JOB CONTROL LANGUAGE(JCL)

Q 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.

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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.

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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

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for the generation data group one wishes to create. The model dataset label must be cataloged. The

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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

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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
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same volume, this will not work.
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Q5) How is a new GDG coded?

A5) A new GDG is coded as (+1) after the dataset name as follows: DSN=[Link](+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?

IN

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
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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
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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?

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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.
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Q8) How are datasets concatenated?

A8) 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=[Link],DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=[Link],DISP=SHR
// DD DSN=[Link],DISP=SHR

Q9) What is the difference between the JOBLIB and the STEPLIB statements?

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 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

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3. DD * or DATA statements
4. Any JES2 or JES3 control statements

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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?

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A12) Secondary allocation is done when more space is required than what has already been allocated.

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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Q19) What do you do if you do not want to keep all the space allocated to a dataset? - GS
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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.

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 Q22) How do you restart a PROC from a particular step? - GS
A22) In job card, specify RESTART=[Link] 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

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A24) Provide the override on the EXEC stmt in the JCL as follows:
//STEP001 EXEC procname, [Link]=value
All parameters on an EXEC stmt in the proc such as COND, PARM have to be overridden like this.

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Q25) How do you override a specific DDNAME/SYSIN in PROC from a JCL?
A25) //<[Link]> DSN=...

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Q26) What is NOTCAT 2 - GS

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A26) This is an MVS message indicating that a duplicate catalog entry exists. E.g., if you already have a
dataset with dsn = '[Link]' 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

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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

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A27) Caused by invalid data in a numeric field.
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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?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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REGION=0K or 0M or omitting REGION means no limit will be applied.

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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?

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 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.

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Q38) I have multiple jobs ( JCLs with several JOB cards ) in a member. What happens if I submit
it?

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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?

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( How do you code instream data in a JCL? )

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A39) //SYSIN DD*
input data
input data
/*

Q40) Can you code instream data in a PROC ?

A40) No. M
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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
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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,
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//STEP001 EXEC PGM=MYPROG

To run a DB2 program,

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//STEP001 EXEC PGM=IKJEFT01

//SYSTSIN DD *
DSN SYSTEM(....)
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RUN PROGRAM(MYPROG)
PLAN(.....) LIB(....) PARMS(...)
/*
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Q43) What is STEPLIB, JOBLIB? What is it used for? - GS

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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 [Link]. The system libraries are specified in the link list.

Q45) What happens if both JOBLIB and STEPLIB is specified ?

A45) JOBLIB is ignored.

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 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=([Link],[Link])

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 ?

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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 ?

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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

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required by a step are done only just before the step executes.

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Q51) What are the causes for S0C1, S0C4, S0C5, S0C7, S0CB abends ?
A51) S0C1-May be due to [Link] or misspelled DD name [Link]/Write to unopened dataset [Link]
to dataset opened
output [Link] to dataset opened input [Link] subprogram not found

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S0C4-may be due to [Link] Select statement(during compile) [Link] Subscript/index [Link]

[Link] parameters on called subprogram [Link]/Write to unopened file [Link] data

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from/to unopened file
S0C5-May be due to [Link] Subscript/index [Link] an unopened dataset [Link] exit from a
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perform [Link] to I/O

area(FD) before read
S0C7-may be due to [Link] operation on non-numeric data [Link]-initialize working-storage
[Link] past the
maximum allowed sub script
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S0CB-may be due to [Link] by Zero

Q52) What are the kinds of job control statements?

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A52) The JOB, EXEC and DD statement.

Q53) What is the meaning of keyword in JCL? What is its opposite?

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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)
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meanings are based on first, second and third position.

Q54) Describe the JOB statement, its meaning, syntax and significant keywords?
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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?

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 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?

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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.

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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.

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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Q65) How do you designate a comment in JCL?

A65) The comment statement is //* followed by the comments.
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Q66) What is the meaning of the EXEC statement keyword, COND? What is its syntax?
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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.

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 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

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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

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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

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(MVS) name for the file.

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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.

A73) M
Q73) What does the keyword DCB mean and what are some of the keywords associated with it?
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.
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Q74) What is the difference between BLKSIZE and LRECL?
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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.
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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
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step AFTER the // ENDIF.

Q77) How many positional parameters are there in job statement?

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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 ?
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A78) Time, Region and Cond parameters

Q79) How can you trap abends in the JCL?

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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.

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 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

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'//TESTJOB JOB 1111,VISVEISH' TO [Link] '//STEP01 EXEC PGM=IEFBR14' TO
JCL- REC and close this file. Then TESTJOB will be submitted.

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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

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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)
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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.
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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
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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?
IN

A88) By specifying the DISP as PASS for the temp dataset

Q89) What is a COND parameter in JCL?

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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.
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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)
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Q91) How many types of libraries are there in JCL ?

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A91) Libraries are of three [Link] Libraries: SUCH AS [Link] Libraries:

SPECIFIED IN A JOBLIB OR STEPLIB DD [Link] 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).

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 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 ?

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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

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called job control language

Q97) What is the max blocksize for a Tape file?

A97) It is 32,[Link] on that we can calculate efficient number of Records in a Block

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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(//)
Comments(//*)
PROC
: Marks the end of a job
: Provides Comments M
: Marks the beginning of a procedure
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PEND : Marks the end of a procedure
OUTPUT : Supplies options for SYSOUT processing.
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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?
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A100) DB2PM

Q101) What is QSAM error usually when it is occurs?

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A101) Usually it is occurs at the time of job submission.

Q102) What is the purpose of include statement in a JCL?

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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.
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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
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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

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 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?

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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

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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 ?

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A108) 3273

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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?

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A111) 255
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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 ?

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A113) This is the Place where DB2 Catalog resides

Q114) What is the use of DSNDB07 ?

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A114) This is the area where sorting takes place in DB2

Q115) What is DATACOM db?

M

A115) It is a database used with VSE.

Q116) What is a Dummy Utility and what it does ?

M

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
IB

[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.

Page 106 of 260 [Link]

 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.

m
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

co
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

ES
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

M
procedure is cataloged on the procedure library and is called by specifying the procedure name on
the EXEC statement.
A
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
FR

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.
IN

Q126) What are the maximum and minimum sizes of any CONTROL AREA (VSAM datasets) ?
A126) Minimum Size : 1 track Maximum size : 1 cylinder
A

Q127) How to get cursor position from system in CICS environment ?

