Cics Interview Questions

How can you define files, programs and transactions to the CICS system?
Files programs and transactions are defined to the CICS system thru various CICS
tables, which define files programs and transactions to the CICS system.
Files are defined to CICS in the FCT (File Control Table). The information required
include an 8 character ID that uniquely identifies the file, the File name, key length
and types of I/O allowed on the file.
Programs must be defined in the PCT (Program Control Table). The information
required includes the program name and program language.
Transactions are defined in the PPT (Program Process Table). The transaction name is
4 characters. The information required in the PPT includes the Program name that the
transaction is to run.
Definitions of CICS resources are stored in the CICS System Definitions (CSD) file.
There are two usual methods of adding and defining resources to CICS.
The first method is to use Resource Definition Online (RDO). There are a number of
transactions in CICS, which allow you to define resources to CICS.
The second method is to use the CSD offline update utility, DFHCSDUP. This is run
as a batch job, and the definitions normally become available when CICS is restarted.
What is an API?
When developing programs you can access files, storage and other programs and
resources using the application-programming interface (API). The API lets you issue
CICS commands from within the program. This is known as Command Level
Programming. In the first versions of CICS the API was not available and you had to
access CICS resources using Assembler Macros, this was known as Macro Level
programming. Macro Level is no longer supported under newer versions of CICS.
What is a transaction id?
A transaction ID is a 4 Byte command which tells CICS what task ( which is
associated with that TransID) has to be started.
A transaction is started in CICS by entering a 4 character transaction id. When you
enter the transaction id this starts the program associated with that transaction id.
What is pseudo conversational programming?
Ordinary conversational programs run and stay in memory for the duration of the
interaction between the computer and the operator. This means that all the resources
that the program requires are held and not released, so if an operator went off for
lunch, say, leaving the terminal logged in and running a transaction, no one else would
be able to access the resources held by that program.
Psuedo conversational program overcomes this limitation by terminating the
transaction when the screen is displayed. This frees up the resources while the
operator is typing at the terminal (or off for lunch). The transaction is re-initiated
when the user presses the Enter or a PF Key. This involves a bit more programming
effort, but is usually worth it
The majority of CICS application programs are coded to take advantage of a
technique called pseudo conversational programming.
How CICS commands executed from COBOL programs?
When you want to execute a CICS command from your program, you start the
command by specifying EXEC CICS before the CICS command. You terminate the
CICS command with the END-EXEC terminator.
The EXEC CICS. END-EXEC structure must start after column 12 as with normal
COBOL commands.
The CICS command can be spread over a number of lines, without the need for a
continuation character.
What is Customer Information Control System (CICS)?

CICS is a transaction processing system, it allows a user to input data online. A
transaction can be thought of as a unit of work, usually it is a single program that
performs an update or returns the result of an enquiry.
CICS appears to the user to be a separate environment, but is actually a job that runs
under the main operating system (OS/390, Z/OS, etc).
CICS has a number of programs that handle resources, such as storage. There are
various CICS tables, which define files programs and transactions to the CICS
system.
resources using the application programming interface (API). The API lets you issue
programming. Macro Level is no longer supported under newer versions of CICS, so
it will not be covered here.
A transaction is started in CICS by entering a 4-character transaction id. When you
What are the differences between batch COBOL and CICS COBOL programs?
The biggest difference you will notice in CICS programs is that you do not define
files in your program. The usual file access commands like OPEN, CLOSE, READ,
WRITE is not used.
The reason you do not define files in the program, is that the files should be defined to
CICS in the File Control Table (FCT). The FCT contains all the information needed
by CICS to access the file. (If you are going to be using a new file then you will need
to have it defined in the FCT before you can use it). The Opening and Closing of files
is handled by CICS. I/O operations on files are carried out using CICS commands in
your program.
To terminate a CICS program you should use the CICS RETURN command instead
of a STOP RUN, GOBACK or END PROGRAM. The RETURN command will
return control to the calling program, or if there was no calling program, control is
returned to CICS. You can also specify a Transid to which control returns.
In order to compile a CICS COBOL program you must first run the program through
a Pre-Compiler. The Pre compiler will read your program and convert the CICS
commands into COBOL CALL commands. This is required because the Cobol
compiler does not understand CICS commands. In newer versions of CICS (CICS TS
V2 and above) the pre-compile step is not required, because the pre-compiler has been
integrated into the compiler.
How data passed between CICS Cobol Programs?
Data is passed between programs in a number of different ways.
1)The Execute Interface Block (EIB). This is a special block of data passed between
programs. It contains system information that can be used (but not changed) by your
program. The EIB is copied into your program when you compile it. The variables are
populated by the system when the program runs.
2)COMMAREA (DFHCOMMAREA). The Commarea is used to pass user data
between programs. The Commarea is specified in the LINKAGE SECTION of your
program. There will always be a DFHCOMMAREA in your program whether you
specify it or not. If you dont specify a DFHCOMMAREA in the program then a one
byte DFHCOMMAREA is placed in the Linkage Section at compile time. (The
compiler will also insert the USING DFHCOMMAREA after the Procedure Division
statement). The maximum size of DFHCOMMAREA is 32K, however it is
recommended (by IBM) that it not exceed 24K. The length of the Commarea is
returned to your program in the variable EIBCALEN.
3)Temporary Storage and Transient Data Queues. These are special areas of storage
that you can use to keep information and pass it between programs. Temporary
Storage Queues (TS Queues) can be accessed either sequentially or randomly, while
Transient Data Queues (TD Queues) can only be accessed sequentially. In addition
Transient Data Queues must be declared to CICS before use.
4)Files. You can, of course, use files to pass data between programs.
What is a CICS Screen or what are CICS Screens?
You can design screens for your programs to display the screens are usually referred
to as Maps or BMS Maps. Screens are defined using special Assembler Macros.
You dont have to be an assembler programmer to use the macros, it is fairly easy to
code the macros, they tend to be very similar for each screen.
If you use assembler macros to define your screens then you will define the attributes
of each field that will appear on the screen, such as colour, size, etc.
Another way to define screens is to use one of the many screen painters available.
These take the hard work out of coding macros, because they allow you to design the
screen on-line and automatically generate the required macros. Examples of screen
painters are IBMs SDF II and BMS/GT.
How can you call other Programs from a CICS COBOL program?
You can call other programs from a CICS Cobol program in a number of ways.
LINK - Similar to a standard Cobol CALL command. Once the called program has
finished control is returned to the calling program at the next statement after the
LINK.
XCTL - This command transfers control to the called program, and the calling
program is terminated, Control is NOT returned to the calling program.
You can also use the Cobol CALL ... USING ... command to transfer temporary
control to another program.
What are CICS Supplied Transactions?
There a number of transaction that are supplid with the CICS system. These
transactions let you manage and view CICS resources online, amongst other things.
Examples of CICS transactions are CEMT, CEDA, CESN and CSSF.
The CEDF CICS supplied transaction is a debugging aid, It stops your program before
and after each CICS command and lets you view storage areas.
The CECI transaction lets you execute CICS commands without needing to write a
program.
What are the File Handling commands in CICS?

The READ Command
READ
DATASET (file name)
INTO (data area)
RIDFLD (record key area)
[UPDATE]
[EQUAL / GTEQ]
[LENGTH (record length area)]
[GENERIC]
[KEYLENGTH (data value)]
[SYSID (system name)]
The DATASET, INTO and RIDFLD options are required in every READ command.
DATASET gives the name, in quotes, of the file that you wish to read. INTO names
the data area within your program into which the record should be copied from the
file. RIDFLD stands for Record IDentification FieLD. This option names the data
area that contains the key value of the record you wish to read from the file.
The UPDATE option is used to establish exclusive control over a record. This is
necessary to prepare CICS to update or delete a record later in your program.
EQUAL and GTEQ refer to the collating sequence in which record keys occur in the
file. By default, the READ command will only read a record whose key is equal to the
key specified in RIDFLD. If GTEQ is specified, the first record whose key is greater
than or equal to the RIDFLD is read.
The LENGTH option is mandatory for reading variable length records. It specifies a
data area that contains the maximum length input record that the program is
expecting. When Cics executes the READ it stores the actual length of the record it
reads into the data area specified in the LENGTH option. If this length exceeds the
maximum length that the program had specified, the LENGERR exception condition
is raised.
GENERIC tells CICS that the RIDFLD specifies only a partial key. KEYLENGTH,
which is mandatory with the GENERIC option, tells CICS how many bytes of the
RIDFLD key should be used to retrieve the record. The data value associated with the
KEYLENGTH option may be a constant number, or it may be a variable data area
defined in working storage.
The SYSID option is needed only if your installation uses the Intersystem
Communication (ISC) facility to communicate with other systems. The four character
system ID that you specify tells Cics on which system the file to be read is located.
Whenever you specify the SYSID option, the LENGTH and KEYLENGTH options
must be specified.
The WRITE command
WRITE
DATASET (file name)
FROM (data area)
[LENGTH (data value)]
With the exception of FROM and LENGTH, all of these options are coded in the
same way that they are coded for the READ command.
The FROM option indicates the name of the data area in working storage from which
the record will be written.
The LENGTH option specifies the exact length of the record to be written. There is no
need for CICS to return a length value to the program after the record has been
written. Therefore, in the WRITE command, the LENGTH option can be specified by
a constant number instead of by the name of the data area, as in the READ command.
As with the READ command, the LENGTH option is required for variable length
records.
The REWRITE Command
REWRITE
DATASET (file name)
FROM (data area)
After a record has been READ from a file with the UPDATE option, and the program
has updated fields within the record, the REWRITE command can be issued to rewrite
the record to the file and complete the update option.
Notice that the options that affect the WRITE command also affect the REWRITE
command with the exception of the RIDFLD and KEYLENGTH options. These
options are unnecessary because, if used at all they must be specified in the READ
UPDATE command which must precede a REWRITE.
The DELETE Command
DELETE
DATASET (file name)
[RIDFLD (record key area)]
[LEYLENGTH (data value)
The DELETE command can be used in two ways to delete records. One way is to
issue a DELETE command using the DATASET and RIDFLD options.
The other, safer, method is to issue a READ UPDATE command prior to deleting the
record. The program can the inspect fields within the record to help determine
whether the record should be deleted. If a record is deleted after being retrieved with a
READ UPDATE command, the DELETE command may be issued without the
RIDFLD option. RIDFLD is unnecessary in this instance because it was already
specified on the READ UPDATE command.
The KEY LENGTH and SYSID options need to be issued only when the record to be
deleted resides in a file on another system.
The UNLOCK Command

UNLOCK
DATASET (file name)
When a record is read with the UPDATE option, exclusive control for that record
remains in effect until the record is either rewritten or deleted or until the transaction
is terminated.
If once the record has been read, it is determined that an update is not necessary,
exclusive control should be released from the record so that it can be accessed by
other transactions.
The UNLOCK command releases the program's exclusive control over a record.
What is a Browse Program or A browse transaction?
What is the difference between READ and READNEXT?
What is a Temporary Storage Queue and what is a Transient Data Queue and
what are the differences between them?
Temporary Storage Queues
Temporary storage provides a means for storing data records in queues. Like files,
these records are identified by a unique symbolic name. Temporary storage queues do
not have to be predefined to CICS. They can be created in main storage or on
auxiliary storage devices. Once created, these records can be read either sequentially
or randomly by any other CICS program.
Temporary storage queues are not directly attached to a task. This means that
temporary storage queues are task independent. Once a temporary storage queue is
written, it remains intact after the task that created it has terminated.
Temporary Storage Queue Commands
There are three commands that process data in temporary storage queues.
* The WRITEQ TS command allows you to write records to a temporary storage
queue. If no queue exists when this command is issued, one will be created and the
records will be written to it.
* The READQ TS command allows you to read records, either sequentially or
randomly, from a temporary storage queue.
* Records in a temporary storage queue can be updated and rewritten by using the
REWRITE option of the WRITEQ TS command
* The DELETEQ TS command allows you to delete an entire temporary storage
queue. Individual records cannot be deleted.
* The queue name specified in a temporary storage command must not exceed eight
characters in length
Transient Data Queues
Like temporary storage queues, transient data queues are task dependent. However
transient data queues can only be read sequentially.

