errors, typrun=hold holds the job until further notice.

Question: Which of the following is Online transaction? CICS, DB2 and JCl
Answer: CICS

Question: How many PERFORM's are there in COBOL-II?

Answer: 5

Question: which is the most widely used batch performance monitor for DB2?
Answer: DB2PM

Question: What is QSAM error usually when it is occurs?

Answer: Usually it is occurs at the time of job submission.

Question: what is the purpose of include statement in a jcl?

Answer: It is used as an alternative for steplib.When we specify the dataset name in include ,it
will search in all the datasets specified in the include dataset.

Question: IS IT POSSIBLE TO KNOW THE REMAINING FREE SPACE IN AN CONTROL

INTERVAL/CONTROL AREA ONCE AN INSERTION HAS BEEN MADE.
Answer: NOT POSSIBLE

Question: what does soc04 error mean?

Answer: this error is faced when we execute the cobol program.the main reason for this error is
that a variable is defined with less characters and we are trying to move data which is larger
than the actual storage space.

Question: What is JCL

Answer: JCL is Job Control Language and is used for Batch processing. The startup procedures
of OS and standard products like CICS etc are written in JCL.

Question: In which table PLAN is registered in ?

Answer: RCT

Question: GDG?
Answer: GDG - group of dataset that are logically or chronologically related, referred by name
and a relative generation number - an integer which identifies the generation of a dataset and is
coded in parentheses after dataset name. Absolute GDG name - GxxxxVyy, where
xxxx-absolute gen.number, yy-version number. Can be sequential, direct, partitioned. (VSAM -
no). Must always be cataloged. Advantage - all datasets have the same name and system keeps
track of adding new and retaining previous generations and deleting oldest successive
generation. To create a GDG we create a GDG index in the system catalog with IDCAMS
utility and then a model (prototype, DSCB) on the same volume to supply DCB information.
Empty - when limit is reached all members are removed from the index, otherwise-only oldest.
Scratch-removed members are uncataloged & deleted, otherwise - removed & uncataloged, but
remain in the system (not members of GDG any more). GDG number is updated at the end of
the job. If number is not specified all generations will be processed from the beginning

Question: what is jcl

Answer: it is used to commmunicate between the terminals.

Question: what do you mean By spooling? Expand SPOOL?

Answer: This is managed by JES.This is used for Queuing the Outputs that are intended for
Printing and are first stored in SPOOLDASD. This can be managed Using

Question: How many Instream-Procedures(procs) can be Coded in a single Job?

Answer: The Answer is: 15
Question: FOR HOW LONG A JOB CAN BE EXECUTED CONTINUEOUSLY IN A
MAINFRAME
Answer: 248 DAYS

Question: How may divisions are there in JCL-COBOL?

Answer: SIX

Question: MAX. NO OF DD STATEMENTS IN A JOB

Answer: 3273

Question: HOW MUCH SPACE OS ALLOCATES WHEN YOU CREATE A PS OR PDS?

Answer: 56 KB

Question: MIN NO OF DATASET NAMES(PDS) IN ONE DIRECTORY BLOCK?

Answer: SIX

Question: THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STEPS IN A JOB?

Answer: 255

Question: How much is memory space involved, when we code BLOCKSIZE,TRK & CYL
Answer: One block constitutes 32KB of formatted memory/ 42KB of Unformatted memory,6
blocks makes one Track & 15 Tracks makes one cylinder.

Question: Corrections in the answers.

Answer: I think the answer for the question by Kyati on march 19/1998 about Maximum number
of extents in secondary allocation is 16 & not one.I think there is a missing Diposition parameter
for the question by Anon on march 11\1998-- Please add PASS.

Question: What is DSNDB06 ?

Answer: This is the Place where DB2 Catalog resides

Question: What is the use of DSNDB07 ?

Answer: This is the area where sorting takes place in DB2

Question: What is the purpose of Identification Division?

Answer: Documentation.

Question: WHAT IS DATACOM DB?

Answer: IT IS A DATABASE USED WITH VSE.

Question: What is a Dummy Utility and what it does ?