A127) Get it from EIBCURPOS !
M

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
M

data set (catlg, keep, delete).

IB

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.

Page 107 of 260 [Link]

 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

m
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,

co
space,
disposition).

1. Distinguish between positional & keyword parameters

.
ES
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 ? M

A
6. What is the function of the following parameters :
I) MSGLEVEL=(0,0)
FR

ii) MSGLEVEL=(2,1)
iii) MSGLEVEL=(1,1)

7. What is the purpose of the MSGCLASS parameter ?

IN

8. What are the parameters used with COND ?

9. List down the different types of comparison operators & their meaning .
A

[Link] is the function of the TYPRUN parameter ?

M

[Link] are the subparameters that can be used with TYPRUN?

[Link] is the function of the TIME parameter?

M

13. What is the purpose of the EXEC statement ?

IB

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

Page 108 of 260 [Link]

 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 ?

m
22. How would u specify the device for a dataset in a DD statement ?

co
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 ?

ES
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.

29.
M
What is the default value of the third DISP subparameter ?

What is Backward Referencing ?

A
30. What is the purpose of Concatenating Data Sets ?
FR

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
IN

33. What are GDGs ?

A
M
M
IB

Page 109 of 260 [Link]

 Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM)
Q1) What are the types of VSAM datasets?
A1) Entry sequenced datasets (ESDS), key sequenced datasets (KSDS) and relative record dataset
(RRDS).

Q2) How are records stored in an ESDS, entry sequenced dataset?

A5) They are stored without respect to the contents of the records and in the order in which they are
included in the file.

m
Q3) What is a CI, control interval?
A3) A control interval is the unit of information that VSAM transfers between virtual and auxiliary
storage.

co
Q4) What are the distinctive features of a ksds, key sequenced dataset?
A4) The index and the distributed free space.

.
Q5) What is a CA, control area?

ES
A5) A group of control intervals makes up a control area.

Q6) What is a sequence set?

A6) This is the part of the index that points to the CA and CI of the record being accessed.

Q7)
A7)
What is the index set? M
This is the other part of the index. It has multiple levels with pointers that ultimately reach to the
A
sequence set.

Q8) What is a cluster?

FR

A8) A cluster is the combination of the index, sequence set and data portions of the dataset. The
operating system gives program access to the cluster, ie. to all parts of the dataset simultaneously.

Q9) What is the catalog?

IN

Q9) The catalog contains the names of all datasets, VSAM and non-VSAM. It is used to access these
datasets.

Q10) What is an alternate index?

A

Q10) An AIX is a file that allows access to a VSAM dataset by a key other than the primary one.
M

Q11) What is a path?

Q11) A path is a file that allows you to access a file by alternate index - the path provides an association
between the AIX and the base cluster.
M

Q12) What is the upgrade set?

Q12) The upgrade set is the list of all AIXes that VSAM must maintain for a specific base cluster, so that
IB

when data in the base cluster is updated, the AIX files are also updated.

Q13) What is free space?

Q13) Free space is reserved within the data component of a KSDS to accommodate inserting new records.

Q14) What is a VSAM split?

Q14) If there isn't enough space in the control interval VSAM performs a control interval split by moving
some records to the free control intervals. If there isn't a free control interval VSAM performs a
control area split by allocating a new control area and moving half of the control intervals to it.

Page 110 of 260 [Link]

 Q15) What is the base cluster?
Q15) The base cluster consists of the data component and the index component for the primary index of a
KSDS.

Q16) Do primary key values have to be unique? Do alternate key values have to be unique?
Q16) Primary key values must be unique; alternate key values need not be.

Q17) In the COBOL SELECT statement what is the ORGANIZATION for a KSDS?
Q17) The ORGANIZATION is INDEXED.

m
Q18) In the COBOL SELECT statement for a KSDS what are the three possibilities for ACCESS?
Q18) ACCESS can be SEQUENTIAL, RANDOM or DYNAMIC.

co
Q19) What is the COBOL RECORD KEY clause?
Q19) The RECORD KEY in the SELECT clause identifies the files primary key as it will be known to the
program.

.
Q20) What is the purpose of the FILE STATUS clause in the SELECT statement?

ES
Q20) The FILE STATUS field identifies the field that VSAM uses to provide information about each I/O
operation for the file.

Q21) If you wish to use the REWRITE command haw must the VSAM file be opened?
Q21) It must be opened as I/O.

M
Q22) Explain the meaning and syntax for the START command.
Q22) The START command is used read other than the next VSAM record. A value must be moved into
A
the RECORD KEY. The KEY clause is optional, but it can be used to specify a relational (equal,
less than, etc.) operator.
FR

Q23) What is the meaning of dynamic processing?

Q23) It's rarely used. It means one program uses both sequential and random processing for a VSAM
KSDS file.
IN

Q24) Name some common VSAM error conditions and codes.

Q24) They are end of file (10), duplicate key (22), record not found (23), VSAM logic error (90), open
problem (92) and space problem (93).
A

Q25) What is the VSAM-code field?

Q25) It is a COBOL II enhancement to VSAM batch processing expanding the FILE STATUS field. It is
M

defined in WORKING-STORAGE as a six byte group item with three two byte elements, the normal
return code, the function code and the feedback code.
M

Q26) What is a VSAM slot?

Q26) A relative record dataset (RRDS) consists of a specified number of areas called slots. Each slot is
IB

identified by a relative record number (RRN) which indicates its relative position in the file.

Q27) What is the utility program closely associated with VSAM?

Q27) IDCAMS, the access method services utility.

Q28) There are at least seven IDCAMS commands; name and explain each of them ?.
Q28) ALTER modifies information for a catalog, alternate index, cluster or path. BLDINDEX builds the
alternate index, of course. DEFINE is used for ALTERNATEINDEX, CLUSTER or PATH.
DELETE removes the catalog entry for a catalog, cluster, alternate index or path. LISTCAT lists
information about the dataset. PRINT prints the dataset contents. REPRO copies records from one
file to another.

Page 111 of 260 [Link]

 Q29) What are the three levels of definition for the VSAM DEFINE?
Q29) They are DEFINE CLUSTER, DATA and INDEX.

Q30) What is the significance of the SHAREOPTIONS parameter?

Q30) It specifies how the file may be shared between jobs and between batch and CICS environments.

Q31) What is the meaning of the DEFINE MODEL parameter?

