AS-400, AS400 iSeries Interview Questions and Answers, Mainframe AS-400 Interview Questions and Answers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AS-400, AS400 iSeries Interview Questions and Answers, Mainframe AS-400 Interview Questions and Answers</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99GujskYpGpbsRDesEEDLKZVIEyL9YD7D0k3ySkqp-uLB-hIGTTA2z54vOSDVuiM0ZABnRo2PQUnjCYYb4UIR_530dFcP-uWz0DILP-NJWXRLKDq7FmtMwzCQqG0Y-S9xcP078pn9SWc/s1600/as400_questions_answers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99GujskYpGpbsRDesEEDLKZVIEyL9YD7D0k3ySkqp-uLB-hIGTTA2z54vOSDVuiM0ZABnRo2PQUnjCYYb4UIR_530dFcP-uWz0DILP-NJWXRLKDq7FmtMwzCQqG0Y-S9xcP078pn9SWc/s1600/as400_questions_answers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What the purpose of the keywords FIFO, LIFO, FCFO?</b><br /><b>Ans: </b>These keywords are used at file level. The purpose of each one is described below:<br /><b>FIFO:</b> The duplicate key records will retrieved in first in first out order.<br /><b>LIFO:</b> The duplicate key records will retrieved in last in first out order.<br /><b>FCFO:</b> The duplicate key records will retrieved in first changed first out order.<br /><br /><b>Why is AS/400 called an Object Oriented Machine ?</b><br /><b>Ans: </b>Everything on the AS/400 system that can be stored or retrieved is contained in an Object. Object exist to make users independent of the implementation techniques used in the machine.<br /><br /><b>What is the difference between regular logical file and join logical file?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Regular logical file contains more than one record format.<br />Record format name in regular logical file should be same based on the physical file.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Join logical file contains only one record format.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Record format name in join logical file should be different.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Through logical file we can made changes in physical file.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Through join logical file we can't made changes in physical file.</span></li></ul><br /><b>Distinguish between logical file and physical file?</b><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ans: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Physical file contains only one record format.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Logical file contains more than one record format.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Physical file contains actual data.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Logical file doesn't contains data but it provides view from the physical file.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>What is field reference file?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Field reference file is a file, which contains field definitions and descriptions, and it doesn't have member. Physical contains data derived by the field reference file.<br /><br /><b>What is the difference between access path and Dynamic select?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Dynamic select occurs whenever the program reads file. But access path occurs before the file is read (but not necessarily). Because access path maintenance performed on the file.<br /><br /><b>Why would you prefer OPNQRYF than logical file?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> The main difference is : Logical file creates permanent object on the system. OPNQRYF creates temporary access path.<br /><br /><b>What is the necessary keyword used in a physical file to refer field definitions from the field reference file?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> REF which is a file level keyword is necessary to define at file level in a physical file. The syntax is as follows: REF(library name/name of the field reference file)<br /><br /><b>What is purpose of declarative statement DEFN?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Depends on the factor 1 value it will do two things:<br />* If the factor1is *LIKE then DEFN opcode defines the new field based on the attributes old field. * If the factor 1 is *NAMVAR then DEFN opcodes defines the field as a data area.<br /><br /><b>What is the purpose of SFLNXTCHG keyword in a subfile?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Which is a subfile record format keyword. If you perform read on the subfile, the internal indicator MDT (modified data tag) is automatically set off by the system. If you again perform read on the<br />same records, records won't be read. Because internal indicator MDT would be off. Hence you should be explicitly set<br />on the MDT by SFLNXTCHG keyword.<br /><br /><b>What is the difference between Array and Table?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b><br />Array: Array is stored any where in the body of the input records.<br />Table: Table is stored at the beginning of the input records.<br />Array: We can access all the elements in array by specifying the array name.<br />Table: Only one table element can be accessed at a time.<br />Array: Array can be searched randomly.<br />Table: Table can be searched consecutively.<br /><br /><b>What are the different types of access paths maintained on the file?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b><br />Immediate: All the access paths (open and close) associated with a file will be updated whenever changes made to a file.<br />Rebuild- only open access paths will update whenever changes made to the file. Rebuild takes place whenever remaining access paths will be open.<br />Delay : Rebuild will not takes place.<br /><br /><b>What is the purpose of reorganizing the physical file i. e. , RGZPFM?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Even if you delete the records in a physical file through the program, still the space used by the deleted records not used by the other purpose. Hence using RGZPFM command we can compress the deleted records space.<br /><br /><b>What is the purpose of CHGPF (Change physical file) command?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> CHGPF command is used to change the attributes of a physical file. Attributes like<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">   Maximum number of members</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">   Member size</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">   Level check enforced</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">   Open data path is shared</span></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><b>What are the communication protocols supported by AS/400 ?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">APPC (Advanced Program to Program Communication)<br />BSCEL(Binary Synchronous Link)<br />ASYNCH(Asynchronous Communication)<br />RETAIL<br />TCP IP<br />FINANCE<br />SNUF SNA Upline facility<br />INTRA Intrasystem communication.<br /><br /><br /><b>What are the different ways of connecting a terminal to a system ?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> Twinnax, Workstation, ASCII and OS/2 Workstation.<br /><br /><br /><b>How can you identify End of file in CLP program?</b><br /><b>Ans: </b>With the help of MONMSG MSGID(CPF0864) we can identify end of file in clp program.<br /><br /><b>What is the difference between production library and test library ?</b><br /><b>Ans:</b> In debug mode, the files exists in production library not allowed to update.<br />In the other hand, the files exists in test library allowed to update.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

