1.

While importing the relational source definition from database, what are the metadata of source you
import?
Source name
Database location
Column names
Data types
Key constraints
2. How many ways you can update a relational source definition and what are they? informatica
Two ways
1. Edit the definition
2. Re import the definition
3. Where should U place the flat file to import the flat file definition to the designer? informatica powercenter
Place it in local folder informatica powercenter
4. To provide support for Mainframes source data, which files r used as a source definitions? informatica
COBOL files informatica powercenter
5. Which transformation should u need while using the COBOL sources as source definitions? informatica
Normalizer transformation is used to normalize the data. Since COBOL sources r often consists of Demoralized data.
6. How can U create or import flat file definition in to the warehouse designer? informatica powercenter
In Informatica U cannot create or import flat file definition in to warehouse designer directly. Instead U must analyze
the file in source analyzer, and then drag it into the warehouse designer. When u drags the flat file source definition
into warehouse designer workspace, the warehouse designer creates a relational target definition not a file definition.
If u wants to load to a file, configure the session to write to a flat file. When the informatica server runs the session, it
creates and loads the flat file.
7. What is the mapplet in informatica ?
In Informatica Mapplet is a set of transformations that you build in the mapplet designer and you can use in multiple
mappings.
8. What is a transformation in informatica ?
In Informatica It is a repository object that generates, modifies or passes data.
9. What are the designer tools for creating transformations? informatica powercenter
Mapping designer
Transformation developer
Mapplet designer
10. What r the active and passive transformations? informatica powercenter
An active transformation can change the number of rows that pass through it. A passive transformation does not
change the number of rows that pass through it In Informatica.
11. What r the connected or unconnected transformations? informatica powercenter
In Informatica An unconnected transformation is not connected to other transformations in the mapping. Connected
transformation is connected to other transformations in the mapping.

12. How many ways u create ports? informatica powercenter

In Informatica there are Two ways
I. Drag the port from another transformation
II. Click the add button on the ports tab.
14. What r the reusable transformations? informatica powercenter
In Informatica Reusable transformations can be used in multiple mappings. When u need to incorporate this
transformation into mapping, U add an instance of it to mapping. Later if we change the definition of the
transformation, all instances of it inherit the changes. Since the instance of reusable transformation is a pointer to that
transformation, U can change the transformation in the transformation developer, its instances automatically reflect
these changes. This feature can save U great deal of work.
15. What r the methods for creating reusable transformations? informatica powercenter
In Informatica there are Two methods
I. Design it in the transformation developer.
II. Promote a standard transformation from the mapping designer. After U add a transformation to the mapping, U can
promote it to the status of reusable transformation. Once U promote a standard transformation to reusable status can
demote it to a standard transformation at any time. If u change the properties of a reusable transformation in
mapping, we can revert it to the original reusable transformation properties by clicking the revert button.
16. What are the unsupported repository objects for a mapplet? informatica powercenter
COBOL source definition
Joiner transformations
Normalizer transformations
Non reusable sequence generator transformations.
Pre or post session stored procedures
Target definitions
Power mart 3.5 style Look Up functions
XML source definitions
IBM MQ source definitions
17. What are the mapping parameters and mapping variables? informatica powercenter
In Informatica Mapping parameter represents a constant value that you can define before running a
session. Informatica mapping parameter retains the same value throughout the entire session. When u use the
mapping parameter, You declare and use the parameter in a mapping or mapplet. Then define the value of
parameter in a parameter file for the session. Unlike a mapping parameter, Informatica mapping variable represents a
value that can change throughout the session. The informatica server saves the value of mapping variable to the
repository at the end of session run and uses that value next time you run the session.
18. In Informatica Can you use the mapping parameters or variables created in one mapping into another
mapping?
NO. In Informatica We can use mapping parameters or variables in any transformation of the same mapping or
mapplet in which U have created mapping parameters or variables.
19. In Informatica Can you use the mapping parameters or variables created in one mapping into any other
reusable transformation? informatica powercenter
Yes. Because In Informatica reusable transformation is not contained with any mapplet or mapping.
20. In Informatica How can you improve session performance in aggregator transformation? informatica
powercenter
Use sorted input