Answer: IEFBR14 is a Dummy utility and it is used for the sakeof EXEC PGM= .... statment in
JCL[when used it wouldn't perform any task]. e.g. While Allocating a datasetyou don't have to
run any utility [this could be done by giving disp=new inDD statment]. But for a PGM name
must be given in EXEC statment, it is used.

Question: What 3 guidelines do we have to follow when concatenating DD statements?

Answer: 1. Datasets must be of the same type (disk or tape)2. All datasets must have the same
logical record length 3 The dataset with the largest blocksize must be listed first.

Question: On the DD statement, what is the main difference between creating a new sequential
flat file and a partitioned dataset?
Answer: SPACE=(n,m) for a sequential file, SPACE=(n,m,p) for a PDS where n, m, and p are
numbers. The p designates how many directory blocks to allocate.
 Question: What is the difference between IEBGENER, IEBCOPY and REPRO in IDCAMS
utlity?
Answer: IEBGENER -- This is a dataset utility for copying sequential datasets which produces a
PDS or a member from a sequntial dataset.IEBCOPY -- This is a dataset utility for copying one
PDS to another or to merge PDSs.REPRO -- This is for copying sequential datasets. More or
less same as the IEBGENER.RAVI

Question: How do you submit JCL via a Cobol program?

Answer: Use a file //dd1 DD sysout=(*,intrdr)write your JCL to this file. Pl some on try this out.

Question: How to execute a set of JCL statements from a COBOL program

Answer: Using EXEC CICS SPOOL WRITE(var-name) END-EXEC command.var-name is a
COBOL host structure containing JCL statements.

Question: What is the difference betebeen static call & Dynamic call
Answer: In the case of Static call, the called program is a stand alog program, it is an executable
program . During run time we can call it in our called program. As about Dynamic call , the called
program is not an executable program it can executed thru the called program

Question: What is the difference between catalouge procedure and In-Stream procedure?
Answer: In Stream procedures are set of JCL statements written between JOB and EXEC
statements, start with PROC and end with PEND statement.Mainly used to test cataloge
procedures. Cataloged procedure is cataloged on the procedure library and is called by
specifying the procedure name on the EXEC statement.

.
Question: What do you feel makes a good program?
Answer: a program that follows a top down approach. It is also one that other programmers or
users can follow logically and is easy to read and understand.

Question: can we browse or edit the GDG dataset if it is a tape entry?

Answer: No ,

Question: What are the maximum and minimum sizes of any CONTROL AREA (VSAM
datasets) ?
Answer: Minimum Size : 1 trackMaximum size : 1 cylinder

Question: HOW TO GET CURSOR POSITION FROM SYSTEM IN CICS ENVIRONMENT

?
Answer: GET IT FROM EIBCURPOS !

Question: How many parameters are there to a DISP statement and what are thier uses.
Answer: There are three(3) parameters. Parameter 1: current data set disposition(new, shr, old,
mod) Parameter 2: normal close action for data set (catlg, keep, delete) Parameter 3:abend
action for data set (catlg, keep, delete).

Question: What is the error code SOC01 indicate ?

Answer: Operation exception error For eg a dataset open error

Question: WHAT IS COMM?

Answer: COMM - HALF WORD BINARY

Question: What is a procedure?

Answer: A set of precoded JCL that can be modified through the use of parameters or override
cards. Note: Procedures can be catalogued or instream.
Question: What is the difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?
Answer: OLD specifies exclusive use of a dataset, SHR allows multiple jobs to concurrently
access the dataset Note: When updating a dataset, you would normally use OLD.

Question: What are the three basic types of statements in a jobstream?

Answer: JOB(one per jobstream)EXEC(one or more per job)DD(one or more per jobstep)

Question: What does SYSIN * indicate?

Answer: Instream data follows this card and is terminated when followed by a card containing //
or /* in columns 1 and 2.

Question: What are three major types of JCL statements? What are their functions?
Answer: JOB, EXEC, DD. JOB - indicates start of jobstream to the operating system and
through parms coded on it, certain details about the job (time, region, message level, job
accounting data). EXEC - indicates the start of execution of a particular job step, be that step a
program or a proc.DD - is a data definition, which is used to describe the attributes of a data set
(name, unit, type, space, disposition).