Q31) It specifies whether Daniela Pestova or Yamila - oops! Wrong models! The MODEL parameter
allows you to model your cluster by modeling it after an existing cluster.

m
Q32) What is File Status in VSAM?
Q32) The FILE STATUS clause of the FILE-CONTROL paragraph allows for each file to be

co
associated with a file status key (i.e., the 2-character data item specified in the FILE STATUS
clause). If the FILE STATUS clause is specified for a given file, a value indicating the status of
each I/O operation against that file is placed in the associated file status key. This value is stored in
the file status key as soon as the I/O operation is completed (and before execution of any

.
EXCEPTION/ERROR declarative or INVALIDKEY/AT END phrase associated with the I/O

ES
request).
Note: This element may behave differently when the CMPR2 compiler option is used. The file status
key is divided
into two status keys: the first character is known as file status key 1; the second character is file
status key 2.

M
Q33) What's a LDS (Linear Data Set) and what's it used for?
Q33) LDS is a VSAM dataset in name only. It has unstructured 4k (4096 bytes) fixed size CI’s which do
A
not contain control fields and therefore from VSAM's standpoint they do not contain any logical
records. There is no free space, and no access from Cobol. Can be accessed by DB2 and IMS fast
FR

path datasets. LDS is essentially a table of data maintained on disk. The 'table entries' must be
created via a user program and can only be logically accessed via a user program. When passed,
the entire LDS must be mapped into storage, and then data is accessed via base and displacement
type processing.
IN

Q34) What is IDCAMS ?

Q34) IDCAMS is the Access Method Services program. You run the IDCAMS program and supply AMS
commands thru SYSIN. (examples of AMS commands are DELETE, DEFINE, REPRO etc..).
A

Q35) Can AMS commands be run from the TSO prompt ?

Q35) Yes
M

Q36) Syntax of AMS modal commands ?

Q36) Note: these can be used only under IDCAMS and not from the TSO prompt.
M

IF LASTCC(or MAXCC) >(or <,= etc..) value -

THEN -
IB

DO -
command set (such as DELETE, DEFINE etc..)
ELSE -
DO -
command set

LASTCC - Condition code from the last function (such as delete) executed
MAXCC - Max condition code that was returned by any of the prev functions

SET is also a valid AMS command. SET LASTCC (or MAXCC) = value

Page 112 of 260 [Link]

 The maximum condition code is 16. A cond code of 4 indicates a warning. A cond code of 8 is
usually encountered on a DELETE of a dataset that is not present.

Q37) Under IDCAMS , multiple functions can be executed, each of which returns a cond code. What
will be the condition code returned to the operating system ?
Q37) The maximum condition code generated is returned as the condition code of the IDCAMS step.

Q38) What is Control Interval, Control Area?

Q38) Control Interval is analogous to a physical block for QSAM files. It is the unit of I/O. Must be
between 512 bytes to 32 k. Usually either 2K or 4K. A larger control interval increases performance

m
for sequential processing while the reverse is true for random access. Under CICS when a record is
locked, the entire CI gets locked.
Control Area is a group of control intervals. CA is used during allocation. CA size is calculated

co
based on the
allocation type (cyl, tracks or records) and can be max of 1 cylinder

Q39) What is FREESPACE ?

.
Q39) Coded in the DEFINE as FREESPACE(ci ca) where ci is the percentage of each control interval to

ES
be left free for insertions, ca is the percentage of control intervals in each control area to be left
empty.

Q40) How do you decide on optimum values for CI, FREESPACE etc...?
Q40) CI size should be based on record length, type of processing. Usually CI is 4K. If record length is

M
larger(>1K), chose 6K or 8K. FREESPACE should be large if more number of insertions are
envisaged. Usual values are (20 20) when heavy updates are expected. CI size can be calculated.
A
Q41) Would you specify FREESPACE for an ESDS?
Q41) No. Because you cannot insert records in an ESDS, also when you rewrite a record, it must be of the
FR

same length. Thus putting any value for freespace does not make any sense.

Q42) What is SHAREOPTS ?

Q42) SHAREOPTS is a parameter in the DEFINE and specifies how an object can be shared among users.
It is coded as SHAREOPTS(a b), where a is the cross region share option ie how two or more jobs
IN

on a single system can share the file, while b is the cross system share option ie how two or more
jobs on different MVS’s can share the file. Usual value is (2 3).
A

Q43) What is the meaning of each of the values in SHAREOPTS(2 3)?

Q43) Value of 2 for cross region means that the file can be processed simultaneously by multiple users
provided only one of them is an updater. Value of 3 for cross system means that any number of jobs
M

can process the file for input or output (VSAM does nothing to ensure integrity).

Q44) How do you define a KSDS ?

M

Q44) DEFINE CLUSTER(cluster name) with the INDEXED parameter. Also specify the ds name for the
DATA component & the ds INDEX component. Other important parms are RECORDSIZE, KEYS,
IB

SHAREOPTIONS.

Q45) How do you define an ALTINDX ? How do you use ALTINDXs in batch, CICS pgm’s ?
Q45) DEFINE ALTERNATEINDEX. Important paramters are RELATE where you specify the base
cluster name, KEYS, RECORDSIZE,SHAREOPTIONS,UNIQUEKEY(or NONUNIQUEKEY),
DATA(ds name for the data component), INDEX(ds name for the index component). Then DEFINE
PATH. Important paramters are NAME (ds name for the path), PATHENTRY (ds name of the
alternate index name), UPDATE(or NOUPDATE) which specifies whether an alt index is updated
when a update to the base cluster takes place. Then BLDINDEX. Parameters are INDATASET(ds
name of base cluster), OUTDATASET(ds name of AIX).

Page 113 of 260 [Link]

 Q46) Using Alternate Indexes in Batch pgms:
Q46) In the JCL, you must have DD stmts for the cluster and for the path(s). In the COBOL Program,
SELECT .. ASSIGN TO ddname for base cluster RECORD KEY IS... ALTERNATE RECORD
KEY IS..

Q47) Using Alternate Indexes in CICS pgms:

Q47) FCT entries must be created for both base cluster & the path. To read using the alternate index, use
the dd name of the path in CICS file control commands.

Q48) What happens when you open an empty VSAM file in a COBOL program for input?

m
Q48) A VSAM file that has never contained a record is treated as unavailable. Attempting to open for
input will fail. An empty file can be opened for output only. When you open for output, COBOL will
write a dummy record to the file & then delete it out.

co
Q49) How do you initialize a VSAM file before any operation? a VSAM with alternate index?
Q49) Can write a dummy program that just opens the file for output and then closes it.