21. What is aggregate cache in aggregator transformation? inormatica powercenter

The aggregator stores data in the aggregate cache until it completes aggregate calculations. When we run a session
that uses an aggregator transformation, the informatica server creates an index and data caches in the memory to
process the transformation. If the informatica server requires more space, it stores overflow values in cache files.
22. What are the difference between joiner transformation and source qualifier transformation?
In Informatica you can join heterogeneous data sources in joiner transformation which we cannot achieve in source
qualifier transformation.
you need matching keys to join two relational sources in source qualifier transformation. Whereas u doesnt need
matching keys to join two sources.
Two relational sources should come from same data source in source qualifier. you can join relational sources which
r coming from different sources also.
23. In Informatica which conditions we cannot use joiner transformation (Limitations of joiner
transformation)?
In Informatica Both pipelines begin with the same original data source.
In Informatica Both input pipelines originate from the same Source Qualifier transformation.
In Informatica Both input pipelines originate from the same Normalizer transformation.
In Informatica Both input pipelines originate from the same Joiner transformation.
In Informatica Either input pipelines contains an Update Strategy transformation.
In Informatica Either input pipelines contains a connected or unconnected Sequence Generator transformation.
24. What are the settings that you use to configure the joiner transformation? informatica powercenter
Master and detail source
Type of join
Condition of the join
25. What are the join types in joiner transformation? informatica powercenter
Normal (Default)
Master outer
Detail outer
Full outer
26. What are the joiner caches? informatica powercenter
In Informatica When a Joiner transformation occurs in a session, the Informatica Server reads all the records from the
master source and builds index and data caches based on the master rows. After building the caches, the Joiner
transformations reads records from the detail source and perform joins.
27. What is the look up transformation? informatica powercenter
Use lookup transformation in your mapping to lookup data in a relational table, view, synonym. Informatica server
queries the look up table based on the lookup ports in the transformation. It compares the lookup transformation port
values to lookup table column values based on the look up condition.
28. Why use the lookup transformation? informatica powercenter
In informatica lookup transformation use to perform the following tasks:
Get a related value. For example, if your source table includes employee ID, but you want to include the employee
name in your target table, in these cases to make your summary data easier to read it is used.
Perform a calculation. Many normalized tables include values used in a calculation, such as gross sales per invoice
or sales tax, but not the calculated value (such as net sales).
Update slowly changing dimension tables. You can use a Lookup transformation to determine whether records
already exist in the target.
29. What r the types of lookup? informatica powercenter
Connected and unconnected

30. Differences between connected and unconnected lookup? Connected lookup

Informatica
Receives input values directly from the pipe line.
You can use a dynamic or static cache
Cache includes all lookup columns used in the mapping
Support user defined default values

In

Unconnected lookup
In Informatica
Receives input values from the result of a Lookup expression in a another transformation.
You can use a dynamic or static cache
Cache includes all lookup out put ports in the lookup condition and the lookup/return port.
Does not support user defined default values
31. What is meant by lookup caches in informatica ?
The informatica server builds a cache in memory when it processes the first row af a data in a cached look up
transformation. It allocates memory for the cache based on the amount u configure in the transformation or session
properties. The informatica server stores condition values in the index cache and output values in the data cache.
32. What are the types of lookup caches ? informatica powercenter
Persistent cache: You can save the lookup cache files and reuse them the next time the informatica server
processes a lookup transformation configured to use the cache.
Re cache from database: If the persistent cache is not synchronized with he lookup table, You can configure the
lookup transformation to rebuild the lookup cache.
Static cache: You can configure a static or read-only cache for only lookup table. By default informatica server
creates a static cache. It caches the lookup table and lookup values in the cache for each row that comes into the
transformation. When the lookup condition is true, the informatica server does not update the cache while it
processes the lookup transformation.
Dynamic cache: If You want to cache the target table and insert new rows into cache and the target, You can create
a look up transformation to use dynamic cache. The informatica server dynamically inserts data to the target table.
Shared cache: You can share the lookup cache between multiple transactions. You can share unnamed cache
between transformations in the same mapping.
33. Difference between static cache and dynamic cache informatica powercenter
Static cache
In Informatica
You cannot inert or update the cache.
The informatica server returns a value from the lookup table opr cache when the condition is true. When the condition
is not true, the
informatica server returns the default value for connected transformations and null for unconnected transformations.
Dynamic cache In Informatica
You can insert rows into the cache as u pass To the target the informatica server inserts rows into cache
when the condition is false. This indicates that the row is not in the cache or target table.
You can pass these rows to the target table.
34. Which transformation should we use to normalize the COBOL and relational sources?
Normalizer Transformation. When you drag the COBOL source in to the mapping Designer workspace, the
normalizer transformation automatically appears, creating input and output ports for every column in the source.
35. How the informatica server sorts the string values in Rank transformation?
When the informatica server runs in the ASCII data movement mode it sorts session data using Binary sort order. If
U configure the session to use a binary sort order, the informatica server calculates the binary value of each string
and returns the specified number of rows with the highest binary values for the string.

