Q1) What
is a Generation Data Group (GDG)?
A1) Generation Data
Group is a group of chronologically or functionally related datasets. GDGs are
processed periodically, often by adding a new generation, retaining previous
generations, and sometimes discarding the oldest generation.
Q2) How
is a GDG base created?
A2) A GDG base
is created in the system catalog and keeps track of the generation numbers used
for datasets in the group. IDCAMS utility is used to define the GDG base.
Q3) What
is model dataset label(Model DSCB)?
A3) A model
dataset label is a pattern for the dataset label created for any dataset named
as a part of the GDG group. The system needs an existing dataset to serve as a
model to supply the DCB parameters for the generation data group one wishes to
create. The model dataset label must be cataloged. The model DSCB name is
placed on the DCB parameter on the DD statement that creates the generation
data group.
Q4) How
are GDGs concatenated?
A4) Generation
Data Groups are concatenated by specifying each dataset name and the
generation number for all generations of the generation data
group. Otherwise to have all generations of a generation data group,
omit the generation number. The DD statement will refer to all generations. The
result is the same as if all individual datasets were concatenated. If
generations are not on the same volume, this will not work.
Q5) How
is a new GDG coded?
A5) A new GDG is
coded as (+1) after the dataset name as follows: DSN=JAN.DATA(+1). This will
cause all generations to be pushed down one level at the end of the job.
Q6) When
should DISP=MOD is used?
A6) DISP=MOD is
used to either extend an existing sequential dataset or to create a dataset if
it does not exist. If the dataset exists, then records are appended to the
dataset at the end of the existing dataset. If the dataset does not exist, the
system treats MOD as if it were NEW, provided that the volume parameter has not
been used. If the volume parameter is used, the system terminates the job and
does not create the new dataset. MOD can be used to add to a dataset that
extends onto several volumes. Always specify a disposition of CATLG with MOD
for cataloged datasets, even if they are already cataloged, so that any
additional volume serial numbers will be recorded in the catalog.
Q7) How
is a dataset passed from one step to another?
A7) A dataset is
passed from one step to another based on what is coded on the DISP parameter.
The dataset can only be passed to subsequent steps
if PASS was used on the disposition
parameter.
Q8) How
are datasets concatenated?
08) Datasets are
concatenated by writing a normal DD statement for the first dataset and then
adding a DD statement without a DDNAME for each dataset
to be concatenated in the order they are to be read.
The following is an example of three datasets concatenated:
//YEARDAT DD DSN=JAN.DATA,DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=FEB.DATA,DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=MAR.DATA,DISP=SHR
Q9) What
is the difference between the JOBLIB and the STEPLIB statements?
A9) The JOBLIB statement is placed after the JOB
statement and is effective for all job steps. It cannot be placed in a
cataloged
procedure. The STEPLIB statement is placed after the EXEC statement and is
effective for that job step
only.
Unlike the JOBLIB statement, the STEPLIB can be placed in a cataloged
procedure.
Q10) Name some of the
JCL statements that are not allowed in procs.?
A10) Some of the JCL statements which are not allowed in
procedures are:
1. JOB, Delimiter(/*), or Null statements
2. JOBLIB or JOBCAT DD statements
3. DD * or DATA statements
4. Any JES2 or JES3 control statements
Q11) What is primary allocation
for a dataset?
A11) The space
allocated when the dataset is first created.
Q12) What is the difference
between primary and secondary allocations for a dataset?
A12) Secondary
allocation is done when more space is required than what has already been
allocated.
Q13) How many extents are possible
for a sequential file ? For a VSAM file ?
A13) 16
extents on a volume for a sequential file and 123 for a VSAM file.
Q14) What does a disposition of
(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) mean? - GS
A14) That
this is a new dataset and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the
dataset if the step is successful and to delete the dataset if the step abends.
Q15) What does a disposition of
(NEW,CATLG,KEEP) mean? - GS
A15) That
this is a new dataset and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the
dataset if the step is successful and to KEEP but not CATLG the dataset if the
step abends. Thus if the step abends, the dataset would not be catalogued and
we would need to supply the vol. ser the next time we refer to it.
Q16) How do you access a file that
had a disposition of KEEP? - GS
A16) Need
to supply Volume Serial Number VOL=SER=xxxx.
Q17) MOD, DELETE; What
does a disposition of (,DELETE) mean ?
A17) The
MOD will cause the dataset to be created (if it does not exist), and
then the two DELETEs will cause the dataset to be deleted whether the step
abends or not. This disposition is used to clear out a dataset at the beginning
of a job.
Q18) What is the DD statement for
a output file?
A18) Unless
allocated earlier, will have the following
parameters: DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE), UNIT , SPACE & DCB
Q19) What do you do if you do not
want to keep all the space allocated to a dataset? - GS
A19) Specify
the parameter RLSE ( release ) in the SPACE e.g. SPACE=(CYL,(50,50),RLSE)
Q20) What is DISP=
(NEW,PASS,DELETE)?
A20) This
is a new file and create it, if the step terminates normally, pass it to the
subsequent steps and if step abends, delete it. This dataset will
not exist beyond the JCL.
Q21) How do you create a temporary
dataset? Where will you use them?
A21) Temporary
datasets can be created either by not specifying any DSNAME or by specifying
the temporary file indicator as in DSN=&&TEMP. We use them to carry the
output of one step to another step in the same job. The dataset will not be
retained once the job completes.
Q22) How do you restart a PROC
from a particular step? - GS
A22) In
job card, specify RESTART=PROCSTEP.STEPNAME where PROCSTEP = name of the JCL
step that invoked the PROC and STEPNAME = name of the PROC step where you want
execution to start
Q23) How do you skip a particular
step in a proc/JOB? - GS
A23) Can
use either condition codes or use the jcl control statement IF (only in ESA
JCL)\
Q24) A PROC has five
steps. Step 3 has a condition code. How can you
override/nullify this condition code? - GS
A24) Provide
the override on the EXEC stmt in the JCL as follows:
//STEP001 EXEC procname, COND.stepname=value
All parameters on an EXEC stmt in the proc such as
COND, PARM have to be overridden like this.
Q25) How do you override a
specific DDNAME/SYSIN in PROC from a JCL?
A25) // DSN=...
Q26) What is NOTCAT 2 - GS
A26) This
is an MVS message indicating that a duplicate catalog entry exists. E.g., if
you already have a dataset with dsn = 'xxxx.yyyy' and u try to create one with
disp new, catlg, you would get this error. the program open and write would go
through and at the end of the step the system would try to put it in the system
catalog. at this point since an entry already exists the catlg would fail and
give this message. you can fix the problem by deleting/uncataloging the first
data set and going to the volume where the new dataset exists(this info is in
the msglog of the job) and cataloging it.
Q27) What is 'S0C7' abend? - GS
A27) Caused
by invalid data in a numeric field.
Q28) What is a S0C4 error ? - GS
A28) Storage
violation error - can be due to various reasons. e.g.: READING a file that is
not open, invalid address referenced due to subscript error.
Q29) What are SD37, SB37, SE37
abends?
A29) All
indicate dataset out of space. SD37 - no secondary allocation was specified.
SB37 - end of vol. and no further volumes specified. SE37 - Max. of
16 extents already allocated.