.
Q50) What does a file status of 02 on a VSAM indicate?

ES
Q50) Duplicate alternate key . Happens on both input and output operation

Q51) How do you calculate record size of an alternate cluster? Give your values for both unique
and nonunique.
Q51) Unique Case: 5 + ( alt-key-length + primary-key )

M
Non unique Case: 5 + ( alt-key-length + n * primary-key ) where n = number of duplicate records for
the alternate key
A
Q52) What is the difference between sequential files and ESDS files?
Q52) Sequential (QSAM) files can be created on tape while ESDS files cannot. Also, you can have
FR

ALTINDEX for an ESDS while no such facility exists for QSAM files.

Q53) How do you load a VSAM data set with records ?

Q53) Using the REPRO command.
IN

Q54) How do you define a GDG ?

Q54) Use the DEFINE GENERATIONDATAGROUP command. In the same IDCAMS step, another
dataset must be defined whose DCB parameters are used when new generations of the GDG are
A

created. This dataset is known as the model dataset. The ds name of this model dataset must be the
same as that of the GDG, so use a disp of keep rather than catlg and also specify space=(trk,0)
M

Q55) Do all versions of the GDG have to be of the same record length ?
Q55) No, the DCB of the model dataset can be overridden when you allocate new versions.
M

Q56) How are different versions of GDG named ?

Q56) base-file-name.GnnnnnV00 where nnnn= generation number (upto 255). nnnn will be 0000 for the
1st generation.
IB

Q57) Suppose 3 generations of a GDG exist. How would you reference the 1st generation in the
JCL? - GS
Q57) Use GDG name(-2).

Q58) Suppose a generation of GDG gets created in a particular step of a proc. How would you refer
the current generation in a subsequent step? What would be the disposition of this generation
now? - GS
Q58) Relative generation numbers are updated only at the end of the job, not at the end of a step. To
allocate a new generation, we would be using (+1) with a DISP of (NEW,CATLG,DELETE). To

Page 114 of 260 [Link]

 refer to this in a subsequent step in the same job, we would again use (+1) but with a DISP of SHR or
OLD.

Q59) What more info you should give in the DD statement while defining the next generation of a
GDG? - GS
Q59) Give (+1) as the generation number, give (new,catlg) for disp, give space parameter, can give the
DCB parameter if you want to override the dcb of the model dataset.

Q60) Assuming that the DEFINE JCL is not available, how do you get info about a VSAM file's
organisation?

m
Q60) Use the LISTCAT command.

Q61) During processing of a VSAM file, some system error occurs and it is subsequently unusable .

co
What do you do ?
Q61) Run VERIFY.

Q62) How do you fix the problem associated with VSAM out of space condition?

.
Q62) Define new VSAM dataset allocated with more space.

ES
Use IDCAMS to REPRO the old VSAM file to new VSAM dataset.
Use IDCAMS to ALTER / rename the old VSAM dataset or se IDCAMS to DELETE the old VSAM
dataset.
Use IDCAMS to ALTER / rename the new VSAM dataset to the name of the original VSAM
dataset.

Q63) What is the meaning of VSAM RETURN-CODE 28?

Q63) Out of space condition is raised.
M
A
Q64) On which datasets You can have ALT INDEX?.
FR

Q64) only on KSDS and ESDS - not RRDS

Q65) How many Alternate Indexes you can have on a dataset?

Q65) 255 - but you must be a nut to have so many ALT Indexes on a dataset!
IN

Q66) Is it slower if you access a record through ALT INDEX as compared to Primary INDEX?
Q66) Yes. Why? Because the alternate key would first locate the primary key, which in turn locates the
actual record. Needs twice the number of I/Os.
A

Q67) What is RECOVERY and SPEED parameters in DEFINE CLUSTER command?

Q67) RECOVERY (default) and SPEED are mutually exclusive. Recovery preformats the control areas
M

during the initial dataset load, if the job fails, you can restart but you must have a recovery routine
already written to restart the job. SPEED does not preformat the CAs. It is recommended that you
specify SPEED to speed up your initial data load.
M

Q68) Describe SHAREOPTIONS parameter (SHR) in Define Cluster command.

Q68) It defines the cross-region and cross-system sharing capabilities of the dataset. Syntax is
IB

SHR(Crvalue, CSvalue) value 1 means multiple read OR single write (read integrity) 2 means
multiple read AND single write (Write integrity) 3 means Multiple read AND multiple write 4 is
same as 3, which refreshes the buffer with every random access. default is SHR(1 3).

Q69) What does the KEYRANGES parameter in Define Cluster commend do?
A69) It divides a large dataset into several volumes according to the Key ranges specified. e.g.,
KEYRANGES ((0000001 2999999) (3000000 5999999)). if the activity on the key ranges are
evenly distributed, concurrent access is possible, which is a performance improvement.

Page 115 of 260 [Link]

 Q70) What are the optional parameters to the input dataset While loading the empty cluster with
the data records?
A70) 1)FROMADDRESS(address) 2)TOADDRESS(address) where 'address' specifies the RBA value of
the key of the input record. 3)FROMNUMBER(rrn) 4)TONUMBER(rrn) where 'rrn' specifies the
relative record number of the RRDS record 5)FROMKEY(key) 6)TOKEY(key) where 'key' specifies
the key of the input record 7)SKIP(number) 8)COUNT(number) where 'number' specifies the number
of records to skip or copy Ex: REPRO INFILE(DD1) OUTFILE(DD2) SKIP(9000) COUNT(700) -
Skips the first 9000 records and begins copying at 9001 and copies 700 records from DD1 to DD2.

Q71) What is IDCAMS? and what is the purpose of it?.

m
A71) IDCAMS is an access method services utility used for creating, deleting, altering VSAM files and
copying sequential file to a VSAM file, etc.

co
Q72) How to delete a member using JCL.
A72) Using IDCAMS a member can be deleted. DELETE '[Link](member)

Q73) What is the Difference between LDS & ESDS ?

.
A73) These two datasets are VSAM datasets. ESDS maintains control information. But LDS does not

ES
maintains the control information.

Q74) Is a delete operation possible in an ESDS?B. Is rewrite operation possible in ESDS ?