36. What r the rank caches? informatica powercenter

During the session, the informatica server compares an input row with rows in the data cache. If the input row outranks a stored row, the informatica server replaces the stored row with the input row. The informatica server stores
group information in an index cache and row data in a data cache.
37. What is the Rank index in Rank transformation? informatica powercenter
In Informatica The Designer automatically creates a RANKINDEX port for each Rank transformation. The Informatica
Server uses the Rank Index port to store the ranking position for each record in a group. For example, if you create a
Rank transformation that ranks the top 5 salespersons for each quarter, the rank index numbers the salespeople from
1 to 5:
38. What is the Router transformation? informatica powercenter
A Router transformation is similar to a Filter transformation because both transformations allow you to use a
condition to test data. However, a Filter transformation tests data for one condition and drops the rows of data that do
not meet the condition. A Router transformation tests data for one or more conditions and gives you the option to
route rows of data that do not meet any of the conditions to a default output group.
If you need to test the same input data based on multiple conditions, use a Router Transformation in a mapping
instead of creating multiple Filter transformations to perform the same task.
39. What are the types of groups in Router transformation? informatica powercenter
Input group
Output group
The designer copies property information from the input ports of the input group to create a set of output ports for
each output group.
Two types of output groups
User defined groups
Default group
U cannot modify or delete default groups.
40. Why we use stored procedure transformation? informatica powercenter
For populating and maintaining data bases.
42. What are the types of data that passes between informatica server and stored procedure?
In Informatica there are 3 types of data
Input/Out put parameters
Return Values
Status code
43. What is the status code? informatica powercenter
In Informatica Status code provides error handling for the informatica server during the session. The stored procedure
issues a status code that notifies whether or not stored procedure completed successfully. This value cannot seen by
the user. It only used by the informatica server to determine whether to continue running the session or stop.
44. What is source qualifier transformation? informatica powercenter
In Informatica When we add a relational or a flat file source definition to a mapping, we need to connect it to a source
qualifier transformation. The source qualifier transformation represents the records that the informatica server reads
when it runs a session.
45. What are the tasks that Informatica source qualifier perform? informatica powercenter
Join data originating from same source data base.
Filter records when the informatica server reads source data.
Specify an outer join rather than the default inner join
Specify sorted records.
Select only distinct values from the source.
Creating a custom query to issue a special SELECT statement for the informatica server to read source data.

46. What is the target load order?

You specify the target load order based on source qualifiers in a mapping. If u have the multiple source qualifiers
connected to the multiple targets, U can designate the order in which informatica server loads data into the targets.
47. What is the default join that source qualifier provides? informatica powercenter
Inner equi join.
48. What r the basic needs to join two sources in a source qualifier?
Two sources should have primary and foreign key relationships.
Two sources should have matching data types.
49. What is update strategy transformation? informatica powercenter
In Informatica This transformation is used to maintain the history data or just most recent changes in to target table.
50. Describe two levels in which update strategy transformation sets?
Within a session. When you configure a session, you can instruct the Informatica Server to either treat all records in
the same way (for example, treat all records as inserts), or use instructions coded into the session mapping to flag
records for different database operations.
Within a mapping. Within a mapping, you use the Update Strategy transformation to flag records for insert, delete,
update, or reject.
51. What is the default source option for update strategy transformation?
Informatica Data driven
52. What is Data driven? informatica powercenter
The informatica server follows instructions coded into update strategy transformations within the session mapping
determine how to flag records for insert, update, delete or reject. If u do not choose data driven option setting, the
informatica server ignores all update strategy transformations in the mapping.
53. What are the options in the target session of update strategy transformation?
Insert
Delete
Update
Update as update
Update as insert
Update else insert
Truncate table
54. What r the types of mapping wizards that r to be provided in Informatica?
The Designer provides two mapping wizards to help you create mappings quickly and easily. Both wizards are
designed to create mappings for loading and maintaining star schemas, a series of dimensions related to a central
fact table.
Getting Started Wizard. Creates mappings to load static fact and dimension tables, as well as slowly growing
dimension tables. Slowly Changing Dimensions Wizard. Creates mappings to load slowly changing dimension tables
based on the amount of historical dimension data you want to keep and the method you choose to handle historical
dimension data.
55. What r the types of mapping in Getting Started Wizard?
Simple Pass through mapping :
Loads a static fact or dimension table by inserting all rows. Use this mapping when you want to drop all existing data
from your table before loading new data.
Slowly Growing target :
Loads a slowly growing fact or dimension table by inserting new rows. Use this mapping to load new data when
existing data does not require updates.