Q30) What is S322 abend ?
A30) Indicates
a time out abend. Your program has taken more CPU time than the default limit
for the job class. Could indicate an infinite loop.
Q31) Why do you want to specify
the REGION parameter in a JCL step? - GS
A31) To
override the REGION defined at the JOB card level. REGION specifies
the max region size. REGION=0K or 0M or omitting REGION means no limit will be
applied.
Q32) What does the TIME parameter
signify ? What does TIME=1440 mean ?
A32) TIME
parameter can be used to overcome S322 abends for programs that genuinely need
more CPU time. TIME=1440 means no CPU time limit is to be applied to this step.
Q33) What is COND=EVEN ?
A33) Means
execute this step even if any of the previous steps, terminated abnormally.
Q34) What is COND=ONLY ?
A34) Means
execute this step only if any of the previous steps, terminated abnormally.
Q35) How do you check the syntax
of a JCL without running it?
A35) TYPERUN=SCAN
on the JOB card or use JSCAN.
Q36) What does IEBGENER do?
A36) Used
to copy one QSAM file to another. Source dataset should be described using
SYSUT1 ddname. Destination dataset should be described using SYSUT2. IEBGENR
can also do some reformatting of data by supplying control cards via SYSIN.
Q37) How do you send the output of
a COBOL program to a member of a PDS?
A37) Code
the DSN as PDS (member) with a DISP = SHR. The DISP applies to the PDS and not
to a specific member.
Q38) I have multiple jobs ( JCLs
with several JOB cards ) in a member. What happens if I submit it?
A38) Multiple
jobs are submitted (as many jobs as the number of JOB cards).
Q39) I have a COBOL program that
Accepts some input data. How do you code the JCL statement for this?
( How do you
code instream data in a JCL? )
A39) //SYSIN
DD*
input data
input data
/*
Q40) Can you code instream data in
a PROC ?
A40) No.
Q41) How do you overcome this
limitation ?
A41) One
way is to code SYSIN DD DUMMY in the PROC, and then override this from the JCL
with instream data.
Q42) How do you run a COBOL batch
program from a JCL? How do you run a COBOL/DB2 program?
A42) To
run a non DB2 program,
//STEP001 EXEC PGM=MYPROG
To run a DB2 program,
//STEP001 EXEC PGM=IKJEFT01
//SYSTSIN DD *
DSN SYSTEM(....)
RUN PROGRAM(MYPROG)
PLAN(.....) LIB(....) PARMS(...)
/*
Q43) What is STEPLIB,
JOBLIB? What is it used for? - GS
A43) Specifies
that the private library (or libraries) specified should be searched before the
default system libraries in order to locate a program to be executed. STEPLIB
applies only to the particular step, JOBLIB to all steps in the job.
Q44) What is order of searching of
the libraries in a JCL? - GS
A44) First
any private libraries as specified in the STEPLIB or JOBLIB, then the system
libraries such as SYS1.LINKLIB. The system libraries are specified in the link
list.
Q45) What happens if both JOBLIB
and STEPLIB is specified ?
A45) JOBLIB
is ignored.
Q46) When you specify mutiple
datasets in a JOBLIB or STEPLIB, what factor determines the order? - GS
A46) The
library with the largest block size should be the first one.
Q47) How to change default
PROCLIB?
A47) //ABCD JCLLIB
ORDER=(ME.MYPROCLIB,SYS1.PROCLIB)
Q48) The disp in the JCL is MOD
and the program opens the file in OUTPUT mode. What happens ? The DISP in the
JCL is SHR and the program opens the file in EXTEND mode. What happens ?
A48) Records
will be written to end of file (append) when a WRITE is done in both cases.
Q49) What are the valid DSORG
values ?
A49) PS -
QSAM, PO - Partitioned, IS - ISAM
Q50) What are the differences
between JES2 & JES3 ?
A50) JES3
allocates datasets for all the steps before the job is scheduled. In JES2,
allocation of datasets required by a step are done only just before the step
executes.
Q51) What are the causes for S0C1,
S0C4, S0C5, S0C7, S0CB abends ?
A51) S0C1-May
be due to 1.Missing or misspelled DD name 2.Read/Write to unopened dataset
3.Read to dataset opened
output
4.Write to dataset opened input 5.Called subprogram not found
S0C4-may be due to 1.Missing Select
statement(during compile) 2.Bad Subscript/index 3.Protection Exception
4.Missing
parameters on called subprogram 5.Read/Write to unopened file 6.Move data
from/to unopened file
S0C5-May be due to 1.Bad Subscript/index 2.Closing
an unopened dataset 3.Bad exit from a perform 4.Access to I/O
area(FD)
before read
S0C7-may be due to 1.Numeric operation on
non-numeric data 2.Un-initialize working-storage 3.Coding past the
maximum
allowed sub script
S0CB-may be due to 1.Division by Zero
Q52) What are the kinds of job
control statements?
A52) The
JOB, EXEC and DD statement.
Q53) What is the meaning of
keyword in JCL? What is its opposite?
A53) A
keyword in a JCL statement may appear in different places and is recognized by
its name, eg. MSGCLASS in the JOB statement. The opposite is
positional words, where their meaning is based on their position in the
statement, eg. in the DISP keyword the =(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) meanings are based
on first, second and third position.
Q54) Describe the JOB statement,
its meaning, syntax and significant keywords?
A54) The
JOB statement is the first in a JCL stream. Its format is //
jobname, keyword JOB, accounting information in brackets and keywords,
MSGCLASS, MSGLEVEL, NOTIFIY, CLASS, etc.
Q55) Describe the EXEC statement,
its meaning, syntax and keywords?
A55) The
EXEC statement identifies the program to be executed via a PGM= program name
keyword. Its format is //jobname EXEC PGM= program
name. The PARM= keyword can be used to pass external values to the
executing program.
Q56) Describe the DD statement,
its meaning, syntax and keywords?
A56) The
DD statement links the external dataset name (DSN) to the DDNAME coded within
the executing program. It links the file names within the program
code to the file names know to the MVS operating system. The syntax is //
ddname DD DSN=dataset name. Other keywords after DSN are DISP, DCB,
SPACE, etc.
Q57) What is a PROC? What is the
difference between an instream and a catalogued PROC?
A57) PROC
stands for procedure. It is 'canned' JCL invoked by a PROC
statement. An instream PROC is presented within the JCL; a catalogued PROC is
referenced from a proclib partitioned dataset.
Q58) What is the difference
between a symbolic and an override in executing a PROC?
A58) A
symbolic is a PROC placeholder; the value for the symbolic is supplied when the
PROC is invoked, eg. &symbol=value. An override replaces the
PROC's statement with another one; it substitutes for the entire statement.
Q59) What is RESTART? How is it
invoked?
A59) RESTART
is a JOB statement keyword. It is used to restart the job at a specified step
rather than at the beginning.
Q60) What is a GDG? How is it
referenced? How is it defined? What is a MODELDSCB?
A60) GDG
stands for generation data group. It is a dataset with versions that
can be referenced absolutely or relatively. It is defined by an
IDCAMS define generation datagroup execution.
Q61) Explain concatenating
datasets?
A61) Datasets
can be grouped in a DD statement one after another, eg. in a JOBLIB statement
where the load module can exist in one of many datasets.