TOPIC: CICS
Question: The error code aeiv?
Answer: this is the error code for length,if length of the source data is more than the receiving
field,this error will occur. this is the correct answer,previously i mentioned it as program id
error.sorry for the wrong information.

Question: WHAT U MEAN BY AEIV ?

Answer: THIS IS THE ERROR CODE GIVEN BY THE SYSTEM ,IT MEANS PROGRAM
ID ERROR.

Question: WHAT IS THE SIZE OF COMMAREA

Answer: THE DEFAULT COMMAREA SIZE IS 65K.

Question: What is ASRAABEND in CICS?

Answer: It occurs when program interuption takes place. e.g.: when alphanumeric string moved
to numeric data item OR when arithmetic calculations performed on nonnumeric data item OR
when an attempt made to read an occurance of a table beyond the defind occurances. ISN'T IT?

Question: Very important question: What is a two Phase commit in CICS?

Answer: This occurs when a programmer Issues a Exec CICS Syncpoint command. this is called
two phase because CICS will first commit changes to the resources under its control like VSAM
files. and the DB2 changes are committed. Usually CICS signals Db2 to complete the next phase
and release all the locks.

Question: Answer to ANON's question, diference between TSQ & TDQ

Answer: TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not. TSQ can be created dynamically, TDQ cannot be
created dynamically. TSQ is temporary in nature (i:e it will be deleted when the program finishes
execution, unless it is made permanent by making a entry in the Temporary Storage Table),
TDQ is not. Hope this will suffice

Question: What is ENQ in CICS?

Answer: If any one want to restrict Trans-Id to single user, enter trans-id with ENQ. It won't
allow any one else to use the same trans-id.

Question: In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning after moving -1 to the length field also the cursor
is not positioned in that particular field.Give reasons?
Answer: You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your EXEC CICS and
END-EXEC in the program.

Question: What does EIB mean?

Answer: The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK. It is not the EXECUTE
INTERFACE BLOCK. All TP monitors or transaction processors are know as EXECUTIVEs as
they carry out process on behalf of a program module. CICS and DB2 are excutives.

Question: How many exceptional condition can be given in a HANDLE CONDITION?

Answer: Max. of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single HANDLE CONDITION.

Question: I just wanted to add something to the answer given byBrian on June 25, 1998
Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ? Answer:
READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a restriction.U can deletethe
records sequentially.. For example if one want to delete 10 th record directly it is not possible
with this..
Answer: Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a
restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one want to delete 10 th record
directly it is not possible with this..

Question: I just wanted to add something to the answer given byBrian on June 25, 1998
Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ? Answer:
READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a restriction.U can deletethe
records sequentially.. For example if one want to delete 10 th record directly it is not possible
with this..
Answer: Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a
restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one want to delete 10 th record
directly it is not possible with this..

Question: How do you access the records randomly in TSQ?

Answer: By specifying the ITEM option

Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ?
Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive.

Question: WHAT ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF INITIATING TRANSACTION IN CICS

Answer: WE CAN INITIATE CICS TRANSACTIONa) BY GIVING TRANSACTION IDb) BY
GIVING CICS START COMMANDC) AUTOMATIC TASK INITIATION.

Question: What is the difference between LINK and XCTL ?

Answer: The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the resources requested
by the first program may still be allocated. A task does not end until a RETURN statement is
executed. While in LINK command, program control resumes its instruction following the LINK
parameter. The disadvantage of LINK is that it requires that both the calling program and the
called program remain in main memory even though both are no longer needed.

Question: What is the difference between CICS Program Control Table (PCT) and CICS
Processing Program Table (PPT) ?
Answer: PCT contains a list of valid transaction ID. Each transaction ID is paired with the name
of the program ,CICS will load and execute when the transaction is invoked. On the other hand,
PPT indicates each program's location which pertains to a storage address if the program has
already been loaded or a disk location if the program hasn't been loaded. PPT will also be used
to determine whether it will load a new copy of the program when the transaction is invoked.

Question: What are the 3 common ways to create maps?

Answer: The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching symbolic map in your
COBOL program. The second way to create a physical map along with a matching symbolic map
is to code only the physical map using the &SYSPARM option, CICS will automatically create a
member in a COPY library. And the third way is to use a map generator such as SDF (Screen
Definition Facility)

Question: What is Quasi-reentrancy?