56. What r the mappings that we use for slowly changing dimension table?
Type1:
Rows containing changes to existing dimensions are updated in the target by overwriting the existing dimension. In
the Type 1 Dimension mapping, all rows contain current dimension data.
Use the Type 1 Dimension mapping to update a slowly changing dimension table when you do not need to keep any
previous versions of dimensions in the table.
Type 2:
The Type 2 Dimension Data mapping inserts both new and changed dimensions into the target. Changes are tracked
in the target table by versioning the primary key and creating a version number for each dimension in the table.
Use the Type 2 Dimension/Version Data mapping to update a slowly changing dimension table when you want to
keep a full history of dimension data in the table. Version numbers and versioned primary keys track the order of
changes to each dimension.
Type 3:
The Type 3 Dimension mapping filters source rows based on user-defined comparisons and inserts only those found
to be new dimensions to the target. Rows containing changes to existing dimensions are updated in the target. When
updating an existing dimension, the Informatica Server saves existing data in different columns of the same row and
replaces the existing data with the updates
57. What r the different types of Type2 dimension mapping? informatica powercenter
Type2 Dimension/Version Data Mapping: In this mapping the updated dimension in the source will gets inserted in
target along with a new version number. And newly added dimension in source will inserted into target with a primary
key.
Type2 Dimension/Flag current Mapping: This mapping is also used for slowly changing dimensions. In addition it
creates a flag value for changed or new dimension.
Flag indicates the dimension is new or newly updated. Recent dimensions will gets saved with current flag value 1.
And updated dimensions r saved with the value 0.
Type2 Dimension/Effective Date Range Mapping: This is also one flavor of Type2 mapping used for slowly changing
dimensions. This mapping also inserts both new and changed dimensions in to the target. And changes r tracked by
the effective date range for each version of each dimension.
58. How can u recognize whether or not the newly added rows in the source r gets insert in the target?
In the Type2 mapping we have three options to recognize the newly added rows
Version number
Flag value
Effective date Range
59. What r two types of processes that informatica runs the session?
Load manager Process: Starts the session, creates the DTM process, and sends post-session email when the
session completes.
The DTM process. Creates threads to initialize the session, read, write, and transform data, and handle pre- and
post-session operations.
60. What r the new features of the server manager in the informatica 5.0?
U can use command line arguments for a session or batch. This allows U to change the values of session
parameters, and mapping parameters and mapping variables.
Parallel data processing: This feature is available for power center only. If we use the informatica server on a SMP
system, U can use multiple CPUs to process a session concurrently.
Process session data using threads: Informatica server runs the session in two processes. Explained in previous
question.
61. Can u generate reports in Informatica?
Yes. By using Metadata reporter we can generate reports in informatica.