AS-400, AS400 iSeries Interview Questions and Answers, Mainframe AS-400 Interview Questions and Answers

AS-400, AS400 iSeries Interview Questions and Answers, Mainframe AS-400 Interview Questions and Answers What the purpose of the keywords FIF...

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AS/400-iSeries Concepts and Terminology

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>AS/400-iSeries Concepts and Terminology </b></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUkGJOyyz1I_HXROnf0RlDMvsby93p8srh_tdrioNvz6u98IgJuRa3dbqrW5F5PYLE12tfrAnNPKMoOT98v2xlJwiqsiFu62RHiVQoM7s9md8GRwG4KmeCfqJysO5ALfTlf19_MDSoN0/s1600/AS400-iSeries.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUkGJOyyz1I_HXROnf0RlDMvsby93p8srh_tdrioNvz6u98IgJuRa3dbqrW5F5PYLE12tfrAnNPKMoOT98v2xlJwiqsiFu62RHiVQoM7s9md8GRwG4KmeCfqJysO5ALfTlf19_MDSoN0/s1600/AS400-iSeries.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: large;">The purpose of this post is to give a high level overview of the AS400-iSeries and some of the components, features, terminology, and definitions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">AS/400 Architecture</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The AS/400 is a very complex integrated system that includes hardware, software, security, a database and other components. The AS/400 Advanced Architecture is unique in that it is extremely adaptable and can easily incorporate new technologies. This is important in today’s fast changing computer marketplace. The AS/400 is designed to separate the software and hardware so changes in one have little effect in the other. This is accomplished through the Machine Interface (MI) which is a software programming interface between the application, the operating system and hardware. The MI is a complete Application Programming Interface (API) set that all applications must use in order to get to the to the hardware. This is how the AS400 achieves the software independence. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">OS/400 Operating System</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The Operating System for the AS/400 is called OS/400. The OS/400 resides above the MI. This allows the operating system to be independent from the hardware.  Most operating system components handle functions such as memory, process, program, and I/O management. On the AS/400 these lower level functions are handled by the Licensed Internal Code (LIC) which is the operating system software below the MI. The LIC protects application programs and OS/400 from hardware changes. Thus again, keeping the software separate from the hardware. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Integrated File System</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The AS/400 contains an integrated file system (IFS). This means applications written on other file systems, PC, Unix, etc., can access data stored on the AS/400.  The IFS integrates all file systems on the AS/400 with one interface and one set of rules. How the AS/400 developers accomplished this was to use a single root, like a PC file system, and put all other file systems under it.  From a Windows client the AS/400 would appear as a network drive. Under that drive you would have PC-like subdirectories for all the file systems the AS/400 supports. Currently there is support for PC file systems, Unix file systems, OS/400 libraries, and others.  The IFS provides access to the data. The data must be in compatible format for the requesting application. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">DB2/400 Database – The Integrated Database</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The AS400 contains a relational database called DB2/400. DB2/400 is integrated into the AS/400 partly above the MI and partly in the LIC. Conventional databases are separate software components that reside on top of the operating system. Since DB2/400 is integrated throughout the entire system it can achieve a higher level of efficiency because it is tightly integrated with the components with which it communicates. The database management system (DBMS) is a framework for storing and retrieving data. A DBMS must have an interface so users can access and manipulate the data. There are two interfaces to the AS/400: The Data Description Specifications (DDS) and Structured Query Language (SQL).  The DDS, or the native interface, was carried over from the IBM System/38. It has a look and feel similar to IBM’s Information Management System (IMS). The second interface for the AS/400 is SQL. This is the industry standard for relational databases and is an optional product that you must purchase separately. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Data Warehousing</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">DB2/400 supports data warehousing. The four main components that DB2/400 utilizes for data warehousing are:  transformation and propagation tools to load the data warehouse, the data warehouse database server, analysis and end-user tools, and tools to manage the information about the data warehouse. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Transformation and propagation tools are used to move and manipulate data into a form more appropriate for the warehouse. It transforms operational data into informational data. <br />IBM introduced special models of the AS/400 that are able to handle the types of workloads use in data warehousing applications. These database servers utilize parallel processing and multidimensional databases. The AS/400 uses parallel I/O processing (IOP). This allows parallel processing at the I/O level for a single job.  By doing this it helps increase I/O processing time. The AS/400 also can take a single query and break it down to independent queries and these are run in parallel across the multiple processors in the system. This can increase performance for the original query. <br />Most relational databases are organized as two-dimensional tables.  