5/17/22, 9:12 PM 100+ Informatica Interview Questions and Answers [Basic, Advanced, Scenario-Based]

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While interviewing for data warehousing jobs, you may be asked

questions about Informatica concepts as well as Informatica-based
scenarios. Here are the most commonly-asked Informatica interview
questions and answers that will help you ace your upcoming
interview. These Informatica interview questions for freshers and
experienced are suitable for professionals at any level. For your
convenience, we have divided this list of 100+ Informatica questions
into 3 sections:

Basic Informatica Interview Questions

Advanced Informatica Interview Questions
Informatica Scenario Based Interview Questions

Basic Informatica Interview Questions

Q1. Differentiate between a database, a

data warehouse, and a data mart?
Ans. The database includes a set of sensibly affiliated data, which is
usually small in size as compared to a data warehouse. In contrast,
in a data warehouse, there are assortments of all sorts of data from

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where data is taken out only according to the customer’s needs.

Datamart is also a set of data that is designed to cater to the needs
of different domains.

Q2. Explain Informatica PowerCenter. 

Ans. This is one of the commonly asked Informatica interview
questions. Informatica PowerCenter is a GUI based ETL (Extract,
Transform, Load) tool. This data integration tool extracts data from
different OLTP source systems, transforms it into a homogeneous
format and loads the data throughout the enterprise at any speed. It
is known for its wide range of applications.

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Courses Courses

Q3. Explain the difference between

Informatica 7.0 and 8.0?
Ans. The main difference between Informatica 8.0 and Informatica
7.0 is that in the 8.0 series Informatica corp has introduced the
power exchange concept.

Q4. How will you filter rows in

Informatica?
Ans. In Informatica, rows can be filtered in two ways:

Source Qualifier Transformation: Rows are filtered while reading

data from a relational data source.
Filter Transformation: Rows are filtered within a mapped data
from any source.

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Q5. What is a Sorter Transformation?

Ans. Sorter transformation is used to sort the data in an ascending
or descending order based on single or multiple keys. It sorts
collections of data by port or ports.

Q6. What is Expression Transformation?

Ans. An expression transformation is a collective Powercenter
mapping transformation. It is a connected, passive transformation
that calculates values on a single row and can also be used to test
conditional statements before passing the data to other
transformations.

Q7. What is Joiner Transformation?

Ans. The joiner transformation is an active and connected
transformation that helps to create joins in Informatica. It is used to
join two heterogeneous sources.

Check out the best Tableau Courses

Q8. What is a Decode in Informatica?

Ans. In Informatica, we use the application of traditional CASE or IF
which is possible by the decode in Informatica. A decode in
Informatica is a function used within an Expression Transformation.

Q9. What is a Router Transformation?

Ans. The Router Transformation allows users to split a single
pipeline of data into multiple. It is an active and connected
transformation that is similar to filter transformation.

Q10. What is a Rank Transformation?

Ans. The Rank Transformation is an active and connected
transformation that is used to sort and rank the top or bottom set of
records based on a specific port. It filters data based on groups and
ranks. The rank transformation has an output port by which it
assigns a rank to the rows.

Q11. What is Filter Transformation?

Ans. Filter transformation is used to filter the records based on the
filter condition. It is an active transformation as it changes the no of
records.

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Q12. What is a Sequence Generator

Transformation?
Ans. Sequence Generator Transformation is used to generate
primary fundamental values or a range of sequence numbers for
calculations or processing. It is passive and connected.

Also Read>> Top Online IT Courses for IT Professionals 

Q13. What is a Master Outer Join?

Ans. A master outer join is a specific join typesetting within a joiner
transformation. In a master outer join, all records from the detail
source are returned by the join and only matching rows from the
master source are returned.

Q14. What are some examples of

Informatica ETL programs?
Ans. Some examples of Informatica ETL programs are:

Mappings
Workflows
Tasks

Q15. What is a dimensional table? What

are the different dimensions?
Ans. This is one of the most important Informatica interview
questions. A Dimension table is a table in a star schema of a data
warehouse. Dimension tables are used to describe dimensions.
They contain attributes that describe fact records in the table.

For example, a product dimension could contain the name of

products, their description, unit price, weight, and other attributes as
applicable. 

The different types of dimension tables are: 

1. SCD (Slowly Changing Dimension):

The dimension attributes tend to change slowly with time rather

than changing in a regular interval of time. 

2. Conformed Dimension:

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Conformed dimensions are those which are exactly the same with
every possible fact table to which they are joined. It is used to
maintain consistency. 

This dimension is shared among multiple subject areas or data

marts. The same can be used in different projects without any
modifications.

3. Junk Dimension:

A junk dimension is a collection of attributes of low cardinality. It

contains different transactional code flags or text attributes that are
unrelated to any other attribute. A junk dimension is a structure that
provides a convenient place to store the junk attributes.

4. Degenerated Dimension:

It is derived from the fact table and does not have its own
dimension table. The attributes are stored in the fact table and not
as a separate dimension table. 

5. Role-playing dimension:

Role-playing dimensions are the dimensions used for multiple

purposes within the same database

Q16. What is star schema?

Ans. It is the simplest form of data warehouse schema that consists
of one or more dimensions and fact tables. It is used to develop data
warehouses and dimensional data marts.

Q17. Describe snowflake schema.

Ans. A snowflake schema is a fact table that is connected to several
dimensional tables such that the entity-relationship diagram
resembles a snowflake shape. It is an extension of a Star Schema
and adds additional dimensions. The dimension tables are
normalized which splits data into additional tables.

Now, let’s take a look at some more Informatica Interview questions

and answers.

Q18. What is a Mapplet?

Ans. A Mapplet is a reusable object containing a set of
transformations that can be used to create reusable mappings in
Informatica.

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Q19. What is a natural primary key?

Ans. A natural primary key uniquely identifies each record within a
table and relates records to additional data stored in other tables.

Q20. What is a surrogate key?