Unlike temporary storage queues, transient data queues must be defined before they
are used. This definition takes place in a special CICS table called the Destination
Control Table (DCT). The DCT is usually maintained by a sys prog. One of the fields
in each DCT entry tells whether the queue is an intrapartition or extrapartition queue.
Intrapartition Data Queues
Intrapartition transient data queues may only reside on auxiliary storage and can only
be read sequentially by other CICS programs. Reading an intrapartition data queue is
destructive.
Intrapartition queues may also be associated with Automatic Task Initiation. When the
number of records in an intrapartition queue reaches a predefined count a special task
is automatically initiated.
Extrapartition Data Queues
Unlike intrapartition queues, extrapartition queues can be accessed by other CICS
programs as well as batch programs executing outside of the CICS partition or region.
They can reside on any sequential device, such as disk or tape, or be sent directly to
an off line printer. Reading records in an extrapartition queue is non-destructive.
What Exceptional Conditions occur while processing a Q?
IOERR - An undetermined error has occurred during input or output
ISCINVREQ - an undetermined error has occurred on a remote system
ITEMERR - The requested item number is invalid
LENGERR - The length of a record is invalid or missing
NOSPACE - A write has failed due to lack of space
QIDERR - The requested queue cannot be found
QZERO - A read has been attempted on an empty queue
SYSIDERR - The specified remote system is unavailable or not defined
How can you create a CICS screen and what are the rules to be followed while
creating a screen?
CICS maps are created using special Assembler Language macros. It is not necessary
to know much about assembler to create CICS maps.
There are special screen painters available (eg IBM's SDF II) which take the hard
work out of coding assembler macros, these screen painters will generate the
necessary assembler macros to create your map.
What are Symbolic and Physical Maps and how can you create them?
Two terms commonly used when creating maps are the Symbolic Map and the
Physical Map. The symbolic map is essentially a copy library member which allows
you to refer to fields on the map from your COBOL (or PL/1 or C or Assembler)
program. The physical map is the code generated by the assembler to allow the system
to display the map i.e. the object module.
Once you have created your map, you need to run it through the assembler. The map
must be assembled twice with different parameters. The first pass through the
assembler, you specify TYPE=DSECT, this will create a copy library member that
you can copy into your CICS/COBOL program. The second pass through the
assembler, you specify TYPE=MAP, this will create an object module which will be
passed through the link editor (binder) to produce a CICS load library member.
What are DFHMSD, DFHMDI and DFHMDF?
The DFHMSD macro defines a map set.
The DFHMDI macro defines a map within a map set defined by DFHMSD
The DFHMDF macro defines a field within the map defined by DFHMDI.
MAPSN DFHMSD TYPE=DSECT,
X
CTRL=FREEKB,DATA=FIELD,LANG=COBOL,
X
MODE=INOUT,TERM=3270,TIOAPFX=YES
In this command what CTRL=FREEKB,DATA=FIELD,LANG=COBOL,
MODE=INOUT,TERM=3270,TIOAPFX=YES means?
"MAPSN" is the name of the map set to be created. "TYPE=" is used to specify
whether a copybook member is to be generated (TYPE=DSECT) or an object library
member is to be created (TYPE=MAP).
"CTRL=" specifies the characteristics of the 3270 terminal
"DATA=FIELD" specifies that data is passed as contiguous fields.
"LANG=COBOL" specifies the source language for generating the copy library
member.
"MODE=INOUT" specifies that the mapset is to be used for both input and output.
"TERM=" specifies the terminal type associated with the mapset.
"TIOAPFX=YES" specifies that fillers should be included in the generated copy
library member.
Can you use arrays to define fields in CICS screen?
You can use BMS Macros to define an array of fields with the same name. However
using Assembler Macros you can only specify a horizontal array. To do this you use
the OCCURS= parameter on the DFHMDF macro.
If you want to specify a Vertical array then you must specify each field in the array
separately using BMS Macros and then edit the generated symbolic map (Copybook).
When using a screen painter such as IBMs SDF II you can specify the array
direction, and the screen painter will generate the correct symbolic map to let you use
horizontal arrays without the need for editing the generated code.
Is it possible to submit commands to a CICS region from a JCL job stream?
It is possible to submit commands to a CICS region from a JCL job stream. The JCL
uses the MVS Modify command to execute the CICS commands.
What is a storage violation Error?
When you request an area of storage in CICS, such as for the programs Commarea,
CICS will add 16 bytes of storage to the area of storage. It adds 8 bytes at the start and
8 bytes at the end. CICS will then put a value in each of these areas. If the value
changes then CICS will detect a storage violation! However, CICS will not
necessarily detect the storage violation when it happens. This is because CICS will
only check for a violation when the area of storage is freed up. So the storage
violation could occur at the start of your program but not actually be detected until
later, for example when the program terminates or calls another program.
The most common reasons for storage violations are programming errors. Common
reasons are different length DFHCOMMAREAs when your program calls or is
invoked by another program, or subscript errors causing data to be stored beyond the
end of the storage area.
It is also possible that another program has overwritten your storage, your program
may detect that the other program has overwritten its storage. If you suspect that it is
not your program that is at fault, try doing a CEMT New Copy of your program.
What is the most common abend in CICS?
ASRA is the most common abend in CICS. It indicates a Program Check Exception,
roughly equivalent to having an S0C7 in a batch program. Check for spaces in a
packed decimal numeric field and changes to the file and record layouts.
What is Execute Interface Block (EIB)?
The Execute Interface Block (EIBLK) contains a variable called EIBFN. This
contains a value that tells you what CICS command was last executed. This value can
be displayed as part of an error message, to aid in the debugging of your code or when
an exception condition occurs
1. Which of the following does multithreading allow?
A. Several transactions that require the same program to use one copy of the program.
B. Many tasks to be allocated to the terminal. C. An audit trail of all files records
from all files updated by a particular application
2. Under CICS, multitasking achieved by what method?
A. Virtual paging. B. Task switching. C. Priority numbering, D. pseudo
conversational
3. What are programs that are reusable to each task and restarted by each task said to
be?
A. Command-Level. B. Transaction Dependent. C. Prioritized. D. Quasi-Reentrant.
4. What three control programs execute in a task?
A. File Control/Temp Storage Control/Trace Control. B. Task Control/Interval
Control/BMS Control. C. Terminal Control/Task Control/Program Control. D.
Journal Control/Dump Control/Storage Control
5. Which are the correct ways to initiate CICS tasks?
A. Automatic Task Initiation/Exec CICS Start. B. CALL Statement/Receivable

Map/Send Map. C. Permanent Transaction ID/Temporary Transaction ID. D. PA
Key/XCTL Statement/Interval Control Transaction ID
6. A CICS Cobol program must first be ____________ before compiled.
A. linked to CICS tables. B. new copied. C. loaded to CICS object table. D.
translated.
7. Online files must have an entry in the:
A. Resource control table. B. Vsam master catalog. C. File control table. D. File
initialization table.
8. For data fields that should not be entered or cleared you can use what
characteristic?
A. Unprotected. B. Normal. C. Initial Value. D. Autoskip.
9. The cursor can be controlled by using a special one byte field called:
A. Stopper field. B. Jump field. C. Shift field. D. Tag field.
10. Name the types of maps used in CICS:
A. BMS Map/Map set. B. Offline Map/Online Map. C. Physical Map / Symbolic
map. D. Symbolic Map/Temp Map.
11. BMS uses _______________ to load the appropriate physical map into main
storage.
A. Load library. B. Program control. C. map set. D. Temp storage.
12. With BMS, two (2) major application benefits are given to the programmer. They
are:
A. Physical Map/Assembler Macro. B. Symbolic Maps/Map sets . C. Device and
Data independence. D. Map sets/Coding Rules.
13. Which answer describes a rule for coding a BMS Macro?
A. Label is from one (1) to seven (7) characters long with the first character being
alphabetic. B. Get main command should be coded first. C. Op-code is separated
from the label by an asterisk. D. Operands start in column 20 separated by commas.
14. The second BMS macro (OP Code DFHMDI) has which function?
A. Specifies length of the field. B. Defines a field with a map and its position. C.
States purpose of field - Input, Output or both. D. Contains size parameters of Map.
15. If the program uses other keys besides "enter" to control logic, a copy of
___________ should be used in working storage of program.
A. ebaid. B. dfhaid. C. dfhbmsca. D. dfheivar.
16. Which two entries are usually found in the linkage section?
A. Execute Interface Block/Transaction Work Area. B. Symbolic
Maps/DFATTRBS. C. DFHEIV11 / Communication Area. D.
Dfhcommarea/Execute Interfaced Block.
17. Which of the following fields will be found with the execute interface block?
A. Attr-prot/Attr-unprot/Attr-Prot-askip. B. Eibtranid/Eibtramid/Eitbaid/. C.
Eibposn/Eibmapnm/Eibfilnm. D. Dfheiv0/Dfheiv99/Dfhnull.
18. When coding linkage pointers, what is it important to ensure?
A. That Symbolic storage is never over 4096K. B. That the structure is packed
decimal. C. That the size pointer is equal to the symbolic map size. D. That each
pointer appears in the same sequence as the 01 level entry it refers to.
19. Which of the following CICS Tables utilizes trans IDs?
A. TCT. B. PCT. C. RCT. D. PPT.
20. Which of the following terminates a task in true pseudo-conversational fashion?
A. Erase. B. Suspend. C. End-Exec. D. Return.
21. Which of the following is acquired for a program before it executes a task?
A. Transaction Word Area. B. Dfhcommarea. C. Communication Area. D. Map
Area.
22. What does the Handle Aid command do?
A. It specifies terminal keys and/or other attention identifiers with corresponding
routines for execution. B. It automatically tries to correct error storage abends. C. It
identifies status codes on file reads to determine error messages. D. It sets all PF-keys
to ANSI standards where pre-processing proceeds to generate logic for routines
necessary.
23. Which of the following best describes the Handle condition?
A. Method of detecting an error condition and then branching to logic in a program to
handle the error. B. used to determine whether to release resources and save starting
point. C. automatically determines that an inputted field is to be updated. D.
terminates session based upon stated return-codes.
24. Which of the following is only true of the fields with modified data tag "On"?
A. They can be modified. B. They are made available for upgrade, regardless of map
name and fset usage. C. They will be transferred to the symbolic map on a receive
command. D. They may be used on a send command.
25. Which of the following describes a way of setting the Modified Data Tag (MDT)
on?
A. Attributes may be changed by the programmer to include the fset attribute. B.
Attributes can be set to fset via passing them to call program "DFHFSET" prior to
sending map. C. Specify FSET as one of the attributes when coding the BMS macro
map definition. D. Moving fields necessary to "Fset" type symbolic map. E. Either a
or c.
26. Why are maps grouped into mapsets?
A. to load all related maps into main storage for quick retrieval. B. to document maps
within a process or application. C. to identify all application maps in the order in
which they will appear. D. to allow map-names to be duplicated in different
applications
27. Debug or debug translation options are utilized by what facility?
A. Time Sharing Option (TSO). B. Linkage Editor. C. Information Efficiency
Facility (IEF). D. Execute Diagnostic Facility (EDF).
28. What action will the translation option "Seq" cause?
A. sequencing the source statements. B. flagging all statements that are not in
sequence. C. The priority order of terminals will be the function of resource
utilization. D. Telling CICS that the program will re-sequence map execution in order
of program usage, not mapset order.
29. What type of abend is issued by the system if a receive map is executed when no
map has been displayed?
A. Record not found. B. Map not found/Map failure. C. Duplicate record. D. Invalid
attention identifier used. E. Initialization Queue error condition.
30. When the dataonly operand on sending a map is used, which item below would be
left out of the SEND command?
A. Map. B. Erase. C. Delete. D. Set-on. E. Cursor.
31. What is the purpose of issuing eraseup?
A. to erase unchanged user entered fields and set modified data tags to "on". B. to set
the values of all non-protected fields to null. C. to automatically erase all successfully
updated fields and set modified data tags and fset to "off". D. to erase all updated
fields and reset map prior to change.
32. Which of the following is true about online files?
A. Definition of files resides in the File Control Table which determines what
action are allowed. B. Such files are used by many transactions at different
times. C. Files that are needed by all applications may be opened when CICS
is initialized and closed when CICS is terminated. D. Programs that open and
close online files require special CICS macros. E. All of the above.
What is Primary and alternate indexes?
A file's primary index is used to access each record in the file by a unique primary
key. You can also define one or more alternate indexes, which enable you to access
the same set of records in different ways. For example, a personnel file can have a
primary index using the unique employee numbers and an alternate index using
employee names. You can then retrieve a record by using either the employee number
or name.
33. Which of the following are uses of the Getmain command?