A multidimensional databases has one or more additional dimensions. DB2/400 can create a three-dimensional data structure. These structures have three axis’s and look like a three dimensional spreadsheet. <br />The DB2/400 uses business intelligence tools to analyse the data in the data warehouse. These include: Decision support (DSS) tools, executive information systems (EIS), and data mining tools. DSS tools allow the user to create questions, in the form of queries, to get answers to the questions. They enable the user to create ad hoc queries and build reports. EIS’s combine DSS tools with some extended analysis capabilities. Data mining tools allow for the discovery of information with little or no direction from the user. The system searches through the data to determine patterns or associations. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Objects</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The AS/400 is sometimes described as an object based system because objects are a fundamental part of the design of the system. Almost everything in the AS/400 is an object. These include data files, user profiles, job queues, message queues, print queues, compiled programs, word processing documents, menus, etc. On the AS/400 objects are categorized by type, which allow the user to specify what type of objects are required for a given task. There are OS/400 objects and MI system objects. Some OS/400 objects map one to one with MI system objects, but other have a one to many mapping. This is because some OS/400 objects need to map to multiple MI system objects. All OS/400 objects map to at least one MI system object. The object is assigned an owner when it is created. The owner is either the user or the group profile that created the object. When the object is created, the owner is given all the object and data authorities to that object. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Libraries</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A library is an OS/400 object that is used to find other OS/400 objects in the database. <br />The library is organized as a single-level hierarchy, unlike the directory structure found on PCs which have a multilevel hierarchy. To find an OS/400 system object you need the name of the library and the name of the object.  The AS/400 identifies objects by their qualified name, which takes the form of LIBRARY/OBJECT.   For example, to find the object MONEY in the library PAYROLL you would reference this as PAYROLL/MONEY. Two or more objects can have the same name but they must be different types of objects. For example you could have a program named TEST and a data space named TEST, but not two programs named TEST. An object can exist in only one library. A library cannot reference other libraries except for the library called QSYS. This is the only library that can access other libraries. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Physical Files</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A physical file holds the actual data. The physical file record has a fixed set of fields. Each field can have variable lengths. A physical file has two parts. The first part contains the file attributes and field descriptions. The file attributes include the file’s name, owner, size, number of records in the file, key fields, and other attributes.  The field descriptions hold the attributes for each field in the record. The second part of a physical file contains the data. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Logical files</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Logical files allow a user to access data in a format that is different from the way it is stored in one or more physical files. The logical file contains no data records. It contains the corresponding record number of the data record in the physical file. The logical file will contain the index to the physical file. Logical files provide the path to the physical file. There are four types of logical files. The first is the simple logical file. This maps data from a single physical file to another logical record definition. The second is the multiple-format logical file.  This logical file allows access to several physical files. The third type of logical file is the join logical file. The join logical file defines a single record definition that is built from two or more physical files, tables, logical files, or views. The total number of physical files and tables cannot exceed 32. The forth type of logical file is the SQL view. These are similar to join logical files but SQL view logical files locate the access path at run time by use of the Query Definition Template and are not maintained by each join. </span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: large;">Collections</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A collection is a grouping of related SQL objects. This is the SQL name for a library in the native interface. </span></div><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: large;">DirectConnect Related Issues</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">NULLID Collection – The AS400 Access Service (ACS) requires certain files on the AS/400. It looks for these files in a collection called NULLID. The collection must be created before installing the service. The NULLID collection contains the service package which the system creates when the ACS submits the first request to the AS/400. It also contains a package for each AS/400 stored procedure the user creates. Finally, the NULLID collection contains the SYSPROCS and SYSPROCCOL catalog stored procedures table. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The script cspas4.sql creates the tables SYSPROCS and SYSPROCCOL in the NULLID collection. If you are going to use Catalog Stored Procedures against the AS/400 you will need to run this script. <br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">In your DirectConnect configuration the TPName for the AS400 must be the value \x7F6DB. This is the transaction program name for the DRDA Application Server on the AS/400. <br /></span><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span></div>

AS/400-iSeries Concepts and Terminology

AS/400-iSeries Concepts and Terminology    The purpose of this post is to give a high level overview of the AS400-iSeries and some of the co...

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