A74) No delete operation is not possible in VSAM ESDS.B. Yes rewrite operation is possible in an ESDS.

Q75) What is an alternate index and path ?

M
A75) An alternate index is an another way of accessing key sequenced data record stored in a base cluster
and path is the linkage which connect alternate index to its base cluster.
A
Q76) How many buffers are allotted to VSAM KSDS and ESDS?
FR

A76) 2 data buffers by default for ESDS. For KSDS it allots 2 data buffers and 1 index buffers. each buffer
is about 4k.

Q77) what's the biggest disadvantage of using a VSAM dataset?

A77) FREE SPACE(FPSC)
IN

Q78) what's the device independent method to indicate where a Record is Stored?
A78) By USING RBA(Relative Byte Address).
A

Q79) How many times secondary space allocated?

A79) 122 TIMES
M

Q80) what is the RRN for the first record in RRDS?

A80) The answer is : 1
M

Q81) what is a Base Cluster?

IB

A81) The Index and data components of a KSDS

Q82) If FSPC(100 100) is specified does it mean that both the control interval and control area will
be left empty because 100 % of both CI and ca are specified to be empty?
A82) No, they would not be left empty. one record will be written in each CI and 1 CI will be written for
each ca.

SECTION 1

Fill in the blanks:

Page 116 of 260 [Link]

 1. A logical record is a unit of information used to store data in a VSAM data set.
2. A CI is a unit of information that VSAM transfers between virtual storage and disk storage.
3. The minimum size of a CI is 512 bytes.
4. 512 bytes is the minimum size of a CI.
5. The maximum size of a CI is 32K.
6. A CI consists of Logical Records, Free Space and Control Information.
7. A Control Interval Definition Field (CIDF) is of 4 Bytes long.
8. A Record Definition Field (RDF) is of 3 Bytes long.
9. In a CI if two or more adjacent records have the same length, only two RDf’s are used.

m
10. The minimum size of a CA is 1 track.
11. 1 track is the minimum size of a CA.
12. The maximum size of a CA is 1 cylinder.

co
13. 1 cylinder is the maximum size of a CA.
14. LDS is VSAM data set with a CI size of 4096Bytes.
15. LDS has no imbedded control information in its CI.
16. LDS has only a data component.

.
17. LDS cannot have an alternate index.

ES
18. RRDS consists of a number of preformatted fixed-length slots.
19. RRDS has only a data component.
20. For an RRDS the relative record number is used as a search argument.
21. RRDS supports only fixed length records.
22. ESDS has only a data component.
23.
24.
Spanned records must be accessed in MOVE mode.
Alternate Index is a special type of KSDS. M
A
25. The Master Catalog (MCAT) is identified at IPL.
26. The Master Catalog (MCAT) contains pointers to system data sets and user catalogs.
27. VTOC (Volume Table Of Contents) describes the type and location of data sets on the volume.
FR

28. VTOC (Volume Table Of Contents) is a data set created at volume initialization.
29. JOBCAT identifies a default catalog for an entire job.
30. STEPCAT identifies a default catalog for a single job step.
31. The two types of AMS commands are functional commands and modal commands.
IN

32. INDEXED is the default cluster type.

33. 4089 is the default maximum record length.
34. One cluster can have a maximum of 123 extents for all volumes together.
35. Record Size cannot be coded for LDS.
A

36. INDEX information appears on a LISTCAT listing for KSDS.

37. A Data Class is a description of data set characteristics under control of SMS.
M

38. JCL parameters override the specifications from a Data Class.

39. The names and contents of the Data Classes can be displayed through ISMF.
40. REPRO provides an easy to use copy utility.
M

41. REPRO copies or merges an alternate index as a KSDS.

42. REPRO converts a sequential or indexed-sequential data set into a VSAM data set.
43. The PRINT command prints VSAM data sets, non-VSAM data sets and catalogs.
IB

44. The default print format for output is DUMP.

45. If a KSDS cluster with name BMDUSER.KSDS1 is created, the default data component name would
be [Link] .
46. ALTER modifies the cataloged attributes of a VSAM data set.
47. ALTER can be used to change an ESDS into an LDS.
48. An LDS cannot be changed to any other VSAM data set format.
49. IMBED and REPLICATE options are applicable to KSDS cluster.
50. Parameters specified in the JCL override the appropriate parameters specified in the Data Class.
51. VSAM clusters can be accessed in Sequential, Direct and Skip sequential .
52. VSAM data can be processed by Logical Record or by Control Interval access.

Page 117 of 260 [Link]

 53. After software-end-of-file is written, the file is in Recovery mode.
54. VERIFY cannot be used for an Empty Dataset or an LDS .
55. Password verification is done during OPEN processing.
56. Strings allow concurrent positioning within a data set. ()
57. The minimum buffer space for a cluster is STRNO index buffers and STRNO+1 data buffers.
58. The default buffer space for a cluster is STRNO index buffers and STRNO+1 data buffers.
59. Sequential processing is overlapped when at least STRNO+3 data buffers are allocated.
60. For Sequential processing, larger data CI sizes are desirable.
61. For Random or Direct processing, smaller data CIs are desirable.
62. Free Space is used to reduce the number of CI and CA splits.

m
63. ICI access cannot be used to Load or Extend a data set.
64. Space allocations made in RECORDs are converted to TRKS by VSAM. ()
65. Key compression applies to the Index component.

co
66. An alternate index cannot be defined for an RRDS or LDS .
67. Each AIX data record contains System Header Information, the Alternate Key, and Pointer to the
data set.
68. A Path Path provides a way to gain access to the base data through its AIX.

.
69. Base Cluster must not be empty for BLDINDEX.

ES
70. Length of the alternate keys must not exceed 255 .
71. Records larger than 32760 cause REPRO to terminate.
72. When exporting a data set, we specify TEMPORARY to preserve the original data set.