62. What is metadata reporter? informatica powercenter

It is a web based application that enables you to run reports against repository metadata. With a meta data reporter,
u can access information about Ur repository without having knowledge of sql, transformation language or underlying
tables in the repository.
63. Define mapping and sessions? informatica powercenter
Mapping: It is a set of source and target definitions linked by transformation objects that define the rules for
transformation.
Session: It is a set of instructions that describe how and when to move data from source to targets.
64. Which tool U use to create and manage sessions and batches and to monitor and stop the informatica
server?
Informatica server manager.
65. Why we use partitioning the session in informatica? informatica powercenter
Partitioning achieves the session performance by reducing the time period of reading the source and loading the data
into target.
66. To achieve the session, partition what r the necessary tasks u have to do?
Configure the session to partition source data.
Install the informatica server on a machine with multiple CPUs.
67. How the informatica server increases the session performance through partitioning the source?
For relational sources informatica server creates multiple connections for each partition of a single source and
extracts separate range of data for each connection. Informatica server reads multiple partitions of a single source
concurrently. Similarly for loading also informatica server creates multiple connections to the target and loads
partitions of data concurrently.
For XML and file sources, informatica server reads multiple files concurrently. For loading the data informatica server
creates a separate file for each partition (of a source file).U can choose to merge the targets.
68. Why u use repository connectivity? informatica powercenter
When u edit, schedule the session each time, informatica server directly communicates the repository to check
whether or not the session and users are valid. All the metadata of sessions and mappings will be stored in
repository.
69. What r the tasks that Load manger process will do?
Manages the session and batch scheduling: When u start the informatica server the load manager launches and
queries the repository for a list of sessions configured to run on the informatica server. When u configure the session
the load manager maintains list of list of sessions and session start times. When u start a session load manger
fetches the session information from the repository to perform the validations and verifications prior to starting DTM
process.
Locking and reading the session: When the informatica server starts a session load manager locks the session from
the repository. Locking prevents U starting the session again and again.
Reading the parameter file: If the session uses a parameter files, load manager reads the parameter file and verifies
that the session level parameters are declared in the file Verifies permission and privileges: When the session starts
load manger checks whether or not the user have privileges to run the session
Creating log files: Load manger creates log file contains the status of session.
70. What is DTM process? informatica powercenter
After the load manger performs validations for session, it creates the DTM process. DTM is to create and manage the
threads that carry out the session tasks. I creates the master thread. Master thread creates and manages all the
other threads.
71. What r the different threads in DTM process? informatica powercenter
Master thread: Creates and manages all other threads
Mapping thread: One mapping thread will be creates for each session. Fetches session and mapping information

Pre and post session threads: This will be created to perform pre and post session operations.
Reader thread: One thread will be created for each partition of a source. It reads data from source.
Writer thread: It will be created to load data to the target.
Transformation thread: It will be created to transform data.
72. What r the data movement modes in informatica? informatica powercenter
Data movement modes determines how informatica server handles the character data. U choose the data movement
in the informatica server configuration settings.
Two types of data movement modes available in informatica.
I. ASCII mode
II. Uni code mode.
73. What r the out put files that the informatica server creates during the session running?
Informatica server log: Informatica server(on Unix) creates a log for all status and error messages(default name:
[Link]).It also creates an error log for error messages. These files will be created in informatica home
directory.
Session log file: Informatica server creates session log file for each session. It writes information about session into
log files such as initialization process, creation of sql commands for reader and writer threads, errors encountered
and load summary. The amount of detail in session log file depends on the tracing level that u set.
Session detail file: This file contains load statistics for each target in mapping. Session detail includes information
such as table name, number of rows written or rejected. U can view this file by double clicking on the session in
monitor window
Performance detail file: This file contains information known as session performance details which helps U where
performance can be improved. To generate this file select the performance detail option in the session property
sheet.
Reject file: This file contains the rows of data that the writer does not write to targets.
Control file: Informatica server creates control file and a target file when U run a session that uses the external loader.
The control file contains the information about the target flat file such as data format and loading instructions for the
external loader.
Post session email: Post session email allows U to automatically communicate information about a session run to
designated recipients. U can create two different messages. One if the session completed successfully the other if
the session fails.
Indicator file: If u use the flat file as a target, U can configure the informatica server to create indicator file. For each
target row, the indicator file contains a number to indicate whether the row was marked for insert, update, delete or
reject.
Output file: If session writes to a target file, the informatica server creates the target file based on file properties
entered in the session property sheet.
Cache files: When the informatica server creates memory cache it also creates cache files. For the following
circumstances informatica server creates index and data cache files.
Aggregator transformation
Joiner transformation
Rank transformation
Lookup transformation
74. In which circumstances that informatica server creates Reject files?
When it encounters the DD_Reject in update strategy transformation
Violates database constraint
Filed in the rows was truncated or overflowed.
75. What is polling? informatica powercenter
It displays the updated information about the session in the monitor window. The monitor window displays the status
of each session when U poll the informatica server
76. Can u copy the session to a different folder or repository?
Yes. By using copy session wizard u can copy a session in a different folder or repository. But that target folder or

repository should consists of mapping of that session.