A. adding a record to the file. B. writing out a journal record. C. obtaining new temp
storage. D. manipulating fields defined in the Linking Area. E. all of the above
34. Which of the following is the correct syntax for reading a record from a temporary
storage queue?
A. Read TSQ. B. ReadTSQ. C. ReadQue TS. D. ReadQ TS.
35. The readnext command is performed in which case?
A. sequential read/update. B. Vsam ESDS file access. C. Dynamic searches. D.
After a browse is started.
36. On which type of file would you use readprev?
A. Vsam. B. Qsam. C. IMS. D. Bdam.
37. Which of the following are the two (2) commands needed to release exclusive
control from a record or block?
A. Freemain/Erase. B. Delete/syncpoint. C. Unlock/Rewrite. D. Rollback/Release.
E. Return/Suspend.
38. Which of the following is a function of syncpoint?
A. to clear out buffers and temp storage. B. to clear out buffers and physically write
records to file. C. to reset all Key-Sequence files to current key in use at syncpoint
declare. D. to backout all transactions from buffers upon no update decision.
39. Which of the following best defines the action of a suspend command?
A. takes a current task out of service and places it in the Wait queue. B. cancels a
transaction dump of transient storage data. C. deactivates the debugging activities in
process. D. cancels and restarts program execution.
40. Which of the following are the four basic areas affected by CICS commands?
A. Terminal I-O/Temporary Storage/File Control/Program Control. B.
CEMT/Resource Control/Task Control/Terminal I-O. C. Process Control/Program
Control/Address Pointers/BMS. D. Suspend/Getmain/Reads/Writes
41. The release command will delete from main storage any mapset table and program
previously obtained through which of the following?
A. XCTL. B. Link. C. Return. D. Load.
42. The XCTL command transfers control from one program to another at the same:
A. storage address. B. logical level. C. higher level. D. lower level.
43. Into where can the load command load a program from the library?
A. transient storage. B. communications area. C. main storage. D. symbolic map
44. The link command can call another program at the next __________ __________
___________ and regains control when the last program issues a:
A. lower send map; link. B. Lower logical level; return. C. Higher logical level;
freemain. D. issued transation ID; load.
45. For what is the CESN transaction primarily utilized?
A. system security. B. closing files. C. application library controls. D. debugging
46. Which of the following is an example of correct usage of the CEMT transaction?
A. Security control. B. Debugging. C. Terminal information and controls.
Temporary storage allocations
47. How does a program gain access to the TWA?
A. reading a dataset. B. the Address Command. C. the Exec-CICS statement. D.
calling program 'DFHEI1'/.
48. For what is the CEDF transaction used?
A. task management. B. files and DASD control. C. CICS data facility manager.
D. Debugging programs.
Q1. Name some of the common tables in CICS and their usage.
A1. PCT Program Control Table - defines each transaction, containing a list of
valid transaction identifiers (transid) where each transaction is paired with its
matching program; PPT Program Processing Table - contains a list of valid
program names and maps and whether a current version is in the CICS region or
needs to be brought in as a new copy; FCT File Control Table - contains a list of
files known to CICS, the dataset name and status (closed/open, enabled/disabled);
TCT Terminal Control Table - a list of the terminals known to CICS.
Q2. Name some common CICS service programs and explain their usage.
A2. Terminal Control, File Control, Task Control, Storage Control, etc. Each
CICS services program controls the usage and status for its resource (file, terminal,
etc) within the CICS region.
Q3. What is meant by a CICS task?
A3. A CICS task exists from the time the operator presses the enter key until the
application program returns control to CICS.
Q4. What is meant by program reentrance?
A4. A program is considered reentrant if more than one task can execute the code
without interfering with the other tasks' execution.
Q5. What is the common systems area (CSA)?
A5. The common systems area is the major CICS control block that contains system
information, including pointers to most other CICS control blocks. The CSA points to
all members of STATIC storage.
Q6. What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?
A6. This is the area of main storage designed to let programs or tasks communicate
with one another, used in programs via RETURN, XCTL and LINK commands.
Q7. What is the EIB (execute interface block)?
A7. The execute interface block lets the program communicate with the execute
interface program, which processes CICS commands. It contains terminal id, time of
day and response codes.
Q8. What is an MDT (Modified Data Tag) - it's meaning and use?
A8. The Modified Data Tag is the last bit in the attribute byte for each screen field.
It indicates whether the corresponding field has been changed.
Q9. What is a Transid and explain the system Transid CEMT.

A9. Transid is a transaction identifier, a four-character code used to invoke a CICS
task. CEMT is the master terminal transaction that lets you display and change the
status of resources - it is the primary CICS service transaction.
Q10. What is the common work area (CWA)?
A10. The common work area is a storage area that can be accessed by any task in a
CICS system.
Q11. How do you access storage outside your CICS program?
A11. In COBOL storage was accessed via BLL cells using the SET option of
ADDRESS commands. In COBOL II the special register, ADDRESS OF lets you
reference the address of any Linkage Section field.
Q12. How does COBOL II and CICS release 1.7 provide for exceptional conditions
and how does that differ from VS COBOL and earlier CICS releases?
A12. VS COBOL used the HANDLE CONDITION command to name routines to
pass program control when exceptional conditions were encountered. COBOL II and
CICS release 1.7 introduced the RESP option on many CICS commands.
Q13. What is the meaning and use of the EIBAID field?
A13. EIBAID is a key field in the execute interface block; it indicates which
attention key the user pressed to initiate the task.
Q14. How do you control cursor positioning?
A14. It's controlled by the CURSOR option of the SEND MAP command using a
direct (0 through 1919) or symbolic value.
Q15. What are attribute bytes and how and why are they modified?
A15. Attribute bytes define map field characteristics (brightness, protection, etc);
they are modified prior to issuing a SEND MAP command, eg. from normal to
intense to highlight an error field.
Q16. How do you invoke other programs? What are the pros and cons of each
method.
A16. There are three ways: 1). use a COBOL II CALL statement to invoke a
subprogram. This method is transparent to CICS, which sees only the one load
module. 2). an EXEC LINK is similar to a call; it invokes a separate CICS program
and ends with a RETURN to the invoking program. or 3). an EXEC XCTL which
transfers control to another CICS program and does not get control back.
Q17. What is BMS?
A17. BMS is Basic Map Support; it allows you to code assembler level programs to
define screens.
Q18. What is the difference between FSET and FRSET?
A18. FSET specifies that the modified data tag should be turned on before the map is
sent to the screen. FRSET turns off the attribute byte; it's used to transmit only
changed data from the terminal.
Q19. What is the difference between the enter key, the PF keys and the PA keys?
A19. The enter and PF keys transmit data from the screen; the PA keys tell CICS that
a terminal action took place, but data is not transmitted.
Q20. Explain the difference among the EXEC LINK, EXEC XCTL and Cobol II
static call statements in CICS.
A20. COBOL II allows for static calls, which are more efficient than the LINK
instruction, which establishes a new run-unit.
Q21. Are sequential files supported by CICS?
A21. Yes, but not as part of the File Control Program. They are supported as extra
partition transient data files.
Q22. What option can be coded on the RETURN command to associate a transaction
identifier with the next terminal input?
A22. The TRANSID option.
Q23. What is an ASRA?
A23. An ASRA is the CICS interrupt code, the equivalent of an MVS abend code.
Q24. What is temporary storage?
A24. Temporary storage is either main or auxiliary storage that allows the program
to save data between task invocations.
Q25. What is transient data?
A25. Transient data provides CICS programs with a simple method for sequential
processing, often used to produce output for 3270 printers.
Q26. What are the two types of transient data queues?
A26. They are intrapartition, which can only be accessed from within CICS and
extrapartition, which are typically used to collect data online, but process it in a
batch environment.
Q27. Where are transient data sets defined to CICS?

A27. They are defined in the destination control table (DCT).
Q28. Once a transient data queue is read, can it be reread?
A28. No, silly! That's why IBM calls it transient.
Q29. Name some commands used for CICS file browsing.
A29. STARTBR, READNEXT, READPREV, ENDBR and RESETBR.
Q30. What other file control processing commands are used for file updating?
A30. WRITE, REWRITE, DELETE and UNLOCK.
Q31. What is Journal Recovery and Dynamic Transaction Backout?
A31. Journal Recovery is recovery of changes made to a file during online
processing. If a file has I/O problems it is restored from a backup taken before online
processing began and the journalled changes are applied. Dynamic transaction
backout is the removal of partial changes made by a failed transaction.
Q32. What tables must be updated when adding a new transaction and program?
A32. At a bare minimum the Program Control Table ( PCT) and Program
Processing Table (PPT) must be updated.
Q33. What is the meaning of the SYNCPOINT command?
A33. SYNCPOINT without the ROLLBACK option makes all updates to protected
resources permanent, with the ROLLBACK option it reverses all updates.
Q34. What do the terms locality of reference and working set mean?
A34. They refer to CICS efficiency techniques. Locality of reference requires that the
application program should consistently reference instructions and data within a
relatively small number of pages. The working set is the number of program pages
needed by a task.
Q35. What do the keywords MAPONLY and DATAONLY mean?
A35. MAPONLY is a SEND MAP operand that sends only fields with initial values
to the screen. DATAONLY is the SEND MAP operand that specifies only data from
the map area should be displayed.
Q36. What is the MASSINSERT option?
A36. MASSINSERT is a WRITE option that modifies normal VSAM split