SECTION 2
State whether True or False:
M
A
1. All VSAM data sets reside on DASD devices. (T)
2. Whenever a record is retrieved from DASD, the entire CA containing it is read into VSAM buffer.
FR

(F)
3. A LDS has no control information embedded in its CIs. (T)
4. In an RRDS, the position of a data record can be changed. (F)
5. Records from an ESDS can either be accessed sequentially or by RBA. (T)
IN

6. Deletions and updating of records is possible in ESDS. (F)

7. Spanned records can only be used in ESDS or KSDS. (T)
8. Spanned records are records larger than CA size. (F)
9. A CI that contains the record segment of a spanned record contains no other data. (T)
A

10. Spanned records must be accessed in LOCATE mode. (F)

11. A KSDS has both data and index components. (T)
M

12. A newly inserted record is always added at the end of a KSDS. (F)
13. A new index entry is inserted in the sequence set record corresponding to a CI split. (T)
14. IMBED places the sequence set CI for a data control area within the control area. (T)
M

15. VSAM control intervals containing data records have at least one RDF and one CIDF.(T)
16. Control area sizes vary by device type. (F)
17. Control interval sizes vary by device type. (T)
IB

18. For a KSDS, the larger the data CA size, the smaller the number of index CIs. (F)
19. We cannot access variable-length blocked records in VSAM. (F)
20. MCAT contains pointers to system data sets and user catalogs. (T)
21. While creating VSAM data sets, provision of component names is a must. (F)
22. JOBCAT identifies a default catalog for a single job step. (F)
23. There is a one-to-one correspondence between BCSs and VVDSs. (F)
24. The need for JOBCAT/STEPCAT statements has been replaced by the ALIAS. (T)
25. Aliases are limited to the first segment of the component name. (F)
26. The cluster name is required when defining VSAM cluster using DEFINE CLUSTER command.
(T)

Page 118 of 260 [Link]

 27. Any parameters in coded for the cluster in DEFINE CLUSTER will also apply to the data and index
components. (T)
28. If the space allocation is coded at cluster level in DEFINE CLUSTER, the space is divided between
data and index. (T)
29. If the specified CISZ is not valid in DEFINE CLUSTER, VSAM increases the number to the next valid
CISZ. (T)
30. All the parameters for LISTCAT command are required. (F)
31. A data component name will be generated by AMS if it is not explicitly coded. (T)
32. DEFINE CLUSTER for a KSDS will generate cluster, data and index information even if only cluster
information is specified.

m
(T)
33. The candidate volume is not used when data set is initially loaded. (T)
34. Suppose [Link] is a KSDS. The following statement will print cluster information only:

co
35. LISTCAT ENTRIES ([Link]) ALL (F)
36. REPRO copies or merges an alternate index as an ESDS. (F)
37. A PRINT command prints only VSAM data sets. (F)
38. A KSDS can be printed only in key order. (F)

.
39. A RRDS is printed in relative record number sequence. (T)

ES
40. The default print format is CHARACTER. (F)
41. Generic keys can be specified in PRINT FROMKEY and TOKEY. (T)
42. REPRO will stop processing records when a total of four physical I/O errors occur while writing to the
output data set. (F)
43. REPRO REUSE against a non-empty target data set defined with NOREUSE will reset the target data
set. (F)
M
44. In altering a KSDS, BUFND and BUFNI can be specified instead of BUFFERSPACE.(F)
45. ALTER REMOVEVOLUMES will not remove the volume if the data set currently has data on the
A
volume. (T)
46. ALTER can be used to change ESDS to LDS. (T)
FR

47. ALTER NULLIFY can be used to nullify all passwords, except the master. (F)
48. ALTER modifies the cataloged attributes of a VSAM data set. (T)
49. Generic names can be used to rename a group of objects or to alter an attribute of a group of objects.
(T)
50. Data Class specifications override the appropriate JCL parameters. (F)
IN

51. Not all attributes can be specified through JCL. (T)

52. VSAM data can be read by logical record or by control interval access. (T)
53. OPEN causes VSAM to verify that the processing options match the cluster type. (T)
A

54. COBOL does not support skip-sequential processing. (T)

55. COBOL supports RBA addressing and backward processing. (F)
56. VS COBOL II supports skip-processing. (F)
M

57. Non-spanned records may be accessed in either MOVE or LOCATE mode. (T)
58. The ISAM interface program allows VSAM programs to access ISAM data sets. (F)
59. Cross system sharing is either between multiple systems or multiple virtual machines.(T)
M

60. Software end-of-file is a CI containing all zeroes excluding CIDF. (F)

61. VERIFY can be used for empty data sets. (F)
IB

62. Catalog password protection is required for data set password checking. (T)
63. To ensure read integrity the application program must code ENQ/DEQ. (T)
64. For a data set with SHAREOPTIONS(4 3), CA splits are not allowed. (F)
65. The default for DELETE CLUSTER is NOERASE. (T)
66. If a cluster has VSAM password protection, the cluster MUST have a master password. (T)
67. The high-level index set record is maintained in the buffer if more than one index buffer (per string ) is
provided. (T)
68. VSAM allocates index buffers for all cluster types, even if the buffers are never used.(T)
69. BUFND and BUFNI are preferable to BUFFERSPACE. (T)
70. STRNO is used for sharing data sets across regions. (T)
71. Data buffers and control blocks are allocated below 16M by default. (T)

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 72. Large control intervals decrease virtual storage requirement for buffers. (F)
73. Buffer space specified at ACB overrides the defined value, if the ACB value is more. (F)
74. The default for DEFINE CLUSTER is ERASE. (F)
75. A large percentage of unused CI free space causes additional I/Os when accessing the data set
sequentially. (T) Sequential processing does not use CI free space beyond the free space threshold.
(T)
76. The larger the free space, the more are the levels of index. (T)
77. Improved CI (ICI) access is available for logical record processing as well as CNV processing. (F)
78. Processing a large data set with multiple extents in DIR mode performs approximately as well as
processing a large single extent data set in DIR mode.

m
(F)
79. IMBED replicates the sequence set CI associated with a data CA on the first track of data CA.
80. REPLICATE imbeds the index set within the data component. (F)

co
81. In a multiple volume data set the first allocation of space on a volume is always a primary allocation.
(T)
82. Index key compression can be suppressed with the NOCOMPRESS parameter. (F)
83. For sequential processing larger data CIs are desirable. (T)

.
84. Key compression applies to the keys of both index and data components. (F)

ES
85. Multiple alternate indexes may be defined over a base cluster. (T)
86. Alternate indexes are spanned record data sets. (T)
87. The size of an alternate index is about the same size of its base cluster. (F)
88. AIX records may be longer than specified in the DEFINE AIX maximum record size.(T)
89. A path is required so that an application program can specify base cluster keys and retrieve alternate
index records. (T)
90. Base cluster must be empty for BLDINDEX. M
91. Upgrade is done only for non-empty alternate indexes.
(F)
(T)
A
92. After reorganizing a KSDS, the physical sequence of data is same as the logical sequence of data.
(T)
FR

93. Index component is however not reconstructed, after the reorganization of a KSDS. (F)
94. EXPORT extracts catalog information and creates a copy of the data records. (T)
95. Records larger than 32760 cause EXPORT in CIMODE to terminate with an error. (F)
96. CIMODE is the default for EXPORT of an LDS. (T)
97. The base cluster must be imported before the alternate indexes. (T)
IN

98. The base cluster must be exported before the alternate indexes (F)
99. DFDSS can be used to reorganize a KSDS. (T)
100. If the HIGH-USED-RBA of the IMPORT OUTDATASET parameter is zero, then VSAM deletes and
A

redefines the OUTDATASET before the IMPORT operation.

(F)
101. ISMF can be used to create a DFHSM batch job stream. (T)
M

102. Data Set List line operator commands may effect more than one data set. (T)

SECTION 3
M

Choose the correct answer:

IB

1) Which VSAM clusters support only fixed length records? (b)

a) LDS
b) RRDS
c) ESDS
d) KSDS

2) FREESPACE can be specified for which type of cluster? (d)

a) LDS
b) RRDS

Page 120 of 260 [Link]

 c) ESDS
d) KSDS

3) In which cluster type are records added at the end of the data set? (c)
a) LDS
b) RRDS
c) ESDS
d) KSDS

4) The types of processing supported by RRDS are (e)

m
a) sequential
b) skip-sequential
c) direct

co
d) a and b
e) a, b and c

5) The types of processing supported by ESDS are (d)

.
a) sequential

ES
b) skip-sequential
c) direct
d) a and b
e) a and c

6) Spanned records can be found in

a) ESDS
b) KSDS
M (d)
A
c) RRDS
d) a or b
FR

e) a or c

7) Spanned records can be accessed in (a)

a) MOVE
b) LOCATE
IN

c) a and b
d) None
A

8) Alternate Index is a special type of (a)

a) KSDS
b) ESDS
M

c) RRDS
d) None
M

9) Specifying CISZ(4096) at the cluster level for a KSDS results in (c)

a) VSAM ignoring the specification
IB

b) Data and index CISZ 4k each

c) Data CISZ 4k; index CISZ selected by VSAM
d) Index CISZ 4K; data CISZ selected by VSAM

10) When defining a KSDS, which of the following parameters is not required? (b)
a) Space allocation (either CYL, REC or TRK)
b) VOLUMES
c) KEYS
d) NAME

11) Default RECORD SIZE for a NONSPANNED data set is (d)

Page 121 of 260 [Link]

 a) (80 80)
b) (4086 32600)
c) (100 32600)
d) (4089 4089)

12) If the key of a KSDS record begins in the second field (first field is 25 bytes long), the offset in the
KEYS parameter is (a)
a) 24
b) 25
c) 26

m
d) None

13) Data organization in KSDS is (a)

co
a) INDEXED
b) NUMBERED
c) LINEAR
d) NONINDEXED

.
ES
14) The default cluster type is (d)
a) ESDS
b) RRDS
c) LDS
d) KSDS

15) VOLUMES parameter can be specified at

a) cluster level
M (c)
A
b) data level and index level
c) All the above
FR

d) None

16) The RECORDSIZE parameter cannot be coded for (c)

a) ESDS
b) RRDS
IN

c) LDS
d) KSDS
A

17) The default PRINT format is (b)

a) Character
b) Dump
M

c) Hexadecimal
d) None
M

18) Which of the following REPRO selection parameters can be specified for an LDS? (e)
a) FROMKEY
IB

b) FROMADDRESS
c) FROMNUMBER
d) SKIP
e) None

19) The REPLACE parameter causes (c)

a) KSDS records to be replaced by an input record with the same key
b) ESDS records to be replaced by an input record with the same RBA
c) RRDS records to be replaced by an input record with the same RRN
d) a and c
e) All the above

Page 122 of 260 [Link]

 20) Which of the following is not a modal command? (e)
a) IF
b) THEN
c) ELSE
d) DO
e) GOTO

21) Using REPRO to reorganize a KSDS, which of the following is true? (e)
a) Input must be ascending key sequence.

m
b) No duplicate keys are allowed.
c) Non-unique keys are allowed.
d) a and c

co
e) a and b

22) Which of the following entry names are valid for ALTER FREESPACE? (b)
a) Cluster name

.
b) Data component name

ES
c) Index component name
d) b and c
e) a, b and c

23) Which of the following is a correct generic name specification for [Link].A? (a)
a) [Link].*
b) TEST.*.*.A
c) *.[Link].A
M
A
d) [Link].*.A
FR

24) To alter a cluster to an LDS, the cluster must (e)

a) be an ESDS
b) be NONSPANNED
c) have a CISZ of 4K
d) not have an alternate index associated with it
IN

e) all the above

25) For which access mode below must the application program interpret RDFs? (b)
A

a) KEY
b) ADR
c) ADR(for a KSDS)
M

d) CNV
e) None
M

26) At OPEN, VSAM determines processing options in the following order (d)
a) JCL, program, catalog
IB

b) program, JCL, catalog

c) JCL, catalog, program
d) catalog, program, JCL
e) None

27) VSAM request macros (e.g., GET, PUT) point to which other macros? (c)
a) OPEN
b) ACB
c) RPL
d) CLOSE
e) b and c

Page 123 of 260 [Link]

 f) None

28) If a program uses direct processing exclusively, DIR is specified in which macros? (c)
a) OPEN
b) ACB
c) RPL
d) CLOSE
e) b and c
f) None

m
29) VSAM processing options could be specified in (e)
a) Catalog
b) Program control blocks

co
c) JCL
d) None
e) All the above

.
30) Which of the following is not a COBOL verb? (d)

ES
a) START
b) READ
c) DELETE
d) UPDATE
e) REWRITE

a) Skip-sequential processing
M
31) Which of the following is/are not supported by COBOL? (d)
A
b) RBA addressing
c) Replacing existing record
FR

d) a and b
e) a, b and c
f) a and c

32) Which is a valid SHAREOPTIONS specification? (b)

IN

a) SHR(2 2)
b) SHR(2 3)
c) SHR(4 1)
A

d) SHR(1 2)
e) None
M

33) For a data set defined with SPEED, which of the following is true? (a)
a) SPEED is effective for the initial load only.
b) SPEED is effective for all additions to the data set after initial load.
M

c) If the load program ABENDS, VERIFY can determine the HIGH-USED-RBA of the data set.
d) If the load program ABENDS, only those records remaining in buffers need to be added to the data
IB

set.
e) None

34) VERIFY cannot be used for (c)

a) Empty data set
b) LDS
c) a and b
d) None

35) For a data set defined with NOERASE, which of the following is not true? (a)
a) Desirable for sensitive data

Page 124 of 260 [Link]

 b) Removes catalog entries
c) All the above
d) None

36) Buffer space cannot be specified in which of the following? (d)

a) DD statement
b) Assembler program
c) AMS DEFINE
d) COBOL program

m
37) How many data buffers are required for sequential processing to overlap I/O processing? (c)
a) 2
b) 3

co
c) 4
d) 5

38) When defining a KSDS, the best place to specify CISZ is generally (b)

.
a) At the cluster level

ES
b) At the data level only
c) At the index level only
d) At both data and index levels

39) For direct processing the recommended number of data buffers is (b)
a) STRNO
b) STRNO+1
c) STRNO+2
M
A
d) STRNO+3
e) None
FR

40) For 3380 DASD, TRK(50 5) results in which CA size for a KSDS defined with NOIMBED? (b)
a) 1 TRK
b) 5 TRKS
c) 15 TRKS
IN

d) 50 TRKS
e) None
A

41) Suppose you are defining a multi-volume data set with VOL(A B) and five key ranges specified. Which
of the following correctly indicates where each key range will be located?
(c)
M

a) First key range on VOL A; second on B; third on A; etc.

b) First key range on VOL B; second on A; third on B; etc.
c) First key range on VOL A; remaining key ranges on B.
M

d) All key ranges on VOL A; B is used for overflow only.

e) All key ranges on VOL B; A is used for overflow only.
IB

42) An alternate index can be defined for which cluster type?

(b)
a) KSDS and RRDS
b) KSDS and ESDS
c) KSDS and LDS
d) KSDS only
e) KSDS, ESDS and RRDS

Page 125 of 260 [Link]

 43) If an application program accesses a base cluster in alternate key sequence, then DD statements are
needed for which data sets?
(f)
a) Base cluster
b) Alternate index
c) Path
d) a and b
e) a and c
f) a, b and c

m
44) An alternate index itself is which cluster type?
(d)
a) LDS

co
b) RRDS
c) ESDS
d) KSDS
e) None

.
ES
45) Which of the following backs up data in CI mode?
(b)
a) REPRO only
b) EXPORT only
c) Both REPRO and EXPORT
d) Neither REPRO nor EXPORT
M
46) Which of the following writes catalog information into the backup data set?
A
(b)
a) REPRO only
FR

b) EXPORT only
c) Both REPRO and EXPORT
d) Neither REPRO nor EXPORT

47) Which of the following requires a DELETE/DEFINE before the command can be used to restore an
IN

existing data set?

(a)
a) REPRO only
A

b) IMPORT only
c) Both REPRO and IMPORT
d) Neither REPRO nor IMPORT
M

48) With HBACKDS the use of apostrophes to enclose the dsname is

(b)
M

a) Required
b) Used to exclude the TSO id as the high level qualifier
IB

c) Required only if one or more segments are specified generically

d) Not allowed if the data set is password protected

Page 126 of 260 [Link]

 SECTION 4
Answer the following briefly:

1. Differentiate between Control Interval and Control Area.

2. How many bytes of control information are there if all records are of the same length?Specify the
number of bytes used by RDFs and CIDFs.
3. Differentiate between Direct and Sequential processing.
4. What types of data sets are supported by VSAM?
5. What is a cluster?

m
6. Specify the default action of VSAM if the specified CISZ is not valid in defining the cluster.
7. How are records stored in each type of VSAM data set?
8. What is the function performed by VSAM ALTER?

co
9. What is the difference between a user catalog and a master catalog?
10. How do you specify the amount of CI to be used?
11. How do you specify the amount of CA available to a file?
12. Explain the need for free space.

.
13. What does it imply, if FSPC(100 100) is specified in DEFINE CLUSTER command?

ES
14. What is AMS? How are its services invoked?
15. Describe the various levels of password protection.
16. What is the format of SHAREOPTIONS and why is it used?
17. In what manner the VSAM data sets can be shared with SHAREOPTION(2 3)?
18. Mention some of the important types of information that can be obtained from LISTCAT.
19.
20.
21.
M
How can you check the amount of free space available for a data set?
How can we obtain the status of a master catalog or a user catalog?
What is a VSAM model?
A
22. What is a reusable data set?
23. What is the function performed by VSAM REPRO?
FR

24. What is the effect of REUSE with REPRO?

25. What is the effect of REPLACE with REPRO?
26. What is the function performed by PRINT?
27. What is a data class?
28. Mention some of the JCL parameters used for VSAM.
IN

29. How can you view the contents of a Data Class?

30. Differentiate between logical record access and control interval access.
31. Differentiate between MOVE mode and LOCATE mode.
A

32. What happens when a VSAM data set is requested for OPEN?
33. What is AMP and when would you use it?
M

34. What is IIP and when is it used?

35. Mention some of the COBOL procedure division verbs used for processing a VSAM data set.
36. What are the limitations of COBOL in processing a VSAM data set?
M

37. How can a VSAM data set be shared within a region?

38. What is the effect of SPEED/RECOVERY with DEFINE CLUSTER?
39. What is the purpose of VERIFY command?
IB

40. What is the effect of ERASE/NOERASE with DELETE CLUSTER?

41. What is an USVR? What are its functions?
42. What is the purpose of free space?
43. What function is performed by IMBED parameter?
44. What function is performed by REPLICATE parameter?
45. What is the purpose of buffer space?
46. Explain the terms front and rear key compressions.
47. Explain the need for an alternate index.
48. What is a PATH?
49. What functions does the UPGRADE option do?

Page 127 of 260 [Link]

 50. What is the function of BLDINDEX?
51. What are the various utilities available for backing up of data and restoring it?
52. Why do we go for reorganizing a KSDS?
53. What are the effects of reorganization of a KSDS?
54. What is control interval ?
55. What is KSDS, ESDS,RRDS ?
56. What is VERIFY on VSAM file ?

m
. co
ES
M
A
FR
IN
A
M
M
IB

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