If target folder or repository is not having the mapping of copying session,
U should have to copy that mapping first before u copy the session
77. What is batch and describe about types of batches? informatica powercenter
Grouping of session is known as batch. Batches r two types
Sequential: Runs sessions one after the other
Concurrent: Runs session at same time.
If u have sessions with source-target dependencies u have to go for sequential batch to start the sessions one after
another. If u have several independent sessions u can use concurrent batches which runs all the sessions at the
same time.
78. Can u copy the batches?
NO
79. How many number of sessions that u can create in a batch?
Any number of sessions
80. When the informatica server marks that a batch is failed?
If one of session is configured to run if previous completes and that previous session fails.
81. What is a command that used to run a batch?
pmcmd is used to start a batch.

informatica powercenter

82. What r the different options used to configure the sequential batches?
Two options. Run the session only if previous session completes successfully. Always runs the session.
83. In a sequential batch can u run the session if previous session fails?
Yes. By setting the option always runs the session.
84. Can u start a batches with in a batch? informatica powercenter
U cannot. If u want to start batch that resides in a batch, create a new independent batch and copy the necessary
sessions into the new batch.
85. Can u start a session inside a batch individually? informatica powercenter
We can start our required session only in case of sequential batch. in case of concurrent batch we cant do like this.
86. How can u stop a batch? informatica powercenter
By using server manager or pmcmd.
87. What r the session parameters? informatica powercenter
Session parameters r like mapping parameters, represent values U might want to change between sessions such as
database connections or source files.
Server manager also allows U to create user defined session parameters. Following r user defined session
parameters.
Database connections
Source file names: Use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of Session source file between
session runs
Target file name: Use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of session target file between
session runs.
Reject file name: Use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of session reject files between
session runs.
88. What is parameter file? informatica powercenter
Parameter file is to define the values for parameters and variables used in a session. A parameter file is a file
created by text editor such as word pad or notepad.

U can define the following values in parameter file

Mapping parameters
Mapping variables
Session parameters
89. How can u access the remote source into Ur session?
Relational source: To access relational source which is situated in a remote place ,u need to configure database
connection to the data source.
File Source: To access the remote source file U must configure the FTP connection to the host machine before u
create the session.
Heterogeneous: When Ur mapping contains more than one source type, the server manager creates a
heterogeneous session that displays source options for all types.
90. What is difference between portioning of relational target and partitioning of file targets?
If u partition a session with a relational target informatica server creates multiple connections to the target database
to write target data concurrently. If u partition a session with a file target the informatica server creates one target file
for each partition. U can configure session properties to merge these target files.
91. What r the transformations that restricts the partitioning of sessions?
Advanced External procedure transformation and External procedure transformation: This transformation contains a
check box on the properties tab to allow partitioning.
Aggregator Transformation: If u use sorted ports u cannot partition the associated source
Joiner Transformation: U cannot partition the master source for a joiner transformation
Normalizer Transformation
XML targets.
92. Performance tuning in Informatica?
The goal of performance tuning is optimize session performance so sessions run during the available load window for
the Informatica Server. Increase the session performance by following.
The performance of the Informatica Server is related to network connections. Data generally moves across a network
at less than 1 MB per second, whereas a local disk moves data five to twenty times faster. Thus network connections
often affect on session performance. So avoid network connections.
Flat files: If U'r flat files stored on a machine other than the informatica server, move those files to the machine that
consists of informatica server.
Relational data sources: Minimize the connections to sources, targets and informatica server to improve session
performance. Moving target database into server system may improve session performance.
Staging areas: If u use staging areas u force informatica server to perform multiple data passes. Removing of staging
areas may improve session performance.
U can run the multiple informatica servers against the same repository. Distributing the session load to multiple
informatica servers may improve session performance.
Run the informatica server in ASCII data movement mode improves the session performance. Because ASCII data
movement mode stores a character value in one byte. Unicode mode takes 2 bytes to store a character.
If a session joins multiple source tables in one Source Qualifier, optimizing the query may improve performance. Also,
single table select statements with an ORDER BY or GROUP BY clause may benefit from optimization such as
adding indexes.
We can improve the session performance by configuring the network packet size, which allows data to cross the
network at one time. To do this go to server manger, choose server configure database connections.
If u r target consists key constraints and indexes u slow the loading of data. To improve the session performance in
this case drop constraints and indexes before u run the session and rebuild them after completion of session.
Running parallel sessions by using concurrent batches will also reduce the time of loading the data. So concurrent
batches may also increase the session performance.
Partitioning the session improves the session performance by creating multiple connections to sources and targets
and loads data in parallel pipe lines.

In some cases if a session contains a aggregator transformation, u can use incremental aggregation to improve
session performance.
Avoid transformation errors to improve the session performance.
If the session contained lookup transformation u can improve the session performance by enabling the look up cache.
If Ur session contains filter transformation, create that filter transformation nearer to the sources or u can use filter
condition in source qualifier.
Aggregator, Rank and joiner transformation may often decrease the session performance .Because they must group
data before processing it. To improve session performance in this case, use sorted ports option.
92. What is difference between mapplet and reusable transformation?
Mapplet consists of set of transformations that is reusable. A reusable transformation is a single transformation that
can be reusable.
If u create a variables or parameters in mapplet that cannot be used in another mapping or mapplet. Unlike the
variables that r created in a reusable transformation can be useful in any other mapping or mapplet.
We cannot include source definitions in reusable transformations. But we can add sources to a mapplet.
Whole transformation logic will be hided in case of mapplet. But it is transparent in case of reusable transformation.
We can't use COBOL source qualifier, joiner, normalizer transformations in mapplet. Where as we can make them as
a reusable transformations.
93. Define informatica repository?
The Informatica repository is a relational database that stores information, or metadata, used by the Informatica
Server and Client tools. Metadata can include information such as mappings describing how to transform source
data, sessions indicating when you want the Informatica Server to perform the transformations, and connect strings
for sources and targets.
The repository also stores administrative information such as usernames and passwords, permissions and privileges,
and product version.
Use repository manager to create the repository. The Repository Manager connects to the repository database and
runs the code needed to create the repository tables. These tables stores metadata in specific format the informatica
server, client tools use.
94. What r the types of metadata that stores in repository? informatica powercenter
Following r the types of metadata that stores in the repository
Database connections
Global objects
Mappings
Mapplet
Multidimensional metadata
Reusable transformations
Sessions and batches
Short cuts
Source definitions
Target definitions
Transformations
95. What is power center repository in informatica ?
The PowerCenter repository allows you to share metadata across repositories to create a data mart domain. In a data
mart domain, you can create a single global repository to store metadata used across an enterprise, and a number of
local repositories to share the global metadata as needed.
96. How can u work with remote database in informatica? did u work directly by using remote connections?
To work with remote data source u need to connect it with remote connections. But it is not preferable to work with
that remote source directly by using remote connections. Instead u bring that source into U r local machine where
informatica server resides. If u work directly with remote source the session performance will decreases by passing
less amount of data across the network in a particular time.

97. What r the new features in Informatica 5.0?

U can debug Ur mapping in mapping designer
U can view the work space over the entire screen
The designer displays a new icon for a invalid mappings in the navigator window
U can use a dynamic lookup cache in a lookup transformation
Create mapping parameters or mapping variables in a mapping or mapplet to make mappings more flexible
U can export objects into repository and import objects from repository. when u export a repository object, the
designer or server manager creates an XML file to describe the repository metadata.
The designer allows u to use Router transformation to test data for multiple conditions. Router transformation allows u
route groups of data to transformation or target.
U can use XML data as a source or target.
Server Enhancements:
U can use the command line program pmcmd to specify a parameter file to run sessions or batches. This allows you
to change the values of session parameters, and mapping parameters and variables at runtime.
If you run the Informatica Server on a symmetric multi-processing system, you can use multiple CPUs to process a
session concurrently. You configure partitions in the session properties based on source qualifiers. The Informatica
Server reads, transforms, and writes partitions of data in parallel for a single session. This is available for Power
center only.
Informatica server creates two processes like load manager process, DTM process to run the sessions.
Metadata Reporter: It is a web based application which is used to run reports against repository metadata.
U can copy the session across the folders and repositories using the copy session wizard in the informatica server
manager
With new email variables, you can configure post-session email to include information, such as the mapping used
during the session
98. What is incremental aggregation in informatica ?
When using incremental aggregation, you apply captured changes in the source to aggregate calculations in a
session. If the source changes only incrementally and you can capture changes, you can configure the session to
process only those changes. This allows the Informatica Server to update your target incrementally, rather than
forcing it to process the entire source and recalculate the same calculations each time you run the session.
99. What r the scheduling options to run a session? informatica powercenter
U can schedule a session to run at a given time or interval, or u can manually run the session.
Different options of scheduling
Run only on demand: server runs the session only when user starts session explicitly
Run once: Informatica server runs the session only once at a specified date and time.
Run every: Informatica server runs the session at regular intervals as configured.
Customized repeat: Informatica server runs the session at the dates and times specified in the repeat dialog box.
100 .What is tracing level and what r the types of tracing level?
Tracing level represents the amount of information that informatica server writes in a log file. Types of tracing level
Normal
Verbose
Verbose init
Verbose data
101. What is difference between stored procedure transformation and external procedure transformation?
In case of stored procedure transformation procedure will be compiled and executed in a relational data source. U
need data base connection to import the stored procedure in to U'r mapping. Where as in external procedure
transformation procedure or function will be executed outside of data source. Ie u need to make it as a DLL to access
in u r mapping. No need to have data base connection in case of external procedure transformation.