processing, leaving free space after the inserted record, so subsequent records can be
inserted without splits. It is ended by an UNLOCK command.
Q37. What is a cursor in CICS sql processing.
A37. A cursor is a pointer that identifies one row in a sql results table as the current
row.
Q38. What are the DB2 steps required to migrate a CICS DB2 program from source
code to load module?
A38. A DB2 precompiler processes some sql statements and converts others. It
creates a data base request module (DBRM) for the binding step. The bind process
uses the DBRM to create an application plan, which specifies the techniques DB2 will
use to process the embedded sql statements. The link/edit step includes an interface to
the CICS/DB2 attachment facility.
Q39. What is the SQL Communications Area and what are some of its key fields?
A39. It is a data structure that must be included in any host-language program using
SQL. It is used to pass feedback about the sql operations to the program. Fields are
return codes, error messages, handling codes and warnings.
Q40. What is DCLGEN?
A40. DCLGEN stands for declarations generator; it is a facility to generate DB2 sql
data structures in COBOL or PL/I programs.
Q41. Name some translator and compile options and explain their meaning.
A41. For translator SOURCE option prints the program listing, DEBUG enables
EDF and COBOL2 alerts the system to use the COBOL II compiler. For the
compiler XREF prints a sorted data cross reference and FDUMP prints a formatted
dump if the program abends.
Q42. What is the significance of RDO?
A42. RDO is Resource Definition Online. Since release 1.6 RDO allows resources
(terminals, programs, transactions and files) to be defined interactively while CICS is
running.
Q43. What is CECI?
A43. CECI is the command level interpreter tranid that interactively executes
CICS commands. It is a rudimentary CICS command debugger which does not
require coding an entire program.
Q44. What is CEDF?
A44. CEDF is the execute diagnostic facility that can be used for debugging CICS
programs.
Q45. What is CEBR?
A45. CEBR lets you browse the contents of a specific temporary storage queue.
Q46. Name and explain some common CICS abend codes.
A46. Any AEI_ indicates an execute interface program problem - the abending
program encountered an exceptional condition that was not anticipated by the
coding. APCT - the program could not be found or is disabled. ASRA - most
common CICS abend, indicating a program check, identified by a one-byte code in
the Program Status Word in the dump. AKCP - the task was cancelled; it was
suspended for a period longer than the transaction's defined deadlock timeout period.
AKCT - The task was cancelled because it was waiting too long for terminal input.
Q47. What is a logical message in CICS?
A47. A logical message is a single unit of output created by SEND TEXT or SEND
MAP commands. BMS collects the separate output from each command and treats
them as one entity. This technique may be used to build CICS reports.
Q48. What are the CICS commands associated with temporary storage queue
processing?
A48. WRITEQ TS, READQ TS, and DELETEQ, whose meanings should be selfexplanatory.
Q49. What are the CICS commands associated with transient data queue
processing?
A49. WRITEQ TD, READQ TD, DELETEQ TD, ENQ and DEQ.
Q50. Ok, so what is the meaning of the ENQ and DEQ commands?
A50. Neither command is exclusively a transient data command. The ENQ command
reserves any user defined resource for the specific task. For enqueued transient data
no other task will be able to write records to it for as long as it is enqueued. DEQ
removes the lock.
Q51. How do you delete Item 3 in a five-item TSQ?
A51. You can't--at least not directly. Options, none of them good, include: 1) adding
a logical-delete flag to the contents of each item; 2) moving item 4 to 3 and 5 to 4
and initializing item 5, all thru rewrites; this is a variant on 1; 3) creating a new
'copy' tsq that excludes the unwanted item, killing the old tsq (deleteq ts), writing the
new tsq with the original name from the new tsq, and then deleting the 'copy' tsq. This
way, you will get an accurate report from NUMITEMS.
Q52. What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS sequentially in
ascending order?
A52. READNEXT reads the next record from a browse operation for any of the
three VSAM files.
Q53. How do you get data from a task that began with a START command?
A53. The RETRIEVE command is used to get data from a task that began with a
START command.
Q54. What is interval control and what are some of the CICS commands associated
with it?
A54. CICS interval control provides a variety of time-related features - common
commands are ASKTIME, FORMATTIME, START, RETRIEVE, and CANCEL.
Q55. What is task control and what are the CICS commands associated with it?
A55. Task control refers to the CICS functions that manage the execution of tasks.
(Elementary, my dear Watson!) Task control commands are SUSPEND, ENQ, and
DEQ.
Q56. What is the CICS LOAD command?
A56. The LOAD command retrieves an object program from disk and loads it into
main storage - it's primarily used for a constant table that will be available systemwide.
Q57. What is the ABEND command and when would you use it?
A57. The ABEND command forces a task to end abnormally. It creates a transaction
dump and invokes the dynamic transaction backout.
Q58. 4/99 Mail from Joseph Howard: 'Q: DB2 What is the difference between a
package and a plan? How does one bind 2 versions of a CICS transaction with the
same module name in two different CICS regions that share the same DB2
subsystem?
A58. Package and plan are usually used synonomously, as in this site. Both contain
optimized code for SQL statements - a package for a single program, module or
subroutine contained in the datebase request module (DBRM) library. A plan may
contain multiple packages and pointers to packages. The one CICS module would
then exist in a package that could be referenced in two different plans.
Q59. Do we need to define the TDQ?
A59.
Yes of course you need to define a TDQ.
You have to add a DCT entry for the with the queue name(4 characters)
and also a DSName corresponding to a file in the region.
TDQs can be intra/extra partitioned.
you must be extremely careful with the record length
You need to first define a tdq, then install the tdq. Only then u can
access the tdq for read or write. For defining and installing the tdq u
can use CEDA command. For read and write operations on the tdq u
can use CECI command. TDQ's can be intra, extra or indirect
partitioned. You can delete the TDQ using DELETEQ command under
CECI after it is no longer useful.
Q60. What are the differences between a TDQ and a TSQ?

A60.
1) In Temporary Storage Queues Data is read randomly, While in Transient Data
Queues data must be read sequentially.
(2) In a TSQ data can be read any number of times as it remains in the queue until
the entire Queue is deleted. In TDQ data item can be read once only. To reuse the
TDQ it must be closed and reopened.
(3) Data can be changed in TSQ, but not in TDQ.
(4) TSQ can be written to Auxiliary or Main Storage, while TDQ is written to Disk.
Temporary storage is a holding place, while Transient data is always associated
with destination.
(5) TSQ name is defined dynamically, while a TDQ name need to be defined in the
DCT. Note: An application uses TSQ 's to pass info' from task to task, while a TDQ
to accumulate records before processing or send data for external use, such as a
print operation or other.
Q: What is CICS?
A: CICS is a DB/DC system. It acts as an interface between the
operating system and the application program.
Q: What are the differences between DFHCOMMAREA and
TSQ?
A: Both are used to save data among tasks.
COMMAREA is private to that transaction only like every
transaction has its own COMMAREA created by CICS as soon as
the transaction is initiated. However for TSQ, if QID is known,
they can be accessed by other transactions also.
The length of COMMAREA is S9(4) COMP i.e., 65k. But TSQ can
have any length.
COMMAREA is available only when the transaction is running.
TSQ, if created with auxiliary option, resides in auxiliary
memory and is available even if main memory crashes.
Normally COMMAREA is used to transfer data from one task to
another while TSQ is used widely within the task as a scratch
pad.
Q: How to get Cursor

environment?
A: Get it from EIBCURPOS
Position
from
system
in
CICS
Q: What is Communication Area (COMMAREA)?

A: Communication Area is used to pass data between the tasks.
Q: A CICS program ABENDS with an ASRA ABEND code.
Choose its meaning from the following:
A) A link was issued to a program whose name does not exist
in the PPT (Program Processing Table).
B) A program attempted to use a map that is not defined in
the PCT (Program Control Table).
C) A security violation has occurred. The operator is not
defined with the proper authority in the SNT (Sign-on Table)
to use a particular file.
D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has
occurred in a CICS program.
E) An I/O error has occurred when attempting to use a VSAM
file from a CICS program
A: The correct meaning of the ASRA ABEND is:
(D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in
a CICS program.
Q: How many ways are there for initiating a transaction?
What are they?
A: There are six ways in initiating a transaction. They are as
follows:
Embedding four-character TRANS-ID on the top left most corner
of the screen.
Making use of EXEC CICS START with TRANSID
Making use of EXEC CICS RETURN with TRANSID
By defining the TRANS-ID in DCT (Destination Control Table) to
enable ATI (Automatic Task Initiation)
Making use of PLT (program list table)
By associating four character transid in PCT (program control
table)
Q: Which type of TDQ is read destructive?
A: Intrapartition TDQ is read destructive. Extrapartition TDQ is not
read destructive.
Q: What is the error code AEIV?
A: This is the error code for length; if length of the source data is
more than the receiving field, this error will occur.
Q: What is the size of COMMAREA?
A: The default COMMAREA size is 65K.

Q: What is ASRA ABEND in CICS?
A: It occurs when program interruption takes place. For example
When alphanumeric string moved to numeric data item
When arithmetic calculations performed on nonnumeric data
item
When an attempt is made to read an occurrence of a table
beyond the defined occurrences
Q: What is a two Phase commit in CICS?
A: This occurs when a programmer issues an EXEC CICS
SYNCPOINT command. This is called two phase because CICS will
first commit changes to the resources under its control like VSAM
files and the DB2 changes are also committed. Usually CICS
signals DB2 to complete the next phase and release all the locks.
Q: What is ENQ in CICS?
A: If any one wants to restrict TRANS-ID to single user, enter
TRANS-ID with ENQ. It won't allow any one else to use the same
TRANS-ID.
Q: What is the difference between TSQ & TDQ
A: The differences between TSQ and TDQ are:
TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not.
TSQ can be created dynamically, TDQ cannot be created
dynamically.
TSQ is temporary in nature (i:e it will be deleted when the
program finishes execution, unless it is made permanent by
making an entry in the Temporary Storage Table), TDQ is not.
Q: In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning, even after moving -1 to
the length field also, the cursor is not positioned in that
particular field. Give reasons?
A: You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your
EXEC CICS and END-EXEC in the program.
Q: What does EIB mean?
A: The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK.
[It is not EXECUTE INTERFACE BLOCK] All TP monitors or
transaction processors are known as Executives as they carry out
process on behalf of a program module. CICS and DB2 are
excutives.
Q: How many exceptional conditions can be given in a

HANDLE CONDITION?
A: Maximum of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single

HANDLE CONDITION.
Q: What command do you issue to delete a record in a
transient data queue (TDQ)?
A: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a
restriction. You can delete the records sequentially. For example if
one want to delete 10th record directly it is not possible with this.
Q: How do you access the records randomly in TSQ?
A: By specifying the ITEM option
Q: What is the difference between LINK and XCTL?
A: The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the
resources requested by the first program may still be allocated. A
task does not end until a RETURN statement is executed. While in
LINK command, program control resumes its instruction following
the LINK parameter. The disadvantage of LINK command is that it
requires that both the calling program and the called program
remain in main memory even though both are no longer needed.
Q: What is the difference between Program Control Table
(PCT) and Processing Program Table (PPT)?
A: PCT contains a list of valid TRANS-IDs. Each TRANS-ID is
paired with the name of the program, CICS will load and execute
when the transaction is invoked. On the other hand, PPT indicates
each program's location which pertains to a storage address if the
program has already been loaded or a disk location if the program
hasn't been loaded. PPT will also be used to determine whether it
will load a new copy of the program when the transaction is
invoked.
Q: What are the 3 common ways to create maps?
A: The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching
symbolic map in your COBOL program. The second way to create a
physical map along with a matching symbolic map is to code only
the physical map using the &SYSPARM option, CICS will
automatically create a member in a COPY library. And the third way
is to use a map generator such as SDF (Screen Definition Facility)
Q: What is Quasi-reentrancy?
A: There are times when many users are concurrently using the
same program, this is what we call multithreading. For example, 50
users are using program A, CICS will provide 50 Working storage
for that program but one Procedure Division. And this technique is
known as Quasi-reentrancy
Q: What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset
and a logical BMS mapset?
A: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to

the screen at execution time. The symbolic map is the actual
copybook member used in the program to reference the input and
output fields on the screen.
Q: How do you pass data from one program to another?
A: Data is passed by using one of the following:
DFHCOMMAREA,Temporary Storage, Tranisient Data, TCTUA,
TWA, CWA, VSAM Files
Q: How to Set MDT (Modified Data Tag) through Application
Program? (Dynamically).
A: You have to move the macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute field of
that particular Variable.
Q: What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the
transactions?
A: COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.
Q: How would you release control of the record in a READ for
UPDATE?
A: By issuing a REWRITE, DELETE or UNLOCK command or by
ending the task.
Q: What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID
and XCTL? [For example program A is issuing REUTRN with
TRANSID to program B. Program A is issuing XCTL to
program B].
A: In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region
and the user has to transfer the control to program B by pressing
any of the AID KEYS. In XCTL the control is directly transferred to
program B.
Q: What is the maximum number of exceptions that can be
specified with a single HANDLE CONDITION command in
CICS?
A: SIXTEEN (16)
Q: What will be the length of the EIBCALEN, if the
transaction is used to CICS first time?
A: The length will be 0 (ZERO).
Q: What is DFHEIBLK?
A: DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage
section automatically by CICS translator program. It must be the
first entry in linkage section. CICS places values prior to giving
control to the program and we can find almost any information
about our transaction.
Q: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS

sequentially in ascending order?
A: First issue a STARTBR (start browse), which will position the
browse at the desired record. Retrieve records by using subsequent
READNEXT commands. Indicate the end of sequential processing
with the ENDBR command. If the generic key is specified in the
STARTBR command positioning in the file will be before the first
record satisfying the generic key. For reading in descending order
use the READPREV instead of READNEXT.
Q: What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and
conversational?
A: Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By
coding a CICS RETURN command specifying TRANSID (itself).
Conversational will have an active task during the duration of the
data entry.
Q: What is the COMMAREA (communications area)?
A: An area used to transfer data between different programs or
between subsequent executions of the same program. This needs to
be defined in the Linkage Section.
A1. PCT Program Control Table - defines each transaction, containing a list of valid
transaction identifiers (transid) where each transaction is paired with its matching
program; PPT Program Processing Table - contains a list of valid program names
and maps and whether a current version is in the CICS region or needs to be brought
in as a new copy; FCT File Control Table - contains a list of files known to CICS,
the dataset name and status (closed/open, enabled/disabled); TCT Terminal Control
Table - a list of the terminals known to CICS.