Q62) What is the difference
between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?
A62) DISP=OLD
denotes exclusive control of the dataset; DISP=SHR means there is no
exclusivity.
Q63) What is MOD and when would
you use it?
A63) DISP=MOD
is used when the dataset can be extended, ie, you can add records at the end of
an existing dataset.
Q64) What are the keywords associated with DCB? How
can you specify DCB information? What is the OS precedence for obtaining that
DCB information, ie.
where
does the system look for it first?
A64) The
keywords associated with the DCB parameter are LRECL, RECFM, BLKSIZE and
DSORG. The DCB information can be supplied in the DD
statement. The system looks for DCB information in the program code
first.
Q65) How do you designate a
comment in JCL?
A65) The
comment statement is //* followed by the comments.
Q66) What is the meaning of the
EXEC statement keyword, COND? What is its syntax?
A66) COND
specifies the conditions for executing the subsequent job step. The
value after the COND= is compared to the return codes of the
preceding steps and if the comparison is true, the step is bypassed. (If this
answer confuses you, welcome to the club - memorize it and don't ask
questions!)
Q67) What is the improvement to
COND= in the latest version of MVS?
A67) MVS
now allows for an IF bracketed by an END IF around any job step to replace the
COND= syntax. Again, if the IF statement is true, the step is bypassed.
Q68) What is the purpose of the
PARM keyword in the EXEC statement?
A68) The
value after the PARM= specifies control information to be passed to
the executing program of the job step.
Q69) What is the purpose and
meaning of the REGION keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?
A69) REGION
specifies the maximum CPU memory allocated for a particular job or job
step. If REGION is in the JOB card, it relates to the entire
job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.
Q70) What is the purpose and
meaning of the TIME keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?
A70) TIME
specifies the maximum CPU time allocated for a particular job or job
step. If TIME is in the JOB card, it relates to the entire
job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.
Q71) What is the meaning of data
definition name (ddname) and dataset name (dsname) in the DD statement?
A71) Data
definition name is the eight character designation after the // of the DD
statement. It matches the internal name specified in the steps executing
program. In COBOL that's the name specified after the ASSIGN in the
SELECT ASSIGN statement. Dataset name is the operating system (MVS) name for
the file.
Q72) How is the keyword DUMMY used
in JCL?
A72) For
an output file DUMMY specifies that the output is to be
discarded. For input it specifies that the file is empty.
Q73) What does the keyword DCB
mean and what are some of the keywords associated with it?
A73) DCB
stands for data control block; it is a keyword for the DD statement used to
describe datasets. Keywords associated with it are BLKSIZE, DEN, LRECL and
RECFM.
Q74) What is the difference
between BLKSIZE and LRECL?
A74) LRECL
is the logical record length , where as BLKSIZE is multiples of LRECL
Q75) Can you execute a PROC from
another PROC?
A75) I did
not know the answer and my interviewer said NO. Later I tried and executed PROC
from a PROC, three levels deep. Manuals do not state any limit on PROC calling
PROC, or nesting.
Q76) What will happen if you
attempt to restart a job in the middle of a JCL // IF .... // ENDIF?
A76) Job
will fall through to the ENDIF (not executing any steps), then resume execution
with the first step AFTER the // ENDIF.
Q77) How many positional
parameters are there in job statement?
A77) There
are two position parameters in job statement.
Q78) What are three parameters you
can specify on Job statement as well as on exec stmt ?
A78) Time,
Region and Cond parameters
Q79) How can you trap abends in
the JCL?
A79) Use
IF ABEND statement in the JCL.
Q80) How do you restart a step in
JCL?
A80) Use
RESTART=step name.
Q81) How do you pass parameters to
the program as the job is being executed ?
A81) By
using 'parm' parameter in exec statement. the value mentioned here should be
declared in linkage section in the program and process thru procedure division.
this technique is very useful when you do not know the parameters at the time
of coding the programs.
Q82) Why do you use a control
card?
A82) A
control card can be a member of a pds or a sequential dataset and is used for
storing the date fields, Definitions of VSAM files....etc. You use control card
because you cannot use a instream procedure in a procedure. Generally you will
be calling a Proc from your Jcl and you cannot code instream procedure in the
Proc and so you will point to the dataset which is called control card.
Q83) How do you submit JCL via a
Cobol program?
A83) In
your JCL define as //JOBA JOB 1111, JOB1 //STEP01 EXEC PGM=PROG1 //ddname DD
SYSOUT=(*,INTRDR)....and your COBOL(PROG1) should look like this SELECT
JCL-FILE ASSIGN TO ddname. Open this file and write the JCL statements into
this file. E.g. MOVE '//TESTJOB JOB 1111,VISVEISH' TO JCL-REC.MOVE '//STEP01
EXEC PGM=IEFBR14' TO JCL- REC and close this file. Then TESTJOB will be
submitted.
Q84) How do you submit a JCL under
CICS environment ?
A84) Pass
all the jcl codes to a COBOL variable(should be declare using OCCURS clause)
and the write the line one by one to the spool using CICS commands like
SPOOLClose SPOOLOpen SPOOLWrite . For more help reffer CECI of CICS or CICS
manual
Q85) What is the parameter to be
passed in the job card for the unlimited time , irrespective of the job class ?
A85) TIME=1440
Q86) Definition of COND parameter
in JCL
A86) COND
is a condition parameter, consists of 2 sub parameters, 1st - return code from
the previous step, 2nd - condition. If COND is true, the step on
which COND is coded will be BYPASSED.
Q87) What is meant by S0C7 system
abend code?
A87) S0C7
- Data exception error - you will get it whenever you are trying to move the
low values or spaces into the numeric field, or compare the numeric fields with
low values, or try to do some arithmetic operations on the low values. To avoid
this you have to always initialize the numeric fields otherwise they will
contain the low values.
Q88) How to pass the temp dataset
form one JOB step to another?
A88) By
specifying the DISP as PASS for the temp dataset
Q89) What is a COND parameter in
JCL?
A89) COND
means condition parameter. It is compared with system return code of previous
step.//step1 exec pgm=abcd//step2 exec pgm=xyz, cond=(4,lt)step2 will be
executed when system return code of step1 is less than 4.
Q90) Write a jcl to execute a job
by 7 a.m on Jan 20,1986 ?
A90) THE
code IS : //*MAIN DEADLINE=(0700,B,012086)
Q91) How many types of libraries
are there in JCL ?
A91) Libraries
are of three types.1.Sytem Libraries: SUCH AS SYS1.LINKLIB2.Private Libraries:
SPECIFIED IN A JOBLIB OR STEPLIB DD STATEMENTS.3.Temporary Libraries: CREATED
IN A PREVIOUS STEP OF THE JOB.
Q92) What u mean by include
statement in JCL ?
A92) An
include statement identifies a member of 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.
Q93) The maximum number of
in-stream procedure you can code in any JCL is ?
A93) Fifteen(15).
Q94) What you mean by skeleton
JCl?
A94) Jcl
which changes during run time i.e. 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...
Q95) How do you submit a JCL under
CICS environment ?
A95) 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....
Q96) What is JCL ?
A96) 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. It is
interface between operating system(MVS) & application program. when 2
related programs are combined together on control statements is called job
control language
Q97) What is the max blocksize for
a Tape file?
A97) It is
32,760.Based on that we can calculate efficient number of Records in a Block
Q98) What are the basic JCL
Statements for a Job?
A98) JOB :
Identifies a job and supplies accounting info
EXEC :
Identifies a job step by indicating the name of the program to be executed.
DD :
Identifies a data set to be allocated for the job step
Delimiter(/*) :
Marks the end of an in-stream dataset
Null(//) :
Marks the end of a job
Comments(//*) :
Provides Comments
PROC :
Marks the beginning of a procedure
PEND :
Marks the end of a procedure
OUTPUT :
Supplies options for SYSOUT processing.
Q99) What does the statements:
typrun=scan and typrun=hold do in a JCL statement
A99) typrun=scan
checks the JCL for errors, typrun=hold holds the job until further notice.
Q100) Which is the
most widely used batch performance monitor for DB2?
A100) DB2PM
Q101) What is QSAM
error usually when it is occurs?
A101) Usually it is
occurs at the time of job submission.
Q102) What is the
purpose of include statement in a JCL?
A102) 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.
Q103) What does S0C4
error mean?
A103) 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.
Q104) In which table
PLAN is registered in ?
A104) RCT
Q105) What is GDG?
A105) 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
Q106) what do you mean
By spooling? Expand SPOOL?
A106) 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
Q107) For how long a
job can be executed continuously in a mainframe ?
A107) 248 DAYS
Q108) Max. No of DD
statements in a job ?
A108) 3273
Q109) How much space
OS allocates when you create a PS or PDS?
A109) 56 KB
Q110) Min no of
member’s (PDS) in one directory block?
A110) SIX(6)
Q111) The maximum
number of steps in a job?
A111) 255
Q112) How much is
memory space involved, when we code BLOCKSIZE,TRK & CYL ?
A112) One block
constitutes 32KB of formatted memory/ 42KB of Unformatted memory,6 blocks makes
one Track & 15 Tracks makes one cylinder.
Q113) What is DSNDB06
?
A113) This is the
Place where DB2 Catalog resides
Q114) What is the use
of DSNDB07 ?
A114) This is the area
where sorting takes place in DB2
Q115) What is DATACOM
db?
A115) It is a database
used with VSE.
Q116) What is a Dummy
Utility and what it does ?
A116) IEFBR14 is a
Dummy utility and it is used for the sake of EXEC PGM= .... statement in
JCL[when used it wouldn't perform any task]. e.g. While Allocating a dataset
you don't have to run any utility [this could be done by giving disp=new inDD
statement]. But for a PGM name must be given in EXEC statement, it is used.
Q117) What 3
guidelines do we have to follow when concatenating DD statements?
A117) Datasets must be
of the same type (disk or tape), All datasets must have the same logical record
length, The dataset with the largest blocksize must be listed first.
Q118) On the DD
statement, what is the main difference between creating a new sequential flat
file and a partitioned dataset?
A118) 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.
Q119) What is the
difference between IEBGENER, IEBCOPY and REPRO in IDCAMS utility?
A119) IEBGENER -- This
is a dataset utility for copying sequential datasets which produces a PDS or a
member from a
sequential 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.
Q120) How do you
submit JCL via a Cobol program?
A120) Use a file //dd1
DD sysout=(*,intrdr)write your JCL to this file. Pl some one try this out.
Q121) How to execute a
set of JCL statements from a COBOL program ?
A121) Using EXEC CICS
SPOOL WRITE(var-name) END-EXEC command. var-name is a COBOL host structure
containing JCL statements.
Q122) What is the
difference between static call & Dynamic call ?
A122) In the case of
Static call, the called program is a stand along 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
Q123) What is the
difference between catalogue procedure and In-Stream procedure?
A123) 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 cataloged
procedures. Cataloged procedure is cataloged on the procedure library and is
called by specifying the procedure name on the EXEC statement.
Q124) What do you feel
makes a good program?
A124) 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.
Q125) Can we browse or
edit the GDG dataset if it is a tape entry?
A125) No, You can’t
edit or browse the GDG if it resides on tape.
Q126) What are the
maximum and minimum sizes of any CONTROL AREA (VSAM datasets) ?
A126) Minimum Size : 1
track Maximum size : 1 cylinder
Q127) How to get
cursor position from system in CICS environment ?
A127) Get it from
EIBCURPOS !
Q128) How many
parameters are there to a DISP statement and what are their uses ?
A128) 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).
Q129) What is the
error code SOC01 indicate ?
A129) Operation
exception error For e.g. a dataset open error
Q130) What is a
procedure?
A130) A set of
precoded JCL that can be modified through the use of parameters or override
cards. Note: Procedures can be catalogued or instream.
Q131) What is the
difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?
A131) 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.
Q132) What are the
three basic types of statements in a jobstream?
A132) JOB(one per
jobstream)EXEC(one or more per job)DD(one or more per jobstep)
Q133) What does SYSIN * indicate?
A133) Instream data
follows this card and is terminated when followed by a card containing // or /*
in columns 1 and 2.
Q134) What are three
major types of JCL statements? What are their functions?
A134) 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).
1. Distinguish between positional & keyword parameters
2. How can you omit positional parameters ?
3. How do u define the identifier field for a delimiter statement ?
4. List some valid operation codes .
5. What is the purpose of the MSGLEVEL parameter ?
6. What is the function of the following parameters :
I) MSGLEVEL=(0,0)
ii) MSGLEVEL=(2,1)
iii) MSGLEVEL=(1,1)
7. What is the purpose of the MSGCLASS parameter ?
8. What are the parameters used with COND ?
9.
List down the different types of comparison operators & their meaning .
10.What is the function of the TYPRUN parameter ?
11.What are the subparameters that can be used with TYPRUN?
12.What is the function of the TIME parameter?
13. What is the purpose of the EXEC statement ?
14. What are the additional keyword parameters used on the EXEC statement?
15.
What is the difference between the following statements :
I) step#1 exec
PGM=accpay
ii) step#1 exec tbalance
16. What is the error in the following JCL statements :
I) //step#three exec pgm=hkbc762
ii) //step#3 exec
pgm = hkbc762
iii) //step#3 exec
pgr = hkbc672
17. Name the system library from which modules are retrieved at
execution time .
18. What is the purpose of the JOBLIB statement ?
19. If JOBLIB & STEPLIB statements are both included in a job ,
then which statement would overide .
20. What
is the purpose of the PARM parameter ?
21. What
is the pupose of the DD statement ?
22. How
would u specify the device for a dataset in a DD statement ?
23. What
is the function of the following DD
statement //ddname
DD *
24. What is the purpose of the SYSOUT Parameter in the DD statement
?
25. What are the two ways of specifying Temporary Data Sets ?
26. What are the advantages of coding the DISP parameter with
MOD rather than NEW ?
27. Explain the function of the following
Statement : //ddname
DD DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE)
28. What
is the default value of the third DISP subparameter ?
29. What is Backward Referencing ?
30. What is the purpose of Concatenating Data Sets ?
31. What is the result of a READ operation on a Dummy
Data set ?
32. What are the functions of the following ddnames
: SYSUDUMP
, SYSABEND , SYSMDUMP
33. What are GDGs ?
is a Generation Data Group (GDG)?
A1) Generation Data
Group is a group of chronologically or functionally related datasets. GDGs are
processed periodically, often by adding a new generation, retaining previous
generations, and sometimes discarding the oldest generation.
Q2) How
is a GDG base created?
A2) A GDG base
is created in the system catalog and keeps track of the generation numbers used
for datasets in the group. IDCAMS utility is used to define the GDG base.
Q3) What
is model dataset label(Model DSCB)?
A3) A model
dataset label is a pattern for the dataset label created for any dataset named
as a part of the GDG group. The system needs an existing dataset to serve as a
model to supply the DCB parameters for the generation data group one wishes to
create. The model dataset label must be cataloged. The model DSCB name is
placed on the DCB parameter on the DD statement that creates the generation
data group.
Q4) How
are GDGs concatenated?
A4) Generation
Data Groups are concatenated by specifying each dataset name and the
generation number for all generations of the generation data
group. Otherwise to have all generations of a generation data group,
omit the generation number. The DD statement will refer to all generations. The
result is the same as if all individual datasets were concatenated. If
generations are not on the same volume, this will not work.
Q5) How
is a new GDG coded?
A5) A new GDG is
coded as (+1) after the dataset name as follows: DSN=JAN.DATA(+1). This will
cause all generations to be pushed down one level at the end of the job.
Q6) When
should DISP=MOD is used?
A6) DISP=MOD is
used to either extend an existing sequential dataset or to create a dataset if
it does not exist. If the dataset exists, then records are appended to the
dataset at the end of the existing dataset. If the dataset does not exist, the
system treats MOD as if it were NEW, provided that the volume parameter has not
been used. If the volume parameter is used, the system terminates the job and
does not create the new dataset. MOD can be used to add to a dataset that
extends onto several volumes. Always specify a disposition of CATLG with MOD
for cataloged datasets, even if they are already cataloged, so that any
additional volume serial numbers will be recorded in the catalog.
Q7) How
is a dataset passed from one step to another?
A7) A dataset is
passed from one step to another based on what is coded on the DISP parameter.
The dataset can only be passed to subsequent steps
if PASS was used on the disposition
parameter.
Q8) How
are datasets concatenated?
08) Datasets are
concatenated by writing a normal DD statement for the first dataset and then
adding a DD statement without a DDNAME for each dataset
to be concatenated in the order they are to be read.
The following is an example of three datasets concatenated:
//YEARDAT DD DSN=JAN.DATA,DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=FEB.DATA,DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=MAR.DATA,DISP=SHR
Q9) What
is the difference between the JOBLIB and the STEPLIB statements?
A9) The JOBLIB statement is placed after the JOB
statement and is effective for all job steps. It cannot be placed in a
cataloged
procedure. The STEPLIB statement is placed after the EXEC statement and is
effective for that job step
only.
Unlike the JOBLIB statement, the STEPLIB can be placed in a cataloged
procedure.
Q10) Name some of the
JCL statements that are not allowed in procs.?
A10) Some of the JCL statements which are not allowed in
procedures are:
1. JOB, Delimiter(/*), or Null statements
2. JOBLIB or JOBCAT DD statements
3. DD * or DATA statements
4. Any JES2 or JES3 control statements
Q11) What is primary allocation
for a dataset?
A11) The space
allocated when the dataset is first created.
Q12) What is the difference
between primary and secondary allocations for a dataset?
A12) Secondary
allocation is done when more space is required than what has already been
allocated.
Q13) How many extents are possible
for a sequential file ? For a VSAM file ?
A13) 16
extents on a volume for a sequential file and 123 for a VSAM file.
Q14) What does a disposition of
(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) mean? - GS
A14) That
this is a new dataset and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the
dataset if the step is successful and to delete the dataset if the step abends.
Q15) What does a disposition of
(NEW,CATLG,KEEP) mean? - GS
A15) That
this is a new dataset and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the
dataset if the step is successful and to KEEP but not CATLG the dataset if the
step abends. Thus if the step abends, the dataset would not be catalogued and
we would need to supply the vol. ser the next time we refer to it.
Q16) How do you access a file that
had a disposition of KEEP? - GS
A16) Need
to supply Volume Serial Number VOL=SER=xxxx.
Q17) MOD, DELETE; What
does a disposition of (,DELETE) mean ?
A17) The
MOD will cause the dataset to be created (if it does not exist), and
then the two DELETEs will cause the dataset to be deleted whether the step
abends or not. This disposition is used to clear out a dataset at the beginning
of a job.
Q18) What is the DD statement for
a output file?
A18) Unless
allocated earlier, will have the following
parameters: DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE), UNIT , SPACE & DCB
Q19) What do you do if you do not
want to keep all the space allocated to a dataset? - GS
A19) Specify
the parameter RLSE ( release ) in the SPACE e.g. SPACE=(CYL,(50,50),RLSE)
Q20) What is DISP=
(NEW,PASS,DELETE)?
A20) This
is a new file and create it, if the step terminates normally, pass it to the
subsequent steps and if step abends, delete it. This dataset will
not exist beyond the JCL.
Q21) How do you create a temporary
dataset? Where will you use them?
A21) Temporary
datasets can be created either by not specifying any DSNAME or by specifying
the temporary file indicator as in DSN=&&TEMP. We use them to carry the
output of one step to another step in the same job. The dataset will not be
retained once the job completes.
Q22) How do you restart a PROC
from a particular step? - GS
A22) In
job card, specify RESTART=PROCSTEP.STEPNAME where PROCSTEP = name of the JCL
step that invoked the PROC and STEPNAME = name of the PROC step where you want
execution to start
Q23) How do you skip a particular
step in a proc/JOB? - GS
A23) Can
use either condition codes or use the jcl control statement IF (only in ESA
JCL)\
Q24) A PROC has five
steps. Step 3 has a condition code. How can you
override/nullify this condition code? - GS
A24) Provide
the override on the EXEC stmt in the JCL as follows:
//STEP001 EXEC procname, COND.stepname=value
All parameters on an EXEC stmt in the proc such as
COND, PARM have to be overridden like this.
Q25) How do you override a
specific DDNAME/SYSIN in PROC from a JCL?
A25) //
Q26) What is NOTCAT 2 - GS
A26) This
is an MVS message indicating that a duplicate catalog entry exists. E.g., if
you already have a dataset with dsn = 'xxxx.yyyy' and u try to create one with
disp new, catlg, you would get this error. the program open and write would go
through and at the end of the step the system would try to put it in the system
catalog. at this point since an entry already exists the catlg would fail and
give this message. you can fix the problem by deleting/uncataloging the first
data set and going to the volume where the new dataset exists(this info is in
the msglog of the job) and cataloging it.
Q27) What is 'S0C7' abend? - GS
A27) Caused
by invalid data in a numeric field.
Q28) What is a S0C4 error ? - GS
A28) Storage
violation error - can be due to various reasons. e.g.: READING a file that is
not open, invalid address referenced due to subscript error.
Q29) What are SD37, SB37, SE37
abends?
A29) All
indicate dataset out of space. SD37 - no secondary allocation was specified.
SB37 - end of vol. and no further volumes specified. SE37 - Max. of
16 extents already allocated.
Q30) What is S322 abend ?
A30) Indicates
a time out abend. Your program has taken more CPU time than the default limit
for the job class. Could indicate an infinite loop.
Q31) Why do you want to specify
the REGION parameter in a JCL step? - GS
A31) To
override the REGION defined at the JOB card level. REGION specifies
the max region size. REGION=0K or 0M or omitting REGION means no limit will be
applied.
Q32) What does the TIME parameter
signify ? What does TIME=1440 mean ?
A32) TIME
parameter can be used to overcome S322 abends for programs that genuinely need
more CPU time. TIME=1440 means no CPU time limit is to be applied to this step.
Q33) What is COND=EVEN ?
A33) Means
execute this step even if any of the previous steps, terminated abnormally.
Q34) What is COND=ONLY ?
A34) Means
execute this step only if any of the previous steps, terminated abnormally.
Q35) How do you check the syntax
of a JCL without running it?
A35) TYPERUN=SCAN
on the JOB card or use JSCAN.
Q36) What does IEBGENER do?
A36) Used
to copy one QSAM file to another. Source dataset should be described using
SYSUT1 ddname. Destination dataset should be described using SYSUT2. IEBGENR
can also do some reformatting of data by supplying control cards via SYSIN.
Q37) How do you send the output of
a COBOL program to a member of a PDS?
A37) Code
the DSN as PDS (member) with a DISP = SHR. The DISP applies to the PDS and not
to a specific member.
Q38) I have multiple jobs ( JCLs
with several JOB cards ) in a member. What happens if I submit it?
A38) Multiple
jobs are submitted (as many jobs as the number of JOB cards).
Q39) I have a COBOL program that
Accepts some input data. How do you code the JCL statement for this?
( How do you
code instream data in a JCL? )
A39) //SYSIN
DD*
input data
input data
/*
Q40) Can you code instream data in
a PROC ?
A40) No.
Q41) How do you overcome this
limitation ?
A41) One
way is to code SYSIN DD DUMMY in the PROC, and then override this from the JCL
with instream data.
Q42) How do you run a COBOL batch
program from a JCL? How do you run a COBOL/DB2 program?
A42) To
run a non DB2 program,
//STEP001 EXEC PGM=MYPROG
To run a DB2 program,
//STEP001 EXEC PGM=IKJEFT01
//SYSTSIN DD *
DSN SYSTEM(....)
RUN PROGRAM(MYPROG)
PLAN(.....) LIB(....) PARMS(...)
/*
Q43) What is STEPLIB,
JOBLIB? What is it used for? - GS
A43) Specifies
that the private library (or libraries) specified should be searched before the
default system libraries in order to locate a program to be executed. STEPLIB
applies only to the particular step, JOBLIB to all steps in the job.
Q44) What is order of searching of
the libraries in a JCL? - GS
A44) First
any private libraries as specified in the STEPLIB or JOBLIB, then the system
libraries such as SYS1.LINKLIB. The system libraries are specified in the link
list.
Q45) What happens if both JOBLIB
and STEPLIB is specified ?
A45) JOBLIB
is ignored.
Q46) When you specify mutiple
datasets in a JOBLIB or STEPLIB, what factor determines the order? - GS
A46) The
library with the largest block size should be the first one.
Q47) How to change default
PROCLIB?
A47) //ABCD JCLLIB
ORDER=(ME.MYPROCLIB,SYS1.PROCLIB)
Q48) The disp in the JCL is MOD
and the program opens the file in OUTPUT mode. What happens ? The DISP in the
JCL is SHR and the program opens the file in EXTEND mode. What happens ?
A48) Records
will be written to end of file (append) when a WRITE is done in both cases.
Q49) What are the valid DSORG
values ?
A49) PS -
QSAM, PO - Partitioned, IS - ISAM
Q50) What are the differences
between JES2 & JES3 ?
A50) JES3
allocates datasets for all the steps before the job is scheduled. In JES2,
allocation of datasets required by a step are done only just before the step
executes.
Q51) What are the causes for S0C1,
S0C4, S0C5, S0C7, S0CB abends ?
A51) S0C1-May
be due to 1.Missing or misspelled DD name 2.Read/Write to unopened dataset
3.Read to dataset opened
output
4.Write to dataset opened input 5.Called subprogram not found
S0C4-may be due to 1.Missing Select
statement(during compile) 2.Bad Subscript/index 3.Protection Exception
4.Missing
parameters on called subprogram 5.Read/Write to unopened file 6.Move data
from/to unopened file
S0C5-May be due to 1.Bad Subscript/index 2.Closing
an unopened dataset 3.Bad exit from a perform 4.Access to I/O
area(FD)
before read
S0C7-may be due to 1.Numeric operation on
non-numeric data 2.Un-initialize working-storage 3.Coding past the
maximum
allowed sub script
S0CB-may be due to 1.Division by Zero
Q52) What are the kinds of job
control statements?
A52) The
JOB, EXEC and DD statement.
Q53) What is the meaning of
keyword in JCL? What is its opposite?
A53) A
keyword in a JCL statement may appear in different places and is recognized by
its name, eg. MSGCLASS in the JOB statement. The opposite is
positional words, where their meaning is based on their position in the
statement, eg. in the DISP keyword the =(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) meanings are based
on first, second and third position.
Q54) Describe the JOB statement,
its meaning, syntax and significant keywords?
A54) The
JOB statement is the first in a JCL stream. Its format is //
jobname, keyword JOB, accounting information in brackets and keywords,
MSGCLASS, MSGLEVEL, NOTIFIY, CLASS, etc.
Q55) Describe the EXEC statement,
its meaning, syntax and keywords?
A55) The
EXEC statement identifies the program to be executed via a PGM= program name
keyword. Its format is //jobname EXEC PGM= program
name. The PARM= keyword can be used to pass external values to the
executing program.
Q56) Describe the DD statement,
its meaning, syntax and keywords?
A56) The
DD statement links the external dataset name (DSN) to the DDNAME coded within
the executing program. It links the file names within the program
code to the file names know to the MVS operating system. The syntax is //
ddname DD DSN=dataset name. Other keywords after DSN are DISP, DCB,
SPACE, etc.
Q57) What is a PROC? What is the
difference between an instream and a catalogued PROC?
A57) PROC
stands for procedure. It is 'canned' JCL invoked by a PROC
statement. An instream PROC is presented within the JCL; a catalogued PROC is
referenced from a proclib partitioned dataset.
Q58) What is the difference
between a symbolic and an override in executing a PROC?
A58) A
symbolic is a PROC placeholder; the value for the symbolic is supplied when the
PROC is invoked, eg. &symbol=value. An override replaces the
PROC's statement with another one; it substitutes for the entire statement.
Q59) What is RESTART? How is it
invoked?
A59) RESTART
is a JOB statement keyword. It is used to restart the job at a specified step
rather than at the beginning.
Q60) What is a GDG? How is it
referenced? How is it defined? What is a MODELDSCB?
A60) GDG
stands for generation data group. It is a dataset with versions that
can be referenced absolutely or relatively. It is defined by an
IDCAMS define generation datagroup execution.
Q61) Explain concatenating
datasets?
A61) Datasets
can be grouped in a DD statement one after another, eg. in a JOBLIB statement
where the load module can exist in one of many datasets.
Q62) What is the difference
between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?
A62) DISP=OLD
denotes exclusive control of the dataset; DISP=SHR means there is no
exclusivity.
Q63) What is MOD and when would
you use it?
A63) DISP=MOD
is used when the dataset can be extended, ie, you can add records at the end of
an existing dataset.
Q64) What are the keywords associated with DCB? How
can you specify DCB information? What is the OS precedence for obtaining that
DCB information, ie.
where
does the system look for it first?
A64) The
keywords associated with the DCB parameter are LRECL, RECFM, BLKSIZE and
DSORG. The DCB information can be supplied in the DD
statement. The system looks for DCB information in the program code
first.
Q65) How do you designate a
comment in JCL?
A65) The
comment statement is //* followed by the comments.
Q66) What is the meaning of the
EXEC statement keyword, COND? What is its syntax?
A66) COND
specifies the conditions for executing the subsequent job step. The
value after the COND= is compared to the return codes of the
preceding steps and if the comparison is true, the step is bypassed. (If this
answer confuses you, welcome to the club - memorize it and don't ask
questions!)
Q67) What is the improvement to
COND= in the latest version of MVS?
A67) MVS
now allows for an IF bracketed by an END IF around any job step to replace the
COND= syntax. Again, if the IF statement is true, the step is bypassed.
Q68) What is the purpose of the
PARM keyword in the EXEC statement?
A68) The
value after the PARM= specifies control information to be passed to
the executing program of the job step.
Q69) What is the purpose and
meaning of the REGION keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?
A69) REGION
specifies the maximum CPU memory allocated for a particular job or job
step. If REGION is in the JOB card, it relates to the entire
job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.
Q70) What is the purpose and
meaning of the TIME keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?
A70) TIME
specifies the maximum CPU time allocated for a particular job or job
step. If TIME is in the JOB card, it relates to the entire
job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.
Q71) What is the meaning of data
definition name (ddname) and dataset name (dsname) in the DD statement?
A71) Data
definition name is the eight character designation after the // of the DD
statement. It matches the internal name specified in the steps executing
program. In COBOL that's the name specified after the ASSIGN in the
SELECT ASSIGN statement. Dataset name is the operating system (MVS) name for
the file.
Q72) How is the keyword DUMMY used
in JCL?
A72) For
an output file DUMMY specifies that the output is to be
discarded. For input it specifies that the file is empty.
Q73) What does the keyword DCB
mean and what are some of the keywords associated with it?
A73) DCB
stands for data control block; it is a keyword for the DD statement used to
describe datasets. Keywords associated with it are BLKSIZE, DEN, LRECL and
RECFM.
Q74) What is the difference
between BLKSIZE and LRECL?
A74) LRECL
is the logical record length , where as BLKSIZE is multiples of LRECL
Q75) Can you execute a PROC from
another PROC?
A75) I did
not know the answer and my interviewer said NO. Later I tried and executed PROC
from a PROC, three levels deep. Manuals do not state any limit on PROC calling
PROC, or nesting.
Q76) What will happen if you
attempt to restart a job in the middle of a JCL // IF .... // ENDIF?
A76) Job
will fall through to the ENDIF (not executing any steps), then resume execution
with the first step AFTER the // ENDIF.
Q77) How many positional
parameters are there in job statement?
A77) There
are two position parameters in job statement.
Q78) What are three parameters you
can specify on Job statement as well as on exec stmt ?
A78) Time,
Region and Cond parameters
Q79) How can you trap abends in
the JCL?
A79) Use
IF ABEND statement in the JCL.
Q80) How do you restart a step in
JCL?
A80) Use
RESTART=step name.
Q81) How do you pass parameters to
the program as the job is being executed ?
A81) By
using 'parm' parameter in exec statement. the value mentioned here should be
declared in linkage section in the program and process thru procedure division.
this technique is very useful when you do not know the parameters at the time
of coding the programs.
Q82) Why do you use a control
card?
A82) A
control card can be a member of a pds or a sequential dataset and is used for
storing the date fields, Definitions of VSAM files....etc. You use control card
because you cannot use a instream procedure in a procedure. Generally you will
be calling a Proc from your Jcl and you cannot code instream procedure in the
Proc and so you will point to the dataset which is called control card.
Q83) How do you submit JCL via a
Cobol program?
A83) In
your JCL define as //JOBA JOB 1111, JOB1 //STEP01 EXEC PGM=PROG1 //ddname DD
SYSOUT=(*,INTRDR)....and your COBOL(PROG1) should look like this SELECT
JCL-FILE ASSIGN TO ddname. Open this file and write the JCL statements into
this file. E.g. MOVE '//TESTJOB JOB 1111,VISVEISH' TO JCL-REC.MOVE '//STEP01
EXEC PGM=IEFBR14' TO JCL- REC and close this file. Then TESTJOB will be
submitted.
Q84) How do you submit a JCL under
CICS environment ?
A84) Pass
all the jcl codes to a COBOL variable(should be declare using OCCURS clause)
and the write the line one by one to the spool using CICS commands like
SPOOLClose SPOOLOpen SPOOLWrite . For more help reffer CECI of CICS or CICS
manual
Q85) What is the parameter to be
passed in the job card for the unlimited time , irrespective of the job class ?
A85) TIME=1440
Q86) Definition of COND parameter
in JCL
A86) COND
is a condition parameter, consists of 2 sub parameters, 1st - return code from
the previous step, 2nd - condition. If COND is true, the step on
which COND is coded will be BYPASSED.
Q87) What is meant by S0C7 system
abend code?
A87) S0C7
- Data exception error - you will get it whenever you are trying to move the
low values or spaces into the numeric field, or compare the numeric fields with
low values, or try to do some arithmetic operations on the low values. To avoid
this you have to always initialize the numeric fields otherwise they will
contain the low values.
Q88) How to pass the temp dataset
form one JOB step to another?
A88) By
specifying the DISP as PASS for the temp dataset
Q89) What is a COND parameter in
JCL?
A89) COND
means condition parameter. It is compared with system return code of previous
step.//step1 exec pgm=abcd//step2 exec pgm=xyz, cond=(4,lt)step2 will be
executed when system return code of step1 is less than 4.
Q90) Write a jcl to execute a job
by 7 a.m on Jan 20,1986 ?
A90) THE
code IS : //*MAIN DEADLINE=(0700,B,012086)
Q91) How many types of libraries
are there in JCL ?
A91) Libraries
are of three types.1.Sytem Libraries: SUCH AS SYS1.LINKLIB2.Private Libraries:
SPECIFIED IN A JOBLIB OR STEPLIB DD STATEMENTS.3.Temporary Libraries: CREATED
IN A PREVIOUS STEP OF THE JOB.
Q92) What u mean by include
statement in JCL ?
A92) An
include statement identifies a member of 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.
Q93) The maximum number of
in-stream procedure you can code in any JCL is ?
A93) Fifteen(15).
Q94) What you mean by skeleton
JCl?
A94) Jcl
which changes during run time i.e. 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...
Q95) How do you submit a JCL under
CICS environment ?
A95) 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....
Q96) What is JCL ?
A96) 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. It is
interface between operating system(MVS) & application program. when 2
related programs are combined together on control statements is called job
control language
Q97) What is the max blocksize for
a Tape file?
A97) It is
32,760.Based on that we can calculate efficient number of Records in a Block
Q98) What are the basic JCL
Statements for a Job?
A98) JOB :
Identifies a job and supplies accounting info
EXEC :
Identifies a job step by indicating the name of the program to be executed.
DD :
Identifies a data set to be allocated for the job step
Delimiter(/*) :
Marks the end of an in-stream dataset
Null(//) :
Marks the end of a job
Comments(//*) :
Provides Comments
PROC :
Marks the beginning of a procedure
PEND :
Marks the end of a procedure
OUTPUT :
Supplies options for SYSOUT processing.
Q99) What does the statements:
typrun=scan and typrun=hold do in a JCL statement
A99) typrun=scan
checks the JCL for errors, typrun=hold holds the job until further notice.
Q100) Which is the
most widely used batch performance monitor for DB2?
A100) DB2PM
Q101) What is QSAM
error usually when it is occurs?
A101) Usually it is
occurs at the time of job submission.
Q102) What is the
purpose of include statement in a JCL?
A102) 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.
Q103) What does S0C4
error mean?
A103) 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.
Q104) In which table
PLAN is registered in ?
A104) RCT
Q105) What is GDG?
A105) 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
Q106) what do you mean
By spooling? Expand SPOOL?
A106) 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
Q107) For how long a
job can be executed continuously in a mainframe ?
A107) 248 DAYS
Q108) Max. No of DD
statements in a job ?
A108) 3273
Q109) How much space
OS allocates when you create a PS or PDS?
A109) 56 KB
Q110) Min no of
member’s (PDS) in one directory block?
A110) SIX(6)
Q111) The maximum
number of steps in a job?
A111) 255
Q112) How much is
memory space involved, when we code BLOCKSIZE,TRK & CYL ?
A112) One block
constitutes 32KB of formatted memory/ 42KB of Unformatted memory,6 blocks makes
one Track & 15 Tracks makes one cylinder.
Q113) What is DSNDB06
?
A113) This is the
Place where DB2 Catalog resides
Q114) What is the use
of DSNDB07 ?
A114) This is the area
where sorting takes place in DB2
Q115) What is DATACOM
db?
A115) It is a database
used with VSE.
Q116) What is a Dummy
Utility and what it does ?
A116) IEFBR14 is a
Dummy utility and it is used for the sake of EXEC PGM= .... statement in
JCL[when used it wouldn't perform any task]. e.g. While Allocating a dataset
you don't have to run any utility [this could be done by giving disp=new inDD
statement]. But for a PGM name must be given in EXEC statement, it is used.
Q117) What 3
guidelines do we have to follow when concatenating DD statements?
A117) Datasets must be
of the same type (disk or tape), All datasets must have the same logical record
length, The dataset with the largest blocksize must be listed first.
Q118) On the DD
statement, what is the main difference between creating a new sequential flat
file and a partitioned dataset?
A118) 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.
Q119) What is the
difference between IEBGENER, IEBCOPY and REPRO in IDCAMS utility?
A119) IEBGENER -- This
is a dataset utility for copying sequential datasets which produces a PDS or a
member from a
sequential 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.
Q120) How do you
submit JCL via a Cobol program?
A120) Use a file //dd1
DD sysout=(*,intrdr)write your JCL to this file. Pl some one try this out.
Q121) How to execute a
set of JCL statements from a COBOL program ?
A121) Using EXEC CICS
SPOOL WRITE(var-name) END-EXEC command. var-name is a COBOL host structure
containing JCL statements.
Q122) What is the
difference between static call & Dynamic call ?
A122) In the case of
Static call, the called program is a stand along 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
Q123) What is the
difference between catalogue procedure and In-Stream procedure?
A123) 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 cataloged
procedures. Cataloged procedure is cataloged on the procedure library and is
called by specifying the procedure name on the EXEC statement.
Q124) What do you feel
makes a good program?
A124) 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.
Q125) Can we browse or
edit the GDG dataset if it is a tape entry?
A125) No, You can’t
edit or browse the GDG if it resides on tape.
Q126) What are the
maximum and minimum sizes of any CONTROL AREA (VSAM datasets) ?
A126) Minimum Size : 1
track Maximum size : 1 cylinder
Q127) How to get
cursor position from system in CICS environment ?
A127) Get it from
EIBCURPOS !
Q128) How many
parameters are there to a DISP statement and what are their uses ?
A128) 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).
Q129) What is the
error code SOC01 indicate ?
A129) Operation
exception error For e.g. a dataset open error
Q130) What is a
procedure?
A130) A set of
precoded JCL that can be modified through the use of parameters or override
cards. Note: Procedures can be catalogued or instream.
Q131) What is the
difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?
A131) 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.
Q132) What are the
three basic types of statements in a jobstream?
A132) JOB(one per
jobstream)EXEC(one or more per job)DD(one or more per jobstep)
Q133) What does SYSIN * indicate?
A133) Instream data
follows this card and is terminated when followed by a card containing // or /*
in columns 1 and 2.
Q134) What are three
major types of JCL statements? What are their functions?
A134) 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).
1. Distinguish between positional & keyword parameters
2. How can you omit positional parameters ?
3. How do u define the identifier field for a delimiter statement ?
4. List some valid operation codes .
5. What is the purpose of the MSGLEVEL parameter ?
6. What is the function of the following parameters :
I) MSGLEVEL=(0,0)
ii) MSGLEVEL=(2,1)
iii) MSGLEVEL=(1,1)
7. What is the purpose of the MSGCLASS parameter ?
8. What are the parameters used with COND ?
9.
List down the different types of comparison operators & their meaning .
10.What is the function of the TYPRUN parameter ?
11.What are the subparameters that can be used with TYPRUN?
12.What is the function of the TIME parameter?
13. What is the purpose of the EXEC statement ?
14. What are the additional keyword parameters used on the EXEC statement?
15.
What is the difference between the following statements :
I) step#1 exec
PGM=accpay
ii) step#1 exec tbalance
16. What is the error in the following JCL statements :
I) //step#three exec pgm=hkbc762
ii) //step#3 exec
pgm = hkbc762
iii) //step#3 exec
pgr = hkbc672
17. Name the system library from which modules are retrieved at
execution time .
18. What is the purpose of the JOBLIB statement ?
19. If JOBLIB & STEPLIB statements are both included in a job ,
then which statement would overide .
20. What
is the purpose of the PARM parameter ?
21. What
is the pupose of the DD statement ?
22. How
would u specify the device for a dataset in a DD statement ?
23. What
is the function of the following DD
statement //ddname
DD *
24. What is the purpose of the SYSOUT Parameter in the DD statement
?
25. What are the two ways of specifying Temporary Data Sets ?
26. What are the advantages of coding the DISP parameter with
MOD rather than NEW ?
27. Explain the function of the following
Statement : //ddname
DD DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE)
28. What
is the default value of the third DISP subparameter ?
29. What is Backward Referencing ?
30. What is the purpose of Concatenating Data Sets ?
31. What is the result of a READ operation on a Dummy
Data set ?
32. What are the functions of the following ddnames
: SYSUDUMP
, SYSABEND , SYSMDUMP
33. What are GDGs ?