Answer: There are times when many users are concurrently using the same program, this is
what we call MultiThreading. For example, 50 users are using program A, CICS will provide 50
Working storage for that program but one Procedure Division. And this technique is known as
quasi-reentrancy

Question: What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset and a logical BMS mapset?
Answer: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to the screen at execution
time. The symbolic map is the actual copybook member used in the program to reference the
input and output fields on the screen.

Question: WHAT DO YOU USE TO PASS DATA FROM ONE PROGRAM TO ANOTHER?
Answer: DFHCOMMAREA,TEMPORARY STORAGE, TRANSIENT DATA, TCTUA, TWA,
CWA, VSAM FILES

Question: How To Set MDT(Modified Data Tag) Thru Application Program?(Dynamically).

Answer: You have to move the following macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute field of that
particular Variable.

Question: What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the transactions?
Answer: COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.

Question: How would you release control of the record in a READ for UPDATE?
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE,DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending the task.

Question: How would you release control of the record in a READ for UPDATE?
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE,DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending the task.

Question: What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID and XCTL ?For example
prog. A is issuing REUTRN with TRANSID to prog B. Prog A. is issuing XCTL to prog B.
Answer: In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region and the user have to
transfer the control to prog. B by pressing any of the AID KEYS.In XCTL the control is directly
transfer to prog. B.

Question: What is the maximum number of exceptions that can be specified with a single
HANDLE CONDITION command in CICS ?
Answer: SIXTEEN (16)

Question: WHAT WILL BE THE LENGTH OF THE EIBCALEN ,IF THE TRANSACTION IS
USED TO CICS FIRST TIME?
Answer: THE LENGTH WILL BE 0(ZERO).

Question: WHAT IS DFHEIBLK?

Answer: DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage section
automatically by CICS translator program. It must be the first entry in linkage section. CICS
places values prior to giving control to the program and we can find almost any information
about our transaction.

Question: What is the difference between the XCTL and LINK commands?
Answer: The LINK command anticipates return of control to the calling program, theXCTL
command does not. Return to the calling program will be the result of the CICS RETURN
command, specifying TRANSID(name of the calling program).

Question: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS sequentially in ascending
order?
Answer: First issue a STARTBR(start browse), which will position the browse at the desired
record. Retrieve records by using subsequent READNEXT commands. Indicate the end of
sequential processing with the ENDBR command. If the generic key is specified in the
STARTBR command positioning in the file will be before the first record satisfying the generic
key.For reading in descending order use the READPREV instead ofREADNEXT.

Question: What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and conversational?

Answer: Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By coding a CICS RETURN
command specifying TRANSID(itself). Conversational will have an active task during the
duration of the data entry.

Question: What is the COMMAREA (communications area)?

Answer: An area used to transfer data between different programs or between subsequent
executions of the same program. Needs to be defined in the Linkage Section.

TOPIC: DB2
Question: How many Bufferpools are there in DB2 and what are they?
Answer: There are 4 Bufferpools.They are BP0,BP1,BP2 and BP32.

Question: What is the command used by TSO users to invoke DB2?

Answer: DSN RUN

Question: what is the error code -803 ?

Answer: unique index violation

Question: How do you install DB2

Answer: Install DB2 according to the procedure fo the manual

Question: how do you filter out the rows retrieved from a Db2 table ?
Answer: one way is to use The Sql WHERE clause.

Question: what is a collection?

Answer: A collection is something that every programmer should assign/Specify for every
package. this about 1-18 characters long.

Question: What is Skeleton cursor table (SKCT)?

Answer: The Executable form of a Plan. This is stored in sysibm.sct02 table.

Question: what's the equivalent Cobol Data type for Decimal(x,y) in DB2? what does the current
SQLID register contain?
Answer: Pic s9(x-y)V9(Y) Comp-3; the current SQLID contains the current authorization ID.

Question: Can we declare DB2 HOST variable in COBOL COPY book?

Answer: NO. If we declare DB2 host variable in COBOL COPY book, at the time of
Pre-compilation we get the host variable not defined, because pre-compiler will not expand
COBOL COPY book. So we declare it either in DCLGEN with EXEC SQL INCLUDE
Dclgenname END-EXEC or we directly hardcode it in the working storage section.
Question: What should be specified along with a cursor in order to continue updating process
after commit?
Answer: With Hold option.

Question: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE DEFAULT db2 CATALOG DATABASE?

Answer: DSNDB06

Question: When Can you be sure that a query will return only one row?
Answer: When you use the primary key and only the primary key in the where clause.

Question: what is the difference between join and union?

Answer: join is used to retrive data from different tables using a single sql statement.union is
used to combine the results of two or more sql querries.

Question: What is a corelated subquerry?

Answer: In a subquerry, if the outer querry reffers back to the outcome of innerquerry it is
called corelated subquerry. That's why the outer querry is evaluated first unlike an ordinary
subquerry

Question: What are the functions of Bind?

Answer: BIND mainly performs two things syntax checking and authorization checking.It binds
together all packages into an application plan hence the name BIND.Apart from this bind has
optimiser as a subcomponent.Its function is to determine the optimum access strategy.

Question: MAX. NO OF ROWS PER PAGE

Answer: 127

Question: The only place of VSAM KSDS in DB2 is?

Answer: BSDS is a VSAM KSDS.

Question: CAN ALL USERS HAVE THE PRIVILAGE TO USE THE SQL STATEMENT
SELECT * (DML)?
Answer: NO THE USER SHOULD BE GRANTED PRIVILAGE TO USE IT.

Question: What is the size of a data page?

Answer: 4K to 8K

Question: what's the best locksize that you could use when you create a tablespace?
Answer: The answer is Locksize = ANY.Unless you are Sure what's the Purpose of tablespace
ie.,Read-only or R/W.If you use lock size =any, Db2 would automatically determine what type of
locks it should use.

Question: what's the error code for Unique Index Voilation:

Answer: -803

Question: what's the percentage free space for

Answer: ZERO

Question: Can you define an Index if the table size less than 10 PAGES?
Answer: the Answer is : NO

Question: What's the Maximum Length of SQLCA and what's the content of SQLCABC?
Answer: The Max length is 136. and the SQLCABC has the Value of SQLCA.
Question: Can you define an Index if the table size less than 10 PAGES?
Answer: The answer is

Question: what's the percentage free space for

Answer: The answer is ZERO.

Question: What's the maximum number of volumes that can be added to a STOGROUP?
Answer: The answer is 133.Usually it will be difficult monitor more than 3 or 4 volumes to a
Stogroup.

Question: What's the maximum number of characters that a tablename can have?
Answer: The answer is 18 characters.

Question: What is the meaning of -805 sql return code?

Answer: Program name not in plan. Bind the plan and include the DBRM for the program named
as part of the plan.

Question: when does the sql statement gets executed when you use cursor in the application
programming ?
Answer: sql statement gets executed when we open cursor

Question: What does CURRENTDATA option in bind indicate

Answer: CURRENTDATA option ensures block fetch while selecting rows from a table. In
DB2V4 the default has been changed to NO. Therefore it is necessary to change all the bind
cards with CURRENTDATA(YES) which is default in DB2V3 & earlier to
CURRENTDATA(NO).

Question: What is the difference between TYPE 1 index & TYPE 2 index
Answer: TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 are specified when an index is created on the table. TYPE 2 index is
the option which comes with DB2V4. With TYPE 2 index data can be retreived faster as only the
data pages are locked and not the index pages. Hence TYPE 2 index is recommended.

Question: What are the levels of isolation available with DB2V4

Answer: CS RR UR( added new for DB2V4 which stands for uncommited read which allows to
retreive records from the space which has exclusive locks also but data integrity will be affected
if this option is used )The best available option for data integrity & data concurrency is CS.

Question: How do you achieve record locking in DB2 in the versions which donot support record
level locking?
Answer: Y'day I had posted this que. The answer shud hv read as follows:By having the record
length more than half of the page size !Sorry again& Thanx

Question: How do u achieve record level locking in DB2 versions when record level locking is
not allowed?
Answer: By having the length of the record greater than that of a page!

Question: In a DB2-CICS program which is acts as co-ordinator and which is participant?

Answer: DB2 - participant CICS- coordinator

Question: What does DML stand for and what are some examples of it?
Answer: Data Manipulation Language. Some examples are SELECT, INSERT, DELETE,
REPLACE.

Question: How to define the dataitems to receive the fetch items for the SQL?
Answer: Using the DSECT, followed by lines of - 'dataitems DS datatype'.
Question: Re:How will you delete duplicate records from a table?
Answer: Delete From Table1Where Id In (Select Id From Tabel1 As Temp Group By Id Having
Count(*) >1)

Question: What is the difference between Where and Having Clause

Answer: WHERE is for Rows and HAVING is for Groups

Question: How to see the structure of db2 table??

Answer: Using QMF.

Question: How do you declare a host variable (in COBOL) for an attribute named EMP-NAME
of type VARCHAR(25) ?
Answer: 01 EMP-GRP. 49 E-LEN PIC S9(4) COMP. 49 E-NAME PIC X(25).

Question: What is the maximum number of tables that can be stored on a Partitioned Table
Space ?
Answer: ONE

Question: Name the different types of Table spaces.

Answer: 1. Simple Table Space2. Segmented Table Space and3. Partitioned Table Space

Question: what are the max. & min. no. of partitions allowed in a partition tablespace?
Answer: minimum is 4.maximum is 64.

Question: what is the maximum number of tables that can be joined ?

Answer: fifteen

Question: What technique is used to retrieve data from more than one table in a single SQL
statement?
Answer: The Join statement combines data from more that two tables

Question: What is a foreign key?

Answer: It identifies a releated row in another table and establishes a logical relationship
between rows in two tables.

Question: Explain the use of the WHERE clause.

Answer: It directs DB2 to extract data from rows where the value of the column is the same as
the current value of the host variable.

TOPIC: VSAM
Question: What is an alternet index and path ?
Answer: An alternet index is an another way of accessing key sequenced data record stored in a
base cluster and path is the linkage which connect alternet index to its base cluster.

Question: How many buffers are alloted to VSAM KSDS and ESDS?
Answer: Ans:2 data buffers by default for ESDS.for KSDS it allots 2 data buffers and 1 index
buffers. each buffer is about 4k.

Question: what's the biggest disadvantage of using a VSAM dataset?

Answer: FREE SPACE(FPSC)
Question: what's the device independent method to indicate where a Record is Stored?
Answer: The answer is : By USING RBA(Relative Byte Address).

Question: Q: HOW MANY TIMES SECONDARY SPACE ALLOCATED?

Answer: A: 122 TIMES

Question: what is the RRN for the first record in RRDS?

Answer: The answer is : 1

Question: what is a Base Cluser?

Answer: The Index and data components of a KSDS

Question: If fspc(100 100) is specified does it mean that both the control interval and control
area will be left empty because 100 % of both ci and ca are specified to be empty?
Answer: no,they would not be left empty.one record will be written in each ci and 1 ci will be
written for each ca.

MVS
Question: what are the major component of mvs?
Answer: 1.JOB MANAGEMENT,2.TASK MANAGEMENT,3.DATA MANAGEMENT
4.STORAGE MANAGEMENT,5.RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,6.RECOVERY
TERMINATION MANAGEMENT,7.SYSTEM APPLICATION ARCHITECTURE.

Topic: PL/1
Question: What are the reserved words in PL/1?
Answer: There are no reserved words in PL/1. IF IF=3 THEN DO=6; It is a perfectly valid
statement. Only in 48character set PL/1 there are reserved words.

Topic: MVS
Question: I ask this question Every one that i interview.What do you mean by a ADDRESS
SPACE?
Answer: A address Space is the amount of Virtual Storage Seen by the Job. 2 GB for MVS/XA
and MVS/ESA.TSO for On-Line Users.batch Jobs execute in an Intiator Address Space

Topic: TSO/ISPF
Question: What are the maximum number of extents that are allowed in secondary space
allocation?
Answer: Only once

Topic: TSO/ISPF
Question: What is the directory block size in option 3.2?
Answer: It deceides how many members you want to have under one pds. One directory block
can contain 5 members