Q8. What is an mdt (modified data tag) - it's meaning and use?
A8. The modified data tag is the last bit in the attribute byte for each screen field. It
indicates whether the corresponding field has been changed.
Q9. What is a transid and explain the system transid CEMT.
CICS system.
they are modified prior to issuing a SEND MAP command, eg. From normal to
method.
Q17. What is BMS?
define screens.
A20. COBOL II allows for static calls which are more efficient than the LINK
instruction which establishes a new run-unit.
batch environment.

needed by a task.
row.
A38. A DB2 precompiler processes some sql statements and converts others. It creates
a data base request module (DBRM) for the binding step. The bind process uses the
DBRM to create an application plan, which specifies the techniques DB2 will use to
process the embedded sql statements. The link/edit step includes an interface to the
CICS/DB2 attachment facility.
EDF and COBOL2 alerts the system to use the COBOL II compiler. For the compiler
XREF prints a sorted data cross reference and FDUMP prints a formatted dump if the
program abends.
running.
Q43. What is CECI?
Q44. What is CEDF?
programs.
Q45. What is CEBR?
processing?
processing?
removes the lock.
A51. You can't--at least not directly. Options, none of them good, include: 1) adding a
logical-delete flag to the contents of each item; 2) moving item 4 to 3 and 5 to 4 and
initializing item 5, all thru rewrites; this is a variant on 1; 3) creating a new 'copy' tsq
that excludes the unwanted item, killing the old tsq (deleteq ts), writing the new tsq
with the original name from the new tsq, and then deleting the 'copy' tsq. This way,
you will get an accurate report from NUMITEMS.
ascending order?
A52. READNEXT reads the next record from a browse operation for any of the three
VSAM files.
START command.
with it?
DEQ.
subsystem?
1.Psudo conversation?
It is a mode of dialog between the program and the terminal, which
appears to the user as a continuous conversion, but which is actually
carried out in a series of separate tasks.
2.TSQ?TDQ...Explain?..
Temporary storage queue is for scratch pad memory purposes used in
the programs.
Transient data queue is accessed only with the destination id defined
in the destination control table.
3.whats physical map and symbolic map?
Physical map is a program in the fom of load module.its coded using
BMS macros,assembled separately and link edited into the CICS load
library.
Symbolic is copy is a copy library member,which is to be included in
the application program for defining the screen feilds. its coded
using BMS macros,assembled separately and link edited into a copy
Library.At the time of application program compile it will be include
in the application programme.
4.Fset&frset?
Fset specifies in DFHMDF macro and MDT set on.If the feild modified
MDT set 1.
FRSET specifies in DFHMSD&DFHMDI macros and MDT set
off.If its 0 Field is not modified.
4.Whats map only and data only?
Data only:Only the application program data in the symbolic map sent
to the terminal.
MAP ONLY:Only the default data from the physical map is to be sent to the
terminal.
Q Explain the differences between a Transaction and a Task.
A Under CICS, a user can't directly invoke a program. Instead, the user invokes a
transaction, which in turn specifies the program to be run. When a user invokes a
transaction, CICS locates the associated program with the transaction, loads it into
storage (if it is not there), and starts a task. Where Task is a unit of work which is
scheduled by CICS. The difference between transaction and task is that while several
users may invoke the same transaction, each initiates a separate task.
Q Distinguish between Multitasking and Multi-threading.
A Multi-tasking means that the OS allows more than one task to run (be executed)
concurrently, regardless of whether the task use the same program or different
programs. Multi-threading is the system environment, where multiple tasks share the
same program under the multi-tasking environment. Programs are shared by several
tasks, and for each task the program work as if it executes the instructions only for
that task.
Q What is the differences between operation of Pseudo-Conversational and a
conversational program ?
A In a conversational mode, the program accomplishes the conversation by simply
sending a message to the terminal, and waiting for the user to respond, and receiving
the response from the terminal. The system that sits idle without allowing an other
operation while waiting for the data is called a conversational program.
In a Pseudo-Conversational program, a program attempts a conversation with a
terminal user, it terminates the task after sending a message with a linkage for the next
task. When the user completes the response the next task is automatically initiated.
Pseudo-conversational program's uses the CICS resources such as control tables
efficiently.
Q What is a PROGRAM CONTROL TABLE (PCT) ?
A The primary function of the PCT is to register the control information of all CICS
transactions. PCT contains a list of valid Trans-id paired with the name of a program
CICS will load when the transaction is initiated with that transaction identifier. It
identifies priority and security level (RSLC) of transaction.
Q What is a PROCESSING PROGRAM TABLE (PPT) ?
A The Primary function of PPT is to register all CICS application programs and BMS
mapsets. The PPT keeps track of which applications are loaded on the CICS address
Space (storage). CICS uses this information to determine whether new copy of the
program need to be loaded from Disk or it exists on storage. It contains information
such as Location in memory, Library address of the disk and language being used.
Q What is FILE CONTOL TABLE (FCT) ?
A The Primary function of FCT is to register the control information of all files, which
are used under CICS. FCT contains the name and type of each file and in addition lists
the file control operations that are valid for each file. It lists whether the existing
records can be read sequentially or randomly, deleted or modified. Others control
tables used are TCT to register terminals, DCT, TST, RCT, SIT, SRT and SNT.
Q What are the the basic steps of a CICS program development ?
A Develop a complete set of program specifications. The minimum the specifications
should include program overview, a screen layout for each map being used, a listing
of copy members of each file used by the program. Others that are needed are include
decision tables, editing rules, ...
Design the program. Most standard COBOL programs are designed around a basic
looping structure that controls the overall program execution. In a pseudoconversational CICS program there is no basic looping structure, Instead CICS
invokes your program whenever there is an interaction with a user. CICS program is
to be designed to respond appropriately for each type of user action.
Create the necessary CICS table entries. Before you can test a CICS program, you
need to make sure that all of the CICS table entries required to support the program
are in place. For most programs the entries need to be added to PPT, PCT and FCT
tables.
Prepare the BMS mapset by coding the assembler language BMS macros or using
mapset generator.
Code the program. Coding the CICS programs involves writing of standard COBOL
code with special CICS commands to invoke CICS services.
Compile the program. By either using the Foreground command level translator or a
JCL, compile the CICS application program. Under which the CICS commands are
commented out and replaced by appropriate calls and move statements during the precompile / Translation step. In addition to translation the CICS commands the
translator also inserts other code needed to process the CICS instructions. Now the
Cobol Source is compiled and link-edited similar to a standard Cobol program.
Test the program under CICS test region. Load and run the program under the test
environment and check for the functionality. You can use CEMT, CEDF and CECI
transactions during the test cycle.
Q What is a BMS Map ?
A The primary objective of Basic Mapping Support system is to free the Application
Program from device dependent codes and Format. A screen defined through BMS is
called a Map. There are two type of maps: Physical Map ,Symbolic Map
Q What is a Physical Map ?
A It is the assembly language program, which are created and placed in a load
(program) library. It controls the screen alignment plus sending and receiving of
constants and data from and to the terminal, and has the terminal information.
Q What is a Symbolic Map ?
A It defines the map fields used to store variable data referenced in a COBOL
program. They may be placed by BMS into a Copy library and be added to the Cobol
program at the compile time.
Q What is a Map Set ?
A A group of maps, which are link-edited together is called a Mapset.
Q What are the BMS Macros to generate Maps ?
A DFHMSD - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Set Definition.It is used to define a
mapset
DFHMDI - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Definition Information.It is used to define
a map.
DFHMDF - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Data Field.It is used to define a Field in
the map.
Q What are the 3 working storage fields used for every field on the map? What other
fields are generated ?
A Length field, Flag Field and Attribute field. In addition Input & Output field are
also created. Others are extended Color & Extended Highlighting attributes created
only if MAPATTS and DSATTS are specified.
Q What is the IBM supplied Copybook,with all modifiable attribute bytes that can be
used with symbolic maps ?
A DFHBMSCA
Q How do you place the cursor on the particular position on the screen (map)?
A Define the field with IC in the BMS map. Move -1 to the length attribute of the
field and use the CURSOR option without displacement value. (symbolic
positioning). Use the CURSOR(nnn) option with SEND MAP, where nnn = (row1)*80+(col-1) (physical positioning).
Q What is MDT ?
A Bit in the attribute byte indicating modification of field on screen.If the user keys in
any data into the field, it turns the MDT ON indicating that the data is modified. To
save transmission time , 3270 terminal sends a field over the TC line only if the MDT
is on. Otherwise, the field value is not transmitted.
Q What is DFHCOMMAREA ?
A DFHCOMMAREA in the Linkage section is used to pass the data in working
storage commarea from one to program to another program. It should be defined with
as at least one byte long. As the working storage section is freshly allocated for every
execution.
Q What is Execution Interface Block (EIB) ?
A EIB is a CICS area that contains information related to the current task, which can
be used for debugging the program. The most widely used variables are EIBDATE,
EIBTIME, EIBAID, EIBCALEN, EIBCPOSN, EIBRESP, EIBRSRCE (resource),
EIBFN (recent CICS command code), EIBTRMID and EIBTRNID.
Q What are the important tables used in the CICS-DB2 environment ?
A CICS manages it's communication with DB2 with special interface modules called
CICS/DB2 Attachment Facility. When a CICS program issues a SQL statement, CICS
requests the attachment facility to establish a connection with DB2 called a thread.
The information about the CICS transaction and DB2 is entered in Resource Control
Table (RCT). The plan information is referenced through the RCT Entries.
Q What are the various commands used to browse through a dataset ?
A STARTBR, READNEXT, READPREV and RESETBR. The options used are
DATASET, RIDFLD, RRN/RBA, GENERIC, and KEYLENGTH for the 3
commands, and INTO, LENGTH for READNEXT and READPREV command, and
EQUAL/GTEQ for STARTBR only. RESP can be used with any. ENDBR is used to
end the browse operation.
Q What is 2 phase commit ?
A It occurs when a programmer Issue's an Exec CICS Syncpoint command. This is
called a two phase Commit because CICS will first commit changes to the resources
under its control like VSAM files, before DB2 changes are committed. Usually CICS
Q What are ASRA,AICA,AEY9 abend ?
A ASRA - Any data exception problem SOC7, SOC4 etc
AICA - Runaway Task.
AEY9 - DB2/IDMS Database is not up.
Q What are the differences between TSQ and a TDQ ?
A (1) In Temporary Storage Queues Data is read randomly, While in Transient Data
Queues data must be read sequentially. (2) In a TSQ data can be read any number of
times as it remains in the queue until the entire Queue is deleted. In TDQ data item
can be read once only. To reuse the TDQ it must be closed and reopened. (3) Data can
be changed in TSQ, but not in TDQ. (4) TSQ can be written to Auxiliary or Main
Storage, while TDQ is written to Disk. Temporary storage is a holding place, while
Transient data is always associated with destination. The (5) TSQ name is defined
dynamically, while a TDQ name need to be defined in the DCT. Note: An application
uses TSQ 's to pass info' from task to task, while a TDQ to accumulate records before
processing or send data for external use, such as a print operation or other.
Q What are Extra partition & Intra partition TDQs ?
A Extra-partition TDQ's are datasets used for communication between CICS and other
CICS/Batch regions. Intra-partition TDQ's are queues for communication within
CICS region. CICS stores the Intra-partition TDQ in a dataset 'DFHNTRA' on the
Disk. Extra-partition TDQ doesn't have to be a disk file, it can reside on any device
that's a valid QSAM/VSAM. The DCT entry contains the destination-Id, type of TDQ,
Destination, Trigger level if needed
Q How is an Abend handled in a CICS program ?
A The HANDLE ABEND command is used to trap and Handle errors. It has 4
possible options and only one of them can be used with this command at a time. The
options are Program(...) to transfer control to the program, Label(...) to transfer
control to the specified paragraph, Cancel option keeps the earlier Handle Abends
from being executed. Reset option will reactivate the Handle Abend commands,
which were previously cancelled.
Q What is Quasi-reentrancy ?
A There are times when many users are concurrently using the same program, this is
what we call Multi-Threading. For example, 50 users are using program A, CICS will
provide 50 Working storage for that program but one Procedure Division. And this
technique is known as quasi-reentrancy.
IBMs Customer Information Control System (CICS) is an on-line
teleprocessing system developed by IBM. By providing a
sophisticated control and service database/data communication
system, the application developer can concentrate on fulfilling
specific business needs rather than on communication and internal
system details. CICS allows data to be transmitted from the terminal
to the host computer, have the data processed, access
files/databases, and then have data to be transmitted from the