102. Explain about Recovering sessions? informatica powercenter

If you stop a session or if an error causes a session to stop, refer to the session and error logs to determine the
cause of failure. Correct the errors, and then complete the session. The method you use to complete the session
depends on the properties of the mapping, session, and Informatica Server configuration.
Use one of the following methods to complete the session:
Run the session again if the Informatica Server has not issued a commit.
Truncate the target tables and run the session again if the session is not recoverable.
Consider performing recovery if the Informatica Server has issued at least one commit.
103. If a session fails after loading of 10,000 records in to the target. How can u load the records from
10001st record when u run the session next time?
As explained above informatica server has 3 methods to recovering the sessions. Use performing recovery to load
the records from where the session fails.
104. Explain about perform recovery? informatica powercenter
When the Informatica Server starts a recovery session, it reads the OPB_SRVR_RECOVERY table and notes the
row ID of the last row committed to the target database. The Informatica Server then reads all sources again and
starts processing from the next row ID. For example, if the Informatica Server commits 10,000 rows before the
session fails, when you run recovery, the Informatica Server bypasses the rows up to 10,000 and starts loading with
row 10,001.
By default, Perform Recovery is disabled in the Informatica Server setup. You must enable Recovery in the
Informatica Server setup before you run a session so the Informatica Server can create and/or write entries in the
OPB_SRVR_RECOVERY table.
105. How to recover the standalone session? informatica powercenter
A standalone session is a session that is not nested in a batch. If a standalone session fails, you can run recovery
using a menu command or pmcmd. These options are not available for batched sessions.
To recover sessions using the menu:
1. In the Server Manager, highlight the session you want to recover.
2. Select Server Requests-Stop from the menu.
3. With the failed session highlighted, select Server Requests-Start Session in Recovery Mode from the menu.
To recover sessions using pmcmd:
1. From the command line, stop the session.
2. From the command line, start recovery.
106. How can u recover the session in sequential batches? informatica powercenter
If you configure a session in a sequential batch to stop on failure, you can run recovery starting with the failed
session. The Informatica Server completes the session and then runs the rest of the batch. Use the Perform
Recovery session property
To recover sessions in sequential batches configured to stop on failure:
1. In the Server Manager, open the session property sheet.
2. On the Log Files tab, select Perform Recovery, and click OK.
3. Run the session.
4. After the batch completes, open the session property sheet.
5. Clear Perform Recovery, and click OK.
If you do not clear Perform Recovery, the next time you run the session, the Informatica Server attempts to recover
the previous session.
If you do not configure a session in a sequential batch to stop on failure, and the remaining sessions in the batch
complete, recover the failed session as a standalone session.
107. How to recover sessions in concurrent batches? informatica powercenter
If multiple sessions in a concurrent batch fail, you might want to truncate all targets and run the batch again.
However, if a session in a concurrent batch fails and the rest of the sessions complete successfully, you can recover

the session as a standalone session.

To recover a session in a concurrent batch:
1. Copy the failed session using Operations-Copy Session.
2. Drag the copied session outside the batch to be a standalone session.
3. Follow the steps to recover a standalone session.
4. Delete the standalone copy.
108. How can u complete unrecoverable sessions? informatica powercenter
Under certain circumstances, when a session does not complete, you need to truncate the target tables and run the
session from the beginning. Run the session from the beginning when the Informatica Server cannot run recovery or
when running recovery might result in inconsistent data.
109. What r the circumstances that informatica server results an unrecoverable session?
The source qualifier transformation does not use sorted ports.
If u change the partition information after the initial session fails.
Perform recovery is disabled in the informatica server configuration.
If the sources or targets changes after initial session fails.
If the mapping consists of sequence generator or normalizer transformation.
If a concurrent batch contains multiple failed sessions.
110. If i done any modifications for my table in back end does it reflect in informatica warehouse or mapping
designer or source analyzer?
NO. Informatica is not at all concern with back end data base. It displays u all the information that is to be stored in
repository. If want to reflect back end changes to informatica screens, again u have to import from back end to
informatica by valid connection. And u have to replace the existing files with imported files.
111. After dragging the ports of three sources (sql server, oracle, Informix) to a single source qualifier, can u
map these three ports directly to target?
NO. Unless and until u join those three ports in source qualifier u cannot map them directly.