Ans. A surrogate key is a sequentially generated unique number
attached with each record in a Dimension table. It is used in
substitution for the natural primary key.

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Q21. What is the difference between a

repository server and a powerhouse?
Ans. A repository server controls the complete repository, which
includes tables, charts, and various procedures, etc

A powerhouse server governs the implementation of various

processes among the factors of the server’s database repository.

Q22. How many repositories can be

created in Informatica?
Ans. We can create as many repositories in Informatica as required.

Q23. Describe Data Concatenation.

Ans. Data concatenation is the process of bringing different pieces
of the record together.

Q24. How can one identify whether the

mapping is correct or not without
connecting the session?
Ans. With the help of debugging options.

Also Read>> Top Data Analyst Interview Questions and Answers 

Q25. Name the designer tools for

creating transformations?
Ans. Mapping designer, transformation developer, and mapplet
designer are used for creating transformations.

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Q26. Differentiate between sessions and

batches?
Ans. A session is a set of commands for the server to move data to
the target, while a batch is a set of tasks that can include one or
more tasks.

Q27.  What is Enterprise Data

Warehousing?
Ans. Enterprise data warehousing is a process of creating a
centralized repository of operational data so that it can be used as
per the reporting and analytics requirements. It has a single point of
access, and the data is provided to the server via an only source
store.

Q28.  What are the different names of the

Data Warehouse System?
Ans. The Data Warehouse System has the following names –

Analytic Application
Business Intelligence Solution
Data Warehouse
Decision Support System (DSS)
Executive Information System
Management Information System

Explore popular Data Analysis Courses

Q29.  Name different available editions of

INFORMATICA PowerCenter.
Ans. Different editions of INFORMATICA PowerCenter are –

Standard Edition
Advanced Edition
Premium Edition

Q30. How to delete duplicate rows from

flat files?
Ans. To delete duplicate rows from flat files, we can use the sorter
transformation and select the distinct option.

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Q31. What is the difference between

Joiner and Lookup transformations?
Ans. The differences between Joiner and Lookup transformations
are:

Joiner Lookup

Joiner is an Active transformation. It is a Passive

transformation.

It is used to join data from different Lookup transformation is

sources. used to get related values
from another table. It also
helps in checking for
updates in the target
table.

It is not possible to do SQL query It is possible to override

override. the query by writing a
customized SQL query.

Only the ‘=’ operator is used. All operators, such as = , <

, > , <= . >= are available.

It supports Normal, Master, Detail, By default, it supports left

and Full Outer join. outer join.

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Now, let’s check out some advanced-level Informatica Interview

questions and answers.

Advanced Informatica Interview
Questions 

Q32. What is the difference between

static cache and dynamic cache?
Ans. In the static cache, the data will remain the same for the entire
session, whereas in the dynamic cache, whenever a row is inserted,
the cache will also be updated.

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Q33. What is the command used to run a

batch?
Ans. To run a batch in Informatica, we use the pmcmd command.

Q34. What are the differences between

the ROUTER and FILTER?
Ans. Differences between the Router and Filter are:

Router Filter

Captures data rows that don’t Tests data for one condition and
meet the conditions to a drops the data rows that don’t
default output group meet the condition

Single input and multi-output Single input and single output

group transformation group transformation

User can specify multiple User can only one filter condition
filter conditions

It does not block input rows Chances that records can get
and failed records blocked

Acts like IIF() function in Works as SQL WHERE clause

Informatica or CASE

Q35. What is a Domain?

Ans. A Domain comprises nodes and services and serves as the
fundamental administrative unit in the Informatica tool. It
categorizes all related relationships and nodes into folders and sub-
folders depending upon the administration requirement.

Explore Top Data Analytics Courses from Coursera, Edx, WileyNXT,

and Jigsaw

Q36. Why should we partition a Session?

Ans. Partition not only helps in optimizing a Session but also helps in
loading a colossal volume of data and improves the server’s
operation and efficiency.

Q37. What is Complex Mapping?

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Ans. Complex Mapping is a mapping with huge requirements based

on many dependencies. It doesn’t necessarily need to have hundreds
of 100 transformations, it can be a complex map even with five odd
transformations. In case the requirement has many business
restrictions and constraints, it is complex mapping.

Q38. What are the features of Complex

Mapping?
Ans. The features of Complex Mapping are –

Complicated and huge requirements

Complex business logic
Multiple transformations

Q39. What is a Lookup Transformation?

Ans. Lookup Transformations are passive transformations with
admission rights to RDBMS-based data sets. It is used to look up a
source, source qualifier, or target to get the relevant data.

Q40. What are different Lookup

Caches(s)?
Ans. Lookups can be cached or uncached and can be divided as –

Static cache
Dynamic cache
Persistent cache
Shared cache
Recache

Q41. What are Mapplets?

Ans. Mapplets are a reusable object that can be created in the
Mapplet Designer and has a set of transformations that allow the
reuse of transformation logic in multiple mappings.

Q42. What is the use of the Source

Qualifier?
Ans. Source Qualifiers represent rows using the PowerCenter server
that the integrations service reads during a session. The source
qualifier transformation converts the source data types to the
Informatica native data types, hence eliminating the need to alter the
data types of the ports in the source qualifier transformation.
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Q43. Define Workflow.

Ans. Workflow is a set of multiple tasks that enable a server to
communicate and get the tasks implemented. These tasks are
connected with the start task link and trigger the required sequence
to start a process.

Check out the top SQL Interview Questions and Answers

Q44. How many tools are there in the

Workflow Manager? 
Ans. There are three types of tools in the Workflow Manager –

Task Developer – To create tasks that need to be run in the

workflow.
Workflow Designer – To create a workflow by connecting tasks
with links.
Worklet Designer – To create a worklet

Q45. What is a Target Load Order?

Ans. Also known as Target Load Plan, a Target Load Order specifies
the order of target loading by integration service. It is dependent on
the source qualifiers in a mapping.

Q46. What is the Command Task?

Ans. A Command Task is used to run the shell/UNIX commands in
Windows during the workflow. It allows a user to specify UNIX
commands in the command task to remove rejected files, create
files, copy files, rename files, and archive files, among others.

Q47. What is a Standalone Command

Task?
Ans. Standalone Command Task allows the shell commands to run
anywhere during the workflow.

Q48. What is the PowerCenter

Repository?
Ans. A PowerCenter Repository is a relational database like Oracle
and SQL server. It consists of the following Metadata –

Mapping

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ODBC Connection
Session and session logs
Source Definition
Target Definition
Workflow

Q49. What is the Snowflake Schema?

What is its advantage?
Ans. Snowflake Schema is a logical arrangement where dimension
tables are normalized in a multidimensional database. It is designed
in a manner that looks like a snowflake, thus the name. It contributes
to improving the Select Query performance.

Q50. What are the Different Components

of PowerCenter?
Ans. This is an important Informatica interview question for
experienced candidates. A PowerCenter has eight crucial
components –

PowerCenter Service
PowerCenter Clients
PowerCenter Repository
PowerCenter Domain
Repository Service
Integration Service
PowerCenter Administration Console
Web Service Hub

Q51. What does the PowerCenter Client

application consist of?
Ans. PowerCenter Client application is comprised of the following
tools:

Designer
Mapping Architect for Visio
Repository Manager
Workflow Manager
Workflow Monitor

Q52. How will you define the Tracing

Level?
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Ans. Tracing Level refers to the amount of information that the

server writes in the session log. Tracing Level is created and
configured either at –

The transformation level

The session-level
Else at both the levels

Different types of Tracing Level are –

None
Terse
Verbose Initialization
Verbose Data

Q53. What is a Surrogate Key?

Ans. A Surrogate Key is any column or set of columns attached to
every record in a Dimension table in a Data Warehouse. It is used as
a substitute or replacement for the primary key when the update
process becomes difficult for a future requirement.

Also Read>> Top Data Warehouse Interview Questions and Answers

Q54. What is a Session?

Ans. A session in Informatica is a set of instructions to be followed
when data is being transferred from source to target using Session
Command. A Session Command can be a pre-session command or
a post-session command.

Q55. What is a User-Defined Event?

Ans. A User-Defined Event is a flow of tasks in a workflow. It allows
users to create and name an event.

Q56. Explain the difference between

partitioning of file targets and
partitioning of the relational target?
Ans. Partitions can be accomplished on both relational and flat files.
Informatica holds up the following partitions:

Database partitioning
RoundRobin
Pass-through
Hash-Key partitioning
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Key Range partitioning

Q57. Mention what are the unsupported

repository objects for a mapplet?
Ans. The following are the unsupported repository objects for a
mapplet:

COBOL source definition

Normalizer transformations
Pre or post-session stored procedures
Target definitions
Non-reusable sequence generator transformations
Joiner transformations
IBM MQ source definitions.
Power mart 3.5 styles Look Up functions
XML source definitions

Q58.  Explain what are direct and indirect

loading options in sessions?
Ans. The following are the differences between direct and indirect
loading options in sessions:

Direct loading is used for Single transformation, whereas indirect

transformation can be used for multiple transformations or files.
In this direction, we can perform the recovery process, but in
Indirect, we can’t do it.

Q59. What is the difference between

static and dynamic cache? Explain with
one example.
Ans. The difference between static and dynamic cache are:

Static – Once the data is cached, it will not change, example

unconnected lookup uses static cache.

Dynamic – The cache is updated to reflect the update in the table (or
source) for which it is referring to. (ex. connected lookup).

Q60. Is it possible to start Batches within

a batch?

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Ans. It is not possible to start a batch within a batch if you want to

start a batch that resides in a batch, create a new independent batch
and copy the necessary sessions into the new batch.

Q61. What is the procedure to import

VSAM files from source to target? Do I
need a special plugin?
Ans. As far as I know, by using the power exchange tool to convert
VSAM files to oracle tables then do mapping as usual to the target
table.

Q62. Mention how many types of facts

are there and what are they?
Ans. There are three types of facts:

Additive fact: A fact that can be summarized by anyone of

dimension or all dimensions EX: QTY, REVENUE
Semi additive fact: a fact that can be summarized for a few
dimensions, not for all dimensions. ex: current balance
Non-additive fact: a fact that cannot be summarized by any of
the dimensions. ex: percentage of profit

Q63. Mention the methods for creating

reusable transformations.
Ans. There are two methods used for creating reusable
transformations:

By using the transformation developer tool.

By converting a non-reusable transformation into a reusable
transformation in mapping.

Q64. What is the procedure to use the

pmcmd command in a workflow or run a
session?
Ans. By using the command in the command task, there is an option
pression. We can write a suitable command of pmcmd to run the
workflow.

Q65. What is the default join that the

source qualifier provides?
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Ans. Inner equi join is the default join provided by the source qualifier.

Q66. Explain the aggregate fact table and

where is it used?
Ans. There are two types of fact tables:

Aggregated fact table – The aggregated fact table consists of

aggregated columns. Example- Total-Sal, Dep-Sal.
Factless fact table – The factless fact table doesn’t consist of
aggregated columns and it only has FK to the Dimension tables.

Q67. To provide support for mainframes

source data, which files are used as
source definitions?
Ans. COBOL Copy-book files are used as a source definition.

Q68. What is the procedure to load the

time dimension?
Ans. By using SCD Type 1/2/3, we can load any dimensions based
on the requirement. We can also use the procedure to populate the
time dimension.

Q69. Explain the difference between the

summary filter and the details filter?
Ans. Summary Filter- we can apply a record group that consists of
common values.

Detail Filter- we can apply to every record in a database.

Q70. What are the differences between

connected lookup and unconnected
lookup?
Ans. The differences between connected lookup and unconnected
lookup are:

Connected Lookup Unconnected Lookup

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1. Gets the input directly from the 1. It takes the input values
other transformations and from the result or the
participates in the data flow. function of the LKP
expression.

2. It can return to multiple output 2. This Lookup returns to only

ports. one output port.

3. This can be both dynamic and 3. It cannot be dynamic.

static.

Q71. How many input parameters can be

included in an unconnected lookup? 
Ans. Any number of input parameters can be included in an
unconnected lookup. However, the return value would only be one.
For example, parameters like column 1, column 2, column 3, and
column 4 can be provided in an unconnected lookup but there will be
only one return value.

Check out the top Database and SQL Courses

Q72. Mention the advantages of a

partitioned session. 
Ans. The advantages of a partitioned session in Informatica are:

Increases the manageability, efficiency, and operation of the

server
Involves the solo implementation sequences in the session
Simplifies common administration tasks.

Q73. Explain the different methods for

the implementation of parallel
processing?
Ans. This is one of the commonly asked Informatica interview
questions. The different partition algorithms for the implementation
of parallel processing are:

1. Pass-through Partitioning: In this portioning, the Integration

Service passes all rows from one partition point to the next
partition point without redistributing them.
2. Database partitioning: In this partitioning, the Integration
Service queries the database system for table partition

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information and reads partitioned data from the corresponding

nodes in the database.
3. Round-Robin Partitioning: The Integration service distributes
data evenly among all partitions. 
4. Key Range Partitioning: It enables you to specify one or more
ports to form a compound partition key for a source or target.
The Integration Service then passes data to each partition
depending on the ranges you specify for each port.
5. Hash Auto-Keys Partitioning: The hash function groups rows
of data among partitions. With the hash auto-key partition, the
Integration Service uses all grouped or sorted ports as a
compound partition key. 
6. Hash User-Keys Partitioning: It groups rows of data among
partitions based on a user-defined partition key. 

Q74. Name some of the mapping

development practices?
Ans: The following are some of the mapping development practices
in Informatica:

1. Source Qualifier
2. Aggregator
3. Expressions
4. Filter
5. Lookup
6. Joiner

Q75. Explain the Event and what are its

types?
Ans. The event can be any action or functionality that can be
implemented in a workflow. There are two types of events:

Event Wait Task: It waits until an event occurs. The specific

event for which the Event Wait task should wait can be defined.
Once the event is triggered, this task gets accomplished and
assigns the next task in the workflow.
Events Raise Task: It triggers the specific event in the workflow.

Q76. What is a Fact Table? What are its

different types?

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Ans. This is one of the most frequently asked Informatica interview

questions. A Fact table is a centralized table in the star schema. It
contains summarized numerical and historical data (facts). There
are two types of columns in a Fact table:

Columns that contain the measure called facts

Columns that are foreign keys to the dimension tables

The different types of Fact Tables are:

Additive: These facts can be summed up through all of the

dimensions in the fact table.
Semi-Additive: The facts can be summed up for only some of
the dimensions in the fact table.
Non-Additive: The facts that cannot be summed up for any of
the dimensions present in the fact table.

Q77. Explain OLAP? 

Ans: OLAP stands for Online Analytical Processing. It is used to
analyze database information from multiple database systems at
one time. It offers a multi-dimensional analysis of data for business
decisions.

Q78. What are the different types of

OLAP?
Ans: There are three types of OLAP techniques, namely:

MOLAP (Multi-dimensional OLAP)

ROLAP (Relational OLAP)
 HOLAP (Hybrid OLAP)

Q79. What are the advantages of using

OLAP services?
Ans. The advantages of using OLAP services are as follows:

It is a single platform for all types of analytical business needs.

Offers consistency of information and calculations.
It complies with regulations to safeguard sensitive data.
Applies security restrictions on users and objects to protect
data.

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Q80. What are the different types of

lookup transformation in Informatica?
Ans. The different types of lookup transformation in Informatica are:

Relational Lookup (Flat File)

Pipeline Lookup
Cached/Uncached Lookup
Connected/Unconnected Lookup

Q81. Explain pre-session and post-

session shell commands?
Ans. You can call a Command task the pre-or post-session shell
command for a Session task. They can be called in COMPONENTS
TAB of the session. They can be run in Pre-Session Command or
Pre-Session Success Command or Post-Session Failure Command.
The application of shell commands can be changed as per the use
case.

Q82. Name the different types of groups

in router transformation. 
Ans. The different types of groups in router transformation are:

Input group
Output group
Default group

Q83. Explain Junk Dimensions?

Ans. A Junk Dimension is a collection of some random codes or
flags that do not belong in the fact table or any of the existing
dimension tables. These attributes are unrelated to any particular
dimension. The nature of these attributes is like random codes or
flags, for example, non-generic comments or just yes/no.

Explore the top Business Intelligence Tools Courses

Q84. What are the output files created by

the Informatica server during the session
running?
Ans. The following are the output files created by the Informatica
server during the session running

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1. Informatica server log: This file is created for all status and
error messages by default name: pm.server.log. An error log for
error messages is also created. 
2. Session log file: Session log files are created for each session.
It writes information about sessions into log files such as the
initialization process, creation of SQL commands for reader
and writer threads, etc. 
3. Session detail file: The Session detail file contains load
statistics for each target in mapping. It includes information
such as table name, number of rows written or rejected. 
4. Performance detail file: This file contains session performance
details that help in identifying areas where performance can be
improved. 
5. Reject file: It contains the rows of data that the writer does not
write to targets.
6. Control file: Control file and a target file are created when you
run a session that uses the external loader. The control file has
information about the target flat file such as data format and
loading instructions, etc.
7. Post session email: With the help of this file, you can
automatically communicate information about a session run to
designated recipients. 
8. Indicator file: Informatica server can be configured to create an
indicator file while using the flat file as a target. For each target
row, the indicator file contains a number to indicate whether the
row was marked for insert, update, delete or reject.
9. Output file: If a session writes to a target file, a target file based
on file properties entered in the session property sheet is
created.
10. Cache files: When the Informatica server creates a memory
cache, it also creates cache files. 
11. Workflow log: It contains the high-level and detailed
information of sessions, nodes, integration services, repository
information, etc. 
12. Badfile cache: It contains the bad records or rejected records.

Q85. Name the files are created during

the session RUMs.
Ans. The following files are created during the session RUMs:

Errors log
Session log

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Bad file
Workflow low

Q86. What is the difference between

Mapping and Mapplet?
Ans. The differences between Mapping and Mapplet are: 

Mapping Mapplet

It is a collection of source, It is a collection of

target, and transformation. transformation only. 

Mapping is developed with It can be reused with other

different transformations.  mapping and mapplets.

It is not reusable. Mapplets are reusable

components.

It focuses on what data move to Mapplet is developed for

target and what modifications complex calculations used in
are done upon that. multiple mappings.

Q87. What is a Stored Procedure

Transformation? What are its uses?
Ans. It is a passive transformation that populates and maintains
databases. It helps you to use or call Stored procedures inside the
Informatica Workflow. It can be used in connected as well as the
unconnected mode. 

The major uses of Stored Procedure Transformation are: 

Check the status of a target database before loading data into

it.
Identify if enough space exists in a database.
Carry out a complex calculation.
Drop and recreate indexes.

Q88. What is DTM Process?

Ans. The Data Transformation Manager Process (DTM) process is
started by PowerCenter Integration Service to run a session. The
main role of the DTM process is to create and manage threads that
carry out the session tasks. The DTM process performs various
tasks, including: 

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Reading the session information

Forming dynamic partitions
Creating partition groups
Validating code pages
Running the processing threads
Running post-session operations
Sending post-session email

Q89. What is the difference between a

fact table and a dimension table?
Ans. The differences between a fact table and a dimension table
are:

Fact Table Dimension Table

A fact table contains A dimension table is one of the

summarized numerical companion tables to a fact table in the
and historical data star schema. It contains dimensions
(facts). of a fact. 

A fact table contains The dimension table contains more

more records and attributes and fewer records.
fewer attributes.

It is defined by data It is descriptive, complete, and wordy.

grain. 

The primary key in the It has primary key columns that

fact table is mapped as uniquely identify each dimension.
foreign keys to
dimensions.

It can have data in It contains attributes in textual format.

numeric as well as
textual format.

It does not contain It contains hierarchy and grows

hierarchy and grows horizontally. The dimension can also
vertically. contain one or more hierarchical
relationships.

Let’s take a look at the most commonly-asked Informatica scenario

based questions.

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Informatica Scenario Based Interview

Questions
The following are some of the frequently asked informatica interview
questions scenario based.

What are Informatica Scenario Based

interview questions?
In a Scenario based interview, you will be first offered a scenario
and then asked questions related to it. Your response to
Informatica scenario based questions will show your technical
skills as well as your soft skills, such as problem-solving and critical
thinking.

Now that you are just one step away to land a job in your dream job,
you must prepare well for all the likely interview questions. Keep in
mind that every interview round is different, especially when
scenario-based Informatica interview questions are asked. 

Q90. How do you load the last N rows

from a flat-file into a target table in
Informatica?
Ans. This is an important Informatica scenario based question.

Considering that the source has data:

Col
ABC
DEF
GHI
JKL
MNO

Now follow the below steps to load the last 3 rows

into a target table

Step 1

Assign the row numbers to each record by using expression

transformation. Name the row to calculate as N_calculate.
Create a dummy output port and assign 1 to the port in the
same expression transformation.
This will return 1 for each row.

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Ports in Expression
Transformation

V_calculate=V_calculatet+1

N_calculate=V_calculate

N_dummy=1

Outputs in Expression
Transformation

col, N_calculate, N_dummy

ABC, 1, 1

DEF, 2, 1

GHI, 3, 1

JKL, 4, 1

MNO, 5, 1

Step 2

Pass expression transformation output to the aggregator

transformation
Do not specify condition ‘any group’
Create a N_total_records output port in the aggregator
Assign the N_calculatet port to it.
By default, it will return the last row
It will contain DUMMY port
Now it will hold the value as 1 and N_total_records port (it will
keep the value of the total number of records available in the
source)

Ports in Aggregator
Transformation

N_dummy

N_calculate

N_total_records=N_calculate

Outputs in Aggregator
Transformation

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N_total_records, N_dummy

5, 1

Step 3

Now pass the value of expression and aggregator

transformation to the joiner transformation
Merge the dummy port
Check the property sorted input in the joiner transformation to
connect both expression and aggregator transformation
Now the join condition will be O_dummy (port from aggregator
transformation) = O_dummy (port from expression
transformation)

Outputs in Joiner
Transformation

col, N_calculate,
N_total_records

ABC, 1, 5

DEF, 2, 5

GHI, 3, 5

JKL, 4, 5

MNO, 5, 5

Step 4

Pass the joiner transformation to filter transformation

Mention the filter condition as N_total_records (port from
aggregator)-N_calculate(port from expression) <=2
Thus, the filter condition in the filter transformation will be
N_total_records – N_calculate <=2

Output

Outputs in Filter
Transformation

col N_calculate,
N_total_records

GHI, 3, 5

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JKL, 4, 5

MNO, 5, 5

Check out the popular Business Data Mining Courses

Q91. Solve the below situations if data

has duplicate rows. 
Data

Amazon
Walmart
Snapdeal
Snapdeal
Walmart
Flipkart
Walmart

Situation – Give steps to load all unique names in one

table and duplicate names in another table.

Solution 1 – We want solution tables as:

Amazon and Flipkart in one table

And

Walmart, Walmart, Walmart, Snapdeal,  and Snapdeal in another

table

Follow the below steps

Sort the name data by using a sorter transformation

Pass the sorted output to an expression transformation
Form a dummy port N_dummy and assign 1 to the port
Now for each row, the Dummy output port will return 1

Expression
Transformation Output

Name, N_dummy

Amazon, 1

Walmart, 1

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Walmart, 1

Walmart, 1

Snapdeal, 1

Snapdeal, 1

Flipkart, 1

Pass the acquired expression transformation output to

aggregator transformation
Check ‘groupby’ on name port
Create an output port in aggregator N_calculate_of_each_name
and write an expression calculate(name).

Aggregator
Transformation Output

name,
N_calculate_of_each_name

Amazon, 1

Walmart, 3

Snapdeal, 2

Flipkart, 1

Pass the expression and aggregator transformation output to

joiner transformation
Join the name ports
Review the property sorted input to connect both
transformations to joiner transformation

Joiner Transformation
Output

name, N_dummy,
N_calculate_of_each_name

Amazon, 1, 1

Walmart, 1, 3

Walmart, 1, 3

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Walmart, 1, 3

Snapdeal, 1, 2

Snapdeal, 1, 2

Flipkart, 1, 1

Move the joiner output to router transformation

Create one group
Specify it as O_dummy=O_count_of_each_name
Connect the group to one table
Connect default output group to another table
You will get separate tables for both

Q92. Situation 2 – Solve the below

situations if data has duplicate rows. 
Data

Amazon
Walmart
Snapdeal
Snapdeal
Walmart
Flipkart
Walmart

Situation – Load each name once in one table and duplicate

products in another table.

Ans.

Solution 2 – We want the output as:

Table 1 

Amazon

Walmart

Snapdeal

Flipkart

Table 2

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Walmart

Walmart

Snapdeal

The below steps will give the desired solution:

Sort the name data by using a sorter transformation

Pass name output to expression transformation
Create a variable port,Z_curr_name
Assign the name port to variable port
Create Z_calculate port
Write in the expression editor, IIF(Z_curr_name=Z_prev_name,
V_calculate+1,1)
Form another variable and call it as port Z_prev_port
Assign the name port to this variable
Form the output portN_calculate port
Assign Z_calculate to this output port

Expression Transformation Name port

Z_curr_name=name

Z_calculate=IIF(Z_curr_name=Z_prev_name,
Z_calculate+1, 1)

N_calculate=Z_calculate

Expression Transformation
Output

Amazon, 1

Walmart, 1

Walmart, 2

Walmart, 3

Snapdeal, 1

Snapdeal, 2

Flipkart, 1

Route the expression transformation to router transformation

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Form a group
Specify condition as N_calculate=1
Merge the group to one table
Merge the default group output to another table

Learn more about Data Analysis

Q93. In Informatica, how do you use

Normalizer Transformation for the below-
mentioned condition?

State Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Purchase Purchase Purchase Purchase

ABC 80 85 90 95

DEF 60 65 70 75

Ans. This is one of the popularly asked Informatica Interview

questions that you must prepare for your upcoming interview.

If you want to transform a single row into multiple rows, Normalizer

Transformation will help. Also, it is used for converting multiple rows
into a single row to make data look organized. As per the above
scenario-based Informatica interview question, we want the solution
to look as:

State Name Quarter Purchase

ABC 1 80

ABC 2 85

ABC 3 90

ABC 4 95

DEF 1 60

DEF 2 65

DEF 3 70

DEF 4 75

Follow the steps to achieve the desired solution by using normalizer

transformation:

Step 1 –
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Create a table “purchase_source” and assign a target table as

“purchase_target”
Import the table to informatica
Create a mapping for both the tables having a source as
“purchase_source” “purchase_target” respectively
Create a new transformation from the transformation menu
Enter the name “xyz_purchase”
Select create option
Select done (now the transformation is created)

Step 2 –

Double click on normalization transformation

Go to normalizer tab and select it
From the tab, click on the icon, this will create two columns
Enter the names of columns
Fix number of occurrences to 4 for purchase and 0 for the state
name
Select OK
4 columns will be generated and appear in the transformation

Step 3 –

In the mapping, link all four columns in source qualifier of the

four Quarters to the normalizer
Link state name column to normalizer column
Link state_name and purchase columns to target table
Link lkp_purchase column to target table
Create session and workflow
Save the mapping and execute it
You will get the desired rearranged output

State Name Quarter Purchase

ABC 1 80

ABC 2 85

ABC 3 90

ABC 4 95

DEF 1 60

DEF 2 65

DEF 3 70
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DEF 4 75

Q94. What to do when you get the below

error?
AA_10000 Normalizer Transformation: Initialization Error: [Cannot
match AASid with BBTid.]

Ans. Follow the below process –

Remove all the unconnected input ports to the normalizer

transformation
If OCCURS is present, check that the number of input ports is
equal to the number of OCCURS

Q95. What are the steps to create,

design, and implement SCD Type 1
mapping in Informatica using the ETL
tool?
Ans. The SCD Type 1 mapping helps in the situation when you don’t
want to store historical data in the Dimension table as this method
overwrites the previous data with the latest data.

The process to be followed:

Identify new records

Insert it into the dimension table
Identify the changed record
Update it in the dimension table 

For example:

If the source table looks like:

CREATE TABLE Students (

Student_Id   Number,

Student_Name Varchar2(60),

Place  Varchar2(60)

Now we require using the SCD Type 1 method to load the data
present in the source table into the student dimension table.

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CREATE TABLE Students_Dim (

Stud_Key  Number,

Student_Id  Number,

Student_Name Varchar2(60),

Location Varchar2(60)

Follow the steps to generate SCD Type 1 mapping in

Informatica

In the database, create source and dimension tables

Create or import source definition in the mapping designer tool’s
source analyzer
Import the Target Definition from Warehouse designer or Target
designer
Create a new mapping from the mapping designer tab
Drag and drop the source
Select Create option from toolbar’s Transformation section
Select Lookup Transformation
Enter the name and click on create
From the window, select Student dimension table and click OK
Edit lkp transformation
Add a new port In_Student_Id from the properties tab
Connect the port to source qualifier transformation’ Student_Id
port
From the lkp transformation’s condition tab, enter the Lookup
condition as Student_Id = IN_Student_Id
Click OK
Now, connect source qualifier transformation’s student_id port
to lkp transformation’s In_Student_Id port
Create expression transformation using the input port as
Stud_Key, Name, Location, Src_Name, Src_Location
Create an output port as New_Flag, Changes_Flag
In the expression transformation’s output ports, enter the below-
mentioned expression
New_Flag = IIF(ISNULL(Stud_Key),1,0)

Changed_Flag = IIF(NOT ISNULL(Stud_Key)

AND (Name != Src_Name

OR Location != Src_Location),
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1, 0 )

Connect lkp transformation port to expression transformation

port
Also, connect source qualifier transformation port to expression
transformation port
Form a filter transformation and move the ports of source
qualifier transformation
Edit the filter transformation and set new Filter Condition as
New_Flag=1 from the edit filter transformation option
Press OK
Create an update strategy transformation
Connect all filter transformation port just exclude except the
New_Flag port
From the properties tab of update strategy, enter DD_INSERT as
the strategy expression
Drag target definition to mapping
Connect relevant ports to target definition from update strategy
Create a sequence generator transformation
Connect NEXTVAL port to target surrogate key port (stud_key)
Create a different filter transformation
In the filter transformation, drag lkp transformation’s port
(Stud_Key), source qualifier transformation (Name, Location),
expression transformation (changed_flag) ports
Go to the properties tab to edit the filter transformation
Mention the filter condition as Changed_Flag=1
Click OK
Create the update strategy
Connect parts of filter transformation to update strategy
From the update strategy properties tab, enter expressions
DD_Update
In this mapping, drag target definition
From the update strategy, connect all the appropriate ports to
target definition

Explore the concept of Business Analytics

Q96. Give steps to use PMCMD Utility

Command.
Ans. There are 4 different built-in command-line programs:

infacmd
infasetup

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pmcmd
Pmrep

 PMCMD command helps for the following functions:

Start workflows
Schedule workflows
Start a workflow from a specific task
Stop and abort workflows and sessions

 Below are the steps to use PMCMD command:

1. Start workflow

pmcmd startworkflow -service informatica-integration-Service -d

domain-name -u user-name -p password -f folder-name -w workflow-
name

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2. Scheduling the workflow Learning
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domain-name -u user-name -p password -f folder-name -w workflow- Databases

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3. Start a workflow from a specific task
Discover trending skills

pmcmd startask -service informatica-integration-Service -d domain-

name -u user-name -p password -f folder-name -w workflow-name -
startfrom task-name

4. Abort workflow

pmcmd abortworkflow -service informatica-integration-Service -d

domain-name -u user-name -p password -f folder-name -w workflow-
name

pmcmd aborttask -service informatica-integration-Service -d

domain-name -u user-name -p password -f folder-name -w workflow-
name task-name

 Q97. How to configure the target load

order in Informatica?
Ans. Follow the below steps:

Create mapping containing multiple target load order groups in

the PowerCenter designer

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From the toolbar, click on the Mappings and then click on Target
Load Plan
You will see a pop up that will have a list of source qualifier
transformations in the mapping. Also, it will have the target from
which it receives data from each source qualifier
From the list, pick a source qualifier
Using the Up and Down button, move source qualifier within load
order
Click ok
You will get the desired output

Q98. Using the incremental aggregation

in the below table, what will be the output
in the next table?

Product ID Bill Number Cost Data

101 1 100 01/01/2020

201 2 150 01/01/2020

301 3 200 01/01/2020

101 4 300 05/01/2020

101 5 400 05/01/2020

201 6 500 05/01/2020

555 7 550 05/01/2020

151 8 600 05/01/2020

Ans. When the first load is finished the table will become:

Product ID Bill Number Load_Key Data

101 1 20011 100

201 2 20011 150

301 3 20011 200

Q99. What is the syntax of the INITCAP

function?

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Ans. This function is used to capitalize the first character of each

word in the string and makes all other characters in lowercase.

Below is the Syntax:

INITTCAP(string_name)

These were some of the most popular scenario-based Informatica

interview questions.

Q100. How will you generate sequence

numbers using expression
transformation?
Ans. We can generate sequence numbers using expression
transformation by following the below steps:

Create a variable port and increment it by 1

Allocate the variable port to an output port. The two ports in the
expression transformation are: V_count=V_count+1 and
O_count=V_count

Also Read>> Top Database Interview Questions and Answers

Q101. How will you load the first 4 rows

from a flat-file into a target?
Ans. The first 4 rows can be loaded from a flat-file into a target
using the following steps: 

Allocate row numbers to each record. 

Create the row numbers by using the expression
transformation or by using the sequence generator
transformation.
Pass the output to filter transformation and specify the filter
condition as O_count <=4

Q102. What is the difference between

Source Qualifier and Filter
Transformation?
Ans. The differences between Source Qualifier and Filter
Transformation are:

Source Qualifier Filter Transformation

Transformation

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1. It filters rows while 1. Filters rows from within mapping.

reading the data from a
source.

2. It can filter rows only 2. This can filter rows from any type of
from relational source system at the mapping level.
sources.

3. Source Qualifier 3. It limits the row set sent to a target.

limits the row sets
extracted from a 
source.

4. It reduces the 4. To maximize performance, Filter

number of rows used Transformation is added close to the
in mapping thereby source to filter out the unwanted data
enhancing early.
performance.

5. Filter condition uses 5. Filter Transformation defines a

the standard SQL to condition using any statement or
run in the database. transformation function that returns
either a TRUE or FALSE value.

Q103. Create a mapping to load the

cumulative sum of salaries of employees
into the target table. Consider the
following employee’s data as a source.
employee_id, salary

1, 2000

2, 3000

3, 4000

4, 5000

The target table data should look like the following: 

employee_id, salary, cumulative_sum

1, 2000, 2000

2, 3000, 5000

3, 4000, 9000

4, 5000, 14000
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Ans. The following steps need to be followed to get the desired

output: 

Connect the source Qualifier to the expression transformation

Create a variable port V_cum_sal in the expression
transformation 
Write V_cum_sal+salary in the expression editor
Create an output port O_cum_sal and assign V_cum_sal to it

Q104. Create a mapping to find the sum

of salaries of all employees. The sum
should repeat for all the rows. Consider
the employee’s data provided in Q14. as a
source. 
The output should look like: 

employee_id, salary, salary_sum

1, 2000, 14000

2, 3000, 14000

3, 4000, 14000

4, 5000, 14000

Ans. The following steps should be followed to get the desired

output: 

Step 1:

Connect the source qualifier to the expression transformation. 

Create a dummy port in the expression transformation and assign

value 1 to it. The ports will be: 

employee_id
salary
O_dummy=1

Step 2:

Provide the output of expression transformation to the aggregator

transformation. 

Create a new port O_sum_salary 

Write- SUM(salary) in the expression editor. 

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The ports will be: 

Salary
O_dummy
O_sum_salary=SUM(salary)

Step 3: 

Provide the output of expression transformation and aggregator

transformation to joiner transformation.

Join the DUMMY port. 

Check the property sorted input and connect expression and

aggregator to joiner transformation.

Step 4: 

Provide the output of the joiner to the target table.

Q105. Create a mapping to get the

previous row salary for the current row. In
case, there is no previous row for the
current row, then the previous row salary
should be displayed as null.
The output should look like:

employee_id, salary, pre_row_salary

1, 2000, Null

2, 3000, 2000

3, 4000, 3000

4, 5000, 4000

Ans. The following steps will be followed to get the desired output:

Connect the source Qualifier to the expression transformation.

Create a variable port V_count in the expression
transformation.
Increment it by 1 for each row.
Create V_salary variable port and assign
IIF(V_count=1,NULL,V_prev_salary) to it.
Create variable port V_prev_salary and assign Salary. 
Create output port O_prev_salary and assign V_salary. 
Connect the expression transformation to the target ports.

The ports in the expression transformation will be: 

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employee_id
salary
V_count=V_count+1
V_salary=IIF(V_count=1,NULL,V_prev_salary)
V_prev_salary=salary
O_prev_salary=V_salary

Q106. What is the name of the scenario

in which the Informatica server rejects
files?
Ans: The Informatica server rejects files when there is a rejection of
the update strategy transformation. In such a rare case scenario the
database comprising the information and data also gets
interrupted. 

Explore Database Administration Courses, Skills, and Career, read

our blog – what is Database Administration?

Q107. What will happen in the following

scenario:

If the SELECT list COLUMNS in the

Custom override SQL Query and the
OUTPUT PORTS order in SQ
transformation do not match?
Ans. Such a scenario where the SELECT list COLUMNS in the
Custom override SQL Query and the OUTPUT PORTS order in SQ
transformation do not match – may result in session failure.

Q108. What can be done to enhance the

performance of the joiner condition?
Ans. The joiner condition performance can be enhanced by the
following:

Sort the data before applying to join.

If the data is unsorted, then consider the source with fewer
rows as the master source.
Perform joins in a database. 
If joins cannot be performed for some tables, then the user can
create a stored procedure and then join the tables in the
database.
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Q109. How do you load alternate records

into different tables through mapping
flow?
Ans. To load alternate records into different tables through mapping
flow, just add a sequence number to the records and then divide the
record number by 2. If it can be divided, then move it to one target.
If not, then move it to the other target.

It involves the following steps:

Drag the source and connect to an expression transformation.

Add the next value of a sequence generator to the expression
transformation.
Make two ports, Odd and Even in the expression
transformation. 
Write the expression below

v_count (variable port) = v_count+1

o_count (output port) = v_count

Connect a router transformation and drag the port (products,

v_count) from expression into the router transformation. 
Make two groups in the router 
Give condition 
Send the two groups to different targets

Q110. How do you implement Security

Measures using a Repository manager?
Ans. There are 3 ways to implement security measures: 

1. Folder Permission within owners, groups, and users.

2. Locking (Read, Write, Retrieve, Save, and Execute).
3. Repository Privileges 

Q111. How can you store previous

session logs in Informatica?
Ans. The following steps will enable you to store previous session
logs in Informatica:

1. Go to Session Properties > Config Object > Log Options

2. Select the properties:

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Save session log by –> SessionRuns

Save session log for these runs –> Change the number that you
want to save the number of log files (Default is 0)

If you want to save all of the log files created by every run, and
then select the option Save session log for these runs –>
Session TimeStamp

Q112. Mention the performance

considerations while working with
Aggregator Transformation?
Ans. The following are the performance considerations while
working with Aggregator Transformation:

To reduce unnecessary aggregation, filter the unnecessary data

before aggregating. 
To minimize the size of the data cache, connect only the
needed input/output ports to the succeeding transformations. 
Use Sorted input to minimize the amount of data cached to
enhance the session performance.

We hope that this interview blog covering Informatica interview

questions for freshers and experienced candidates as well scenario
based Informatica interview questions will help you crack your
upcoming interview.

Informatica FAQs
Q1. Is Informatica worth learning?

Ans. Yes, learning Informatica is a good option for freshers as well

as professionals. Informatica is a popular and powerful ETL tool that
is used by companies in all business domains. Due to high usage,
there is a high demand for Informatica professionals. Learning
Informatica, thus, can help you in getting career growth and a good
salary package.

Q2. Is Informatica difficult to learn?

Ans. No, Informatica is not difficult to learn. It will take around 1

week to learn the basic concepts of Informatica. But if you want to
develop advanced Informatica skills, then it might take longer than a
week. If you gain a good understanding of the subject, then you will
be able to implement its features in your business to get better
outcomes.

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