terminal to the host computer, have the data processed, access
files/databases, and then have data transmitted back to the
terminal. To accomplish that, CICS uses a telecommunication
package such as VTAM or TCAM and various file access methods:
VSAM, DL/1, DB2, etc.
The latest release CICS/ESA is Release 3.3.
Some of the new functionality includes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Expanded features for the system programmer

Improved above the line storage utilization
New options for many CICS commands
Improved cross-platform communication facilities
Functionality
CICS provides the following support:
Data Communications
An interface between the terminal and printers with CICS via a

telecommunication access method (TCAM or VTAM).
Multi Region Operation(MRO), through which more than one

CICS region of a system can communicate
Intersystem Communication (ISC), through which one CICS

region of a system can communicate with other CICS regions
in other systems
Application Programming
Interfaces with programming languages such as COBOL

and Assembler
Command level translator
An Execution Diagnostic Facility (EDF)
A Command Interpreter
Data Handling
An interface with database access methods such as DB2,

DL/1, and VSAM
An interface with error checking and reporting facilities
Terminology:
CICS has its own language. Some of the language
abbreviations of CICS are:
SIT
PCT
PPT
TCT
FCT
TCP
TCTUA
DCT
TDQ
EIP
FCP
ICP
KCT
PCP
SCP
TCA
TCTTE
TSQ
TWA
AID
CWA
MRO
QID
System Initialization Table

Program Control Table
Program Processing Table
Terminal Control Table
File Control Table
Terminal Control Program
Terminal Control Terminal User Area
Destination Control Table
Transient Data Queue
Execution Interface Program
File Control Program
Interval Control Program
Task Control Program
Program Control Program
Storage Control Program
Task Control Area
Terminal Control Table Terminal Entry
Temporary Storage Queue
Task Work Area
Attention Identifier
Common Work Area
Multi Region Operation
Queue Identifier
CICS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1.
How do you place the cursor on a particular position on the screen?
Move -1 to the length attribute of the field and use the CURSOR option. Define the field with
IC in the BMS map.
3.
What are the two outputs created as a result of generation of a map?

The map copybook and the load module.
4.
What is the difference between physical map and symbolic map?

The physical map is the load module and the symbolic map is the data structure.
5.
How do you protect a field from being overlaid? What is the attribute byte?
Defines the display/transmission of field. most cases is an output field from the program.
6.
How do you use extended attributes ?

Define EXTATT=YES and the correct terminal type.
7.
What are the 3 working storage fields used for every field on the map?
Length, attribute and input/output field.
8.
What is MDT? What are FSET, FRSET ?

Modified Data Tag. Bit in the attribute byte indicating modification of field on screen.
Happens on an input operation.
FSET. Sets MDT on to ensure field is transmitted. Happens on an output operation.
FRSET. Resets MDT. Until this happens, field continues to be sent.
9.
What is the use of DSECT parameter in BMS?

Is the parameter to generate a symbolic map.
10. Do you receive the attribute byte in the symbolic map?

On EOF yes.
11. How do you make your BMS maps case sensitive?

Use ASIS???
12. What is effect on RECEIVE MAP when

PF key is pressed? Data transmission may happen,
PA key is pressed? Data transmission will not happen.
13. What are SEND MAP MAPONLY & SEND MAP DATAONLY ?
MAPONLY - to send the map alone, without any data. Eg: used for sending Menu screens.
DATAONLY - to send data alone, without sending the screen layout again. Eg: used for
refreshing the screen data.
14. What is the difference between a PF key & a PA key ?
PF keys wake up the task and transmit modified data, PA keys only wake up the task.
15. Name the macros used to define the following:

MAP MAPSET FIELD
DFHMSD DFHMDI DFHMDF
16. Can you use OCCURS in a BMS map? If you do, what are the issues related with its use?
Yes. cannot use group by clause???
17. Can you define multiple maps in a BMS mapset?
Yes.
18. How is the storage determined in the symbolic map, if you have multiple maps?
Storage for maps redefine the first. This means largest map has to be the first.
19. What is the meaning of BMS length of field = 0?
Data was not entered in the field
20. Can you simply check if length = 0 for checking if a field was modified?
No, not if ERASE EOF was used.
21. What do you do if you do not want characters entered by the user to be folded to
uppercase ?
Use ASIS option on RECEIVE.
22. What does the BUFFER option in RECEIVE mean ?
Brings the entire datastream from the terminal buffer.
23. What are the steps you go through to a create a BMS executable?
Assemble to create CSECT and Link
24. When you compile a CICS program, the (pre)compiler puts an extra chunk of code.
Where does it get included and that is it called? What is its length? DFHEIBLK, DFHCOMMAREA.
25. List all the CICS tables and explain their contents.
PPT SIT
PCT JCT
FCT SNT
DCT SRT
RCT TCT
26. I have written a CICS program. What tables should I setup to run this program?
PPT, PCT, (FCT, DCT, RCT (if needed)).
27. In which table would you make an entry for a BMS map?
PPT
28. What is the content of the PPT entry?
Length, Source, Use count, Lang, Res count DFHRPL number
29. For a CICS-DB2 program, how is the plan referenced?
Uses a RCT table.
30. How is dynamic memory allocated within a CICS application program?
Use a GETMAIN
31. What are the restrictions while using GETMAIN and FREEMAIN?
?????????????????????
32. What is the use of a TDQ, TSQ?

Temporary data stores.
33. How do you read from a TSQ?
Temp storage read command
34. If I create a TSQ from one transaction, can I read it from another transaction?
Yes. As long as they run in the same region.
35. What are extra partition & intra partition TDQs?
Extra partition TDQs are datasets used for communication bn CICS and other CICS/Batch
regions. Intrapartition TDQs are queues for communication within regn.
36. What is trigger level in the context of TDQs?
For intrapartition TDQs specify the # records at which ATI happens. not applicable for extra
partition TDQs.
37) How do you fire a batch job from a CICS txn ?
Define an extrapartition TDQ as an internal reader and write the JCL to it. Terminate the JCL
with /*EOF.
37. What is ATI? What kind of TDQ can be used?
Automatic Task Initiation. Intra partition TDQ.

38. Do you require a table entry for a TSQ?
If recovery is needed.
39. Is there any entry for TSQs in CICS tables?
Yes in the DFHTST.
40. What is the use of DCT?
Destination Control Table used to define TDQs
41. What is ENQ, DEQ ?
Task control commands to make resources serially reusable.
42. I have TSQ with 15 items. I want to delete the 10th item. How do I do that?
??????????????????????????
43. Can you issue SQL COMMIT from a CICS program?

Yes.
44. What is the other way of terminating a transaction?
EXEC CICS SYNCPOINT. Assuming it is a LUW. This will not end the Xn.
45. What is an ASRA abend ?
Any data exception problem SOC7, SOC4 etc.
46. What is an AEY9 abend ?
DB2/IDMS not up.
47. What are the situations under which NEWCOPY is required ?
When a program has been used in CICS atleast once and then changed and recompiled.
48. What is 2 phase commit?
What is EXEC CICS RETRIEVE ?
Used by STARTed tasks to get the parameters passed to them.
49. Name some important fields in the EIB block ?
EIBRESP, EIBCALEN, EIBRRCDE, EIBTASK, EIBDATE, EIBTIME
50. Can you use DYNAMIC calls in CICS ?

Yes, the called routine must be defined in PPT and the calling program must use CALL
identifier..
51. How do you handle errors in CICS pgms ?
Check EIBRESP after the call or use the HANDLE condition.
52. Suppose pgm A passes 30 bytes to pgm B thru commarea and pgm B has defined its
DFHCOMMAREA to be 50 bytes . Is there a problem ?
Yes, if B tries to access bytes 31-50.
53) When an XCTL is done, does the tranid change ? Is a new task created ? Does it cause an
implicit SYNCPOINT to be issued ?
No, No, Yes.
54. How do you execute a background CICS txn ?
With a START or ATI.
55. Can a CICS region be attached to more than one DB2 subsystem ?
??????????????????????/
56. What determines the DB2 subsystem to which a particular CICS region is attached ?
???????????????????????????????
57. What is the DSNC transaction used for ?
?????????????????????????????????
58. How do you handle error in a CICS program?
Same as 36.
59. What is the difference between START and XCTL ?
START is used to start a new task. It is a interval control command. XCTL is used to pass
control to a program within the same task. It is a program control command.
60. What is the usage of language in the PPT entry?
Language interface and call parameters???
61. Can you have CICS code in a copybook? If yes, what happens during compilation?
Yes. Needs to be preprocessed.
62. What is an AICA abend?
Runaway Task.
63. How would you resolve an ASRA abend?
In COBOL II start with CEBR, and get the offset/instruction.
64) I invoke a transaction from CICS. The program has a code: MOVE DFHCOMMAREA TO
WS-AREA. What happens to this transaction? What happens to the other transactions?
Junk may get moved in. Will cause Storage violation. ????
???????????????????????????????
65. How do I find the name of the CICS region inside my COBOL program?
??????????????????????????
66. When you do a START, what will the value of EIBCALEN?
Zero.
67. How are VSAM files Read in CICS pgms?
File Control Commands. Random, Sequential, forward and backward.
68. How will you access a VSAM file using an alternate index?
Thru the path. Define path as an FCT and use normal File control commands.
69. How do you rollback data written to an ESDS file?
Define the file as recoverable. in cases where records have been inserted into the file, you may
need to run a batch program to logically delete the inserted records.
70. I have done a START BROWSE on a VSAM dataset. Can I do another START
BROWSE without doing an END BROWSE?
No.
71. Can you access QSAM (seq ) files from CICS ?
No.
72. Can you access ESDS files from CICS ?
Yes.
---73. What is CICS ?
CICS - Customer Information Control System
CICS is a telecommunications monitor software product from IBM. The IBM mainframe
operating systems are batch and time-sharing. CICS supports the development and execution
of online applications. It does this by
- communicating with terminals
- sending and receiving fomatted data
- accessing files and database
CICS itself is batch job running on the operating system with high priority. CICS does
scheduling of programs that run under the CICS region.
74. What is Pseudo converstional mode ?
??????????????????????????????????
75. What is a Map ?
?????????????????????????????????????
Interview Q&As for CICS

Question: what is difference between call and link ?
Answer: In case of call , whenever you do changes to the called program you
need to compile the calling program also. In case of link , it is not needed .
Question: what are the differences between dfhcommarea and tsq ?
Answer: both are used to save data among tasks. but 1. commarea is private to
that transaction only . like every transaction has its own commarea created by
cics as soon as the transaction is initiated . however tsq , if qid is known can be
accessed by other transactions also 2. commarea length is s9(4) comp ie 65k . but
tsq can have any length.3. commarea is available only during the transaction is
running. tsq if created with auxiliary option resides in aux memory and available
even if main memory crashes.4.normally commarea is used to tranfer data from
one task to another while tsq is used widely within the task as a scratch pad.
Question: What is Communication Area?
Answer: Communication Area is used to pass data between the programor
between the task.
Question: Which of the following statements correctly describe the syntax of
CICS command language? A) If an EXEC CICS command must be continued
onto a second line a hyphen (-) must be coded in column 7 of the continued line.
B) If an EXEC CICS command must be continued onto a second line an 'X' must
be coded in column 72 of each line to be continued. C) An EXEC CICS command
CANNOT be coded within a COBOL IF statement,between the IF command and
the period (.) ending it. D) The END-EXEC delimiter is optional and never needs
to be placed at the end of a CICS command. E) The options specified within an
EXEC CICS command can be in any order. For example 'EXEC CICS SEND
FROM(MSG1) LENGTH(30) END-EXEC' can also be coded 'EXEC CICS
SEND LENGTH(30) FROM(MSG1) END-EXEC'
Answer: E) The options specified within an EXEC CICS command can be in any
order. For example 'EXEC CICS SEND FROM(MSG1) LENGTH(30) ENDEXEC' can also be coded 'EXEC CICS SEND LENGTH(30) FROM(MSG1)
END-EXEC'
Question: .A CICS program ABENDS with an ASRA ABEND code. What is its
meaning? A) A link was issued to a program whose name does not exist in the
PPT (Program Processing Table). B) A program attempted to use a map that is
not defined in the PCT (Program Control Table). C) A security violation has
occurred. The operator is not defined with the proper authority in the SNT
(Sign-on Table) to use a particular file. D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or
0C2 or ...) has occurred in a CICS program. E) An I/O error has occurred when
attempting to use a VSAM file from a CICS program
Answer: D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in a
CICS program.
Question: Which of the following commands, when issued by 2 different
programs running at the same time, will prevent simultaneous use of resource
'SINGLE'? . B) EXEC CICS PROTECT RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6)
END-EXEC. C) EXEC CICS HOLD RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6)
END-EXEC. D) EXEC CICS TASK SINGLE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) ENDEXEC. E) EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6)
END-EXEC.
Answer: E) EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6)
END-EXEC
Question: 1.The map shown below is displayed with: EXEC CICS SEND
MAP('MAP1') MAPSET('MAP1S') MAPONLY END-EXEC.After the screen is
displayed, the operator enters 1 character, the letter 'X'.Where will the cursor
now appear on the screen?MAP1S DFHMSD
TYPE=MAP,MODE=INOUT,CTRL=(FREEKB,FRSET),LANG=COBOL, X
TIOAPFX=YESMAP1 DFHMDI SIZE=(24,80) DFHMDF
POS=(5,1),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1FIELD2 DFHMDF
POS=(5,5),ATTRB=(UNPROT,IC),LENGTH=1FIELD4 DFHMDF
POS=(5,7),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1FIELD5 DFHMDF
POS=(5,9),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1,INITIAL='Z' DFHMDF
POS=(5,11),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1 DFHMSD TYPE=FINAL A) In the
field with a POS=(5,1) B) In FIELD2. C) In FIELD3. D) In FIELD4. E) In
FIELD5.
Answer: E) In FIELD5
Question: How can you accomplish braykpoint in intertest?
Answer: U-for uncondishional braykpoint, C-for condishional braykpoint,and Afor automatic braykpoint
Question: how many ways are there for initiating a transaction?what are they?
Answer: There are six ways in initiating a transaction.they are as follows.1.
embedding four character transid on the top left most corner of the screen.2.
making use of EXEC CICS START TRANSID ( )3. making use of EXEC CICS
RETURN TRANSID ( ) 4. By defining the transid in DCT ( destination control

table) to enable ATI (AUTOMATIC TASK INITIATION)5. Making use of PLT
( program list table)6. By associating four character transid in PCT (program
control table)
Question: which type of TDQ is read destructive?
Answer: intrapartition tdq is read destructive. extrapartition tdq is not read
destrctive.
Question: The error code aeiv?
Answer: this is the error code for length,if length of the source data is more than
the receiving field,this error will occur.this is the correct answer,previously i
mentioned it as program id error.sorry for the wrong information.
Question: WHAT U MEAN BY AEIV ?
Answer: THIS IS THE ERROR CODE GIVEN BY THE SYSTEM ,IT MEANS
PROGRAM ID ERROR.
Question: WHAT IS THE SIZE OF COMMAREA
Answer: THE DEFAULT COMMAREA SIZE IS 65K.
Question: What is ASRAABEND in CICS?
Answer: It occurs when program interuption takes place.e.g.: when
alphanumeric string moved to numeric data itemOR when arithmetic
calculations performed on nonnumeric data itemOR when an attempt made to
read an occurance of a table beyond the defind occurances.ISN'T IT?
Question: Very important question:What is a two Phase commit in CICS?
Answer: This occurs when a programmer Issues a Exec CICS Syncpoint
command. this is called two phase because CICS will first commit changes to the
resources under its control like VSAM files. and the DB2 changes are
committed.Usually CICS signals Db2 to complete the next phase and release all
the locks.
Question: Answer to ANON's question, diference between TSQ & TDQ
Answer: TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not. TSQ can be created dynamically,
TDQ cannot be created dynamically. TSQ is temporary in nature (i:e it will be
deleted when the program finishes execution, unless it is made permanent by
making a entry in the Temporary Storage Table), TDQ is not. Hope this will
suffice
Question: What is ENQ in CICS?
Answer: If any one want to restrict Trans-Id to single user, enter trans-id with
ENQ. It won't allow any one else to use the same trans-id.
Question: In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning after moving -1 to the length field
also the cursor is not positioned in that particular field.Give reasons?
Answer: You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your EXEC
CICS and END-EXEC in the program.
Question: What does EIB mean?

Answer: The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK. It is not the
EXECUTE INTERFACE BLOCK. All TP monitors or transaction processors are
know as EXECUTIVEs as they carry out process on behalf of a program module.
CICS and DB2 are excutives.
Question: How many exceptional condition can be given in a HANDLE
CONDITION?
Answer: Max. of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single HANDLE
CONDITION.
Question: I just wanted to add something to the answer given byBrian on June
25, 1998 Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient
data queue ? Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but
there is a restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one
want to delete 10 th record directly it is not possible with this..
Answer: Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there
is a restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one want to
delete 10 th record directly it is not possible with this..
Question: I just wanted to add something to the answer given byBrian on June
25, 1998 Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient
data queue ? Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but
there is a restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one
want to delete 10 th record directly it is not possible with this..
Answer: Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there
is a restriction.U can deletethe records sequentially.. For example if one want to
delete 10 th record directly it is not possible with this..
Question: How do you access the records randomly in TSQ ?
Answer: By specifying the ITEM option
Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data
queue ?
Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive.
Question: WHAT ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF INITIATING TRANSACTION
IN CICS
Answer: WE CAN INITIATE CICS TRANSACTIONa) BY GIVING
TRANSACTION IDb) BY GIVING CICS START COMMANDC)
AUTOMATIC TASK INITIATION.
Question: What is the difference between LINK and XCTL ?
Answer: The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the
resources requested by the first program may still be allocated. A task does not
end until a RETURN statement is executed. While in LINK command, program
control resumes its instruction following the LINK parameter. The disadvantage
of LINK is that it requires that both the calling program and the called program
Question: What is the difference between CICS Program Control Table (PCT)
and CICS Processing Program Table (PPT) ?
Answer: PCT contains a list of valid transaction ID. Each transaction ID is
paired with the name of the program ,CICS will load and execute when the
transaction is invoked. On the other hand, PPT indicates each program's
location which pertains to a storage address if the program has already been
loaded or a disk location if the program hasn't been loaded. PPT will also be used
to determine whether it will load a new copy of the program when the
transaction is invoked.
Question: What are the 3 common ways to create maps?
Answer: The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching
symbolic map in your COBOL program. The second way to create a physical
map along with a matching symbolic map is to code only the physical map using
the &SYSPARM option, CICS will automatically create a member in a COPY
library. And the third way is to use a map generator such as SDF (Screen
Definition Facility)
Question: What is Quasi-reentrancy?
Answer: There are times when many users are concurrently using the same
program, this is what we call MultiThreading. For example, 50 users are using
program A, CICS will provide 50 Working storage for that program but one
Procedure Division. And this technique is known as quasi-reentrancy
Question: What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset and a logical
BMS mapset?
Answer: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to the screen
at execution time. The symbolic map is the actual copybook member used in the
program to reference the input and output fields on the screen.
Question: How To Set MDT(Modified Data Tag) Thru Application Program?
(Dynamically).
Answer: You have to move the following macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute
field of that particular Variable.
Question: What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the
transactions?
Answer: COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.
Question: How would you release control of the record in a READ for UPDATE?
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE,DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending
the task.
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE,DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending
the task.
Question: What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID and XCTL
?For example prog. A is issuing REUTRN with TRANSID to prog B. Prog A. is
issuing XCTL to prog B.
Answer: In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region and
the user have to transfer the control to prog. B by pressing any of the AID
KEYS.In XCTL the control is directly transfer to prog. B.
Question: What is the maximum number of exceptions that can be specified with
a single HANDLE CONDITION command in CICS ?
Answer: SIXTEEN (16)
Question: WHAT WILL BE THE LENGTH OF THE EIBCALEN ,IF THE
TRANSACTION IS USED TO CICS FIRST TIME?
Answer: THE LENGTH WILL BE 0(ZERO).
Question: WHAT IS DFHEIBLK?
Answer: DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage
section automatically by CICS translator program. It must be the first entry in
linkage section. CICS places values prior to giving control to the program and we
can find almost any information about our transaction.
Question: What is the difference between the XCTL and LINK commands?
Answer: The LINK command anticipates return of control to the calling
program, theXCTL command does not. Return to the calling program will be the
result of the CICS RETURN command, specifying TRANSID(name of the calling
program).
Question: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS
Answer: First issue a STARTBR(start browse), which will position the browse at
the desired record. Retrieve records by using subsequent READNEXT
commands. Indicate the end of sequential processing with the ENDBR command.
If the generic key is specified in the STARTBR command positioning in the file
will be before the first record satisfying the generic key.For reading in
descending order use the READPREV instead ofREADNEXT.
Question: What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and
conversational?
Answer: Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By coding a
CICS RETURN command specifying TRANSID(itself). Conversational will have
an active task during the duration of the data entry.
Question: What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?
Answer: An area used to transfer data between diffrent programs or between
subsequent executions of the same program. Needs to be defined in the Linkage
Section.
The following are most frequently asked questions (FAQS):
Q. What does Pseudo Conversational mean?
A. The programming technique in which the task will not wait for the
end-user replies on the terminal. Terminating the task every time
the application needs a response from the user and specifying the
next transaction to be started when the end user press any
attention key (Enter, PF1 through PF24, PA1,PA2 and Clear) is
pseudo-conversational processing.
Q. Explain the means of supporting pseudo conversation
programming.
(E.g. Storing and restoring of states, control flow, error
handling)
When we send a map using SEND MAP command. Immediately
we release the program by using EXEC CICS RETURN
command. In this command we mention the TRANSACTION ID
which is to be executed after receiving the map. In this
command we also specify the data that should be stored in
COMMUNICATION AREA for later use. When this command is
executed the corresponding program is released from the
memory. After receiving the response from the terminal the
program is again loaded and this time the data which we
stored in communication area will be copied into the working
storage section. And the map will be received with RECEIVE
MAP command.
The variable EIBCALEN in EIB holds the length of
communication area. In procedure division we checks the value
of EIBCALEN If it is zero, we first send the map followed by
RETURN command. Otherwise, that is if EIBCALEN is not zero,
we know that this transaction is not running first time and we
receive the map by using RECEIVE MAP command.
Q. What is the function of the CICS translator?
A. The CICS translator converts the EXEC CICS commands into call
statements for a specific programming language. There are CICS
translators for Assembler, COBOL, and PL/1.
Q. How can you start a CICS transaction other than by keying the
Transaction ID at the terminal?
A
By coding an EXEC CICS START in the application

program
By coding the trans id and a trigger level on the DCT

table
By coding the trans id in the EXEC CICS RETURN

command
By associating an attention key with the Program Control

Table

By embedding the TRANSID in the first four positions of
a screen sent to the terminal.
By using the Program List Table

Q. What is the purpose of the Program List Table?
A.
The Program List Table records the set of applications programs

that will be executed automatically at
CICS start-up time.
Q. What are the differences between and EXEC CICS XCTL and an
EXEC CICS START command?
A. The XCTL command transfer control to another application
(having the same Transaction ID), while the START command
initiates a new transaction ID (therefore a new task number). The
XCTL continues task on the same terminal. START can initiate a task
on another terminal.
Q. What are the differences between an EXEC CICS XCTL and an
EXEC CICS LINK command.
A. The XCTL command transfer control to an application program at
the same logical level (do not expect to control back), while the LINK
command passes control to an application program at the next
logical level and expects control back.
Q. What happens to resources supplied to a transaction when an
XCTL command is executed?
A. With an XCTL, the working storage and the procedure division of
the program issuing the XCTL are released. The I/O areas, the
GETMAIN areas, and the chained Linkage Section areas (Commarea
from a higher level) remain. All existing locks and queues also
remain in effect. With a LINK, however, program storage is also
saved, since the transaction expects to return and use it again.
Q. What CICS command do you need to obtain the user logon-id?
A. You must code EXEC CICS ASSIGN with the OPERID option.
Q. What is a resident program?
A. A program or map loaded into the CICS nucleus so that it is kept
permanently in main storage and not deleted when CICS goes
Short On Storage.
Q. What is EIB. How it can be used?
CICS automatically provides some system-related information

to each task in a form of EXEC
Interface Block (EIB), which is unique to the CICS command
level. We can use all the fields of EIB
in our application programs right away.
Q. What is some of the information available in the EIB area?
A.
The cursor position in the map

Transaction ID
Terminal ID
Task Number
Length of communication area
Current date and time
Attention identifier
Q. What information can be obtained from the EIBRCODE?

A. The EIBRCODE tells the application program if the last CICS
command was executed successfully and, if not, why not.
Q. What is the effect of including the TRANSID in the EXEC CICS
RETURN command?
A.
The next time the end user presses an attention key, CICS will
start the transaction specified in the TRANSID option.
Q. Explain how to handle exceptional conditions in CICS.
An abnormal situation during execution of a CICS command is called

an exceptional condition".
There are various ways to handle these
exception conditions:
HANDLE CONDITION Command:
It is used to transfer control to the
procedure label specified if the exceptional condition specified
occurs.
IGNORE CONDITION Command: It causes no action to be taken if the
condition specified occurs in the program. That is control will be
returned to the next instruction following the command which
encountered the exceptional condition.
NOHANDLE Option: This option can be specified in any CICS command
and it will cause no action to be taken for any exceptional
condition occurring during execution of this command.
RESP option: This option can be specified in any CICS command.
If the RESP option is specified in a command, CICS places a response
code at a completion of the command. The application program
can check this code, then proceed to the next processing.
Handle condition:
Invalid handling of CICS error condition within the program causing
the looping. Here is one example, most program have EXEC CICS
HANDLE CONDTION ERROR(label) or EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND
LABEL(label) to trap any error condition or abend. This type of
coding is usually acceptable if they handle the error/abend
correctly in their handling paragraph. However, the program
often cause another error or abend within the handling routine.
In that case, looping or sos will occur. I strong recommend that
the following statement should be included in their ERROR
handling paragraph.
EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDTION ERROR END-EXEC.
It means that from now on, CICS will handle all the errors and will
not go back to error handling routine .For HANDLE ABEND, code
EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND CANCEL
instead. Please check the application program reference manual for
further explanation of these two commands. Besides, not only these
two HANDLE will cause the program, other type of error handle
might cause loop too. So code the HANDLE command carefully. It
is a good program practice to deactivate the error handling by
EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDITION condition END-EXEC. Once you

know that the program won't need it anymore.
Q. What is the function of the EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDITION
command?
A. To specify the paragraph or program label to which control is to
be passed if the handle condition occurs.
Q. How many conditions can you include in a single HANDLE
CONDITION command?
A.
No more than 16 in a single handle condition. If you need more,

then you must code another HANDLE
CONDITION command.
Q. What is the EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND?

A.
It allows the establishing of an exit so cleanup processing can be

done in the event of abnormal task
termination.
Q. What is the difference between EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDTION

and an EXEC CICS IGNORE command?
A. A HANDLE CONDITION command creates a go-to environment.
An IGNORE command does not create a go-to environment; instead,
it gives control back to the next sequential instruction following the
command causing the condition. They are opposites.
Q. What happens when a CICS command contains the NOHANDLE
option?
A. No action is going to be taken for any exceptional conditional
occurring during the execution of this command. The abnormal
condition that occurred will be ignored even if an EXEC CICS
HANDLE condition exist. It has the same effect as the EXEC CICS
IGNORE condition except that it will not cancel the previous HANDLE
CONDITION for any other command.
Q. When a task suspends all the handle conditions via the PUSH
command, how does the task reactivate all the handle conditions?
A. By coding an EXEC CICS POP HANDLE command.
Q. Explain re-entrancy as applies to CICS.
A reentrant program is a program which does not modify

itself so that it can reenter to itself and continue processing
after an interruption by the operating system which, during
the interruption, executes other OS tasks including OS
tasks of the same
program. It is also called a
"reenterable" program or "serially reusable" program.
A quasi-reentrant program is a reentrant program under the CICS
environment. That is, the quasi-reentrant program is a CICS
program which does not modify itself. That way it can reenter to
itself and continue processing after an interruption by CICS which,
during the interruption, executes other tasks including CICS
tasks of the same program.
In order to maintain the quasi-reentrancy, a CICS application
program must follow the following convention:
Constants in Working Storage: The quasi-reentrant program defines only
constants in its ordinary
data area (e.g. working Storage Section ). These constants will never be
modified and shared by the
tasks.
Variable in Dynamic Working Storage: The quasireentrant
program acquires a unique storage
area ( called Dynamic
Working Storage --DWS) dynamically for each task by issuing the
CICS macro equivalent GETMAIN. All variables will be placed in
this DWS for each task. All counters would have to be initialized
after the DWS has been acquired.
Restriction on Program Alteration: The program must not alter
the program itself. If it alters a CICS macro or command, it
must restore the alteration before the subsequent CICS macro
or command.
Q. What are the CICS commands available for program control?
The following commands are available for the
Program Control services:
LINK:
To pass control to another program at the lower level,

expecting to be returned.
XCTL:
RETUR
N:
To pass control to another program at the same level, not

expecting to be returned.
To return to
the
next higher-level program or CICS.
LOAD:
To load a program.
RELEAS
E:
To release a program.
Q. How is addressability achieved to the data outside programs

working-storage.?
The Base Locator for Linkage ( BLL ) is an addressing
convention used to address storage outside the Working
Storage Section of an application program. If BLL is used for
the input commands (e.g.: READ, RECEIVE), it will improve the
performance, since the program would be accessing directly the
input buffer outside of the program. In order to work as
intended, the program must construct BLL based on the
following convention:
1). The parameter list must be defined by means of a 01

level data definition in the
Linkage Section as the first area definition to the Linkage
Section, unless a
communication area is being passed to the program, in which
case DFHCOMMAREA
must be defined first. The parameter list consists of a group
of the address pointers,
each of which is defined as the fullword binary field
( S9(8) COMP ). This is
called the BLL cells.
2). The parameter list is followed by a group of 01 level data
definitions, which would be the actual data areas. The first
address pointer of the parameter list is set up by
CICS for addressing the parameter list itself. From the second
address pointer onward,
there is a one-to-one correspondence between the address
pointers of the parameter list
and 01 level data definitions.
3). VS COBOL II provides CICS application programs with a
significant
improvements
in the area of addressability through the special ADDRESS register.
Therefore, if an
application program is written in VS COBOL II, the program is
no longer requires
building the BLL cells in the Linkage Section.
Q.
Explain the various ways data can be passed between CICS

programs.
Data can be passed between CICS
programs in three waysCOMMAREA, TRASIENT DATA QUEUE & TEMPORARY
STORAGE QUEUE.
Data
can
be passed to a
called program
using the COMMAREA option of the LINK or XCTL
command in a calling program. The called program
may alter the data content of COMMAREA and
the changes will be available to the calling
program after the RETURN command is issued
in the called program. This implies that the
called program does not have to specify the
COMMAREA option in the RETURN command.
If the COMMAREA is used in the calling
program, the area must be defined in the
Working Storage Section of the program ( calling

), whereas, in the called program, the area must
be defined as the first area in the Linkage
Section, using reserved name DFHCOMMAREA.
Q. What is the difference between using the READ command with
INTO option and SET option ?
When we use INTO option with the READ
command the data content of the record will be
moved into the specified field defined in the
Working Storage Section of the program.
When we use SET option with the READ
command , CICS sets the address pointer to the
address of the record in the file input / output
area within CICS, so that the application program
can directly refer to the record without moving
the record content into the Working Storage
area defined in the program. Therefore, the SET
option provides a better performance than the
INTO option.
Q.Can we define an alternate index on VSAM/RRDS ?
No
Q. What is the difference between the INTO and the SET option in
the EXEC CICS RECEIVE MAP command?
A. The INTO option moves the information in the TIOA into the
reserved specified area, while the SET option simply returns the
address of the TIOA to the specified BLL cell or address-of a
linkage-section.
Q. How to establish dynamic cursor position on a map? How to get
the cursor position when we receive a map?
We dynamically position a cursor through an
application program using a symbolic name of
the symbolic map by placing -1 into the field
length field ( i.e., fieldname + L) of the field
where you wish to place the cursor.
The SEND MAP command to be issued must have
the CURSOR option ( without value ). Also, the
mapset must be coded with MODE = INOUT in
the DFHMSD macro.
We get the cursor position when we receive

a map by checking EIBCPOSN, which is a
halfword ( S9(4) COMP) binary field in EIB, and
contains offset position (relatively to zero ) of the
cursor on the screen.
Q. What is MDT?
MDT ( Modified Data Tag ) is one bit of the attribute
character. If it is off ( 0 ), it indicates that
this field has not been modified by the terminal operator.
If it is on ( 1 ), it indicates that this
field has been modified by the operator. Only when MDT
is on, will the data of the field be
sent by the terminal hardware to the host computer ( i.e.,
to the application program, in end ).
An effective use of MDT drastically reduces the amount
of data traffic in the communication
line, thereby improving performance significantly.
Therefore, BMS maps and CICS application
programs should be developed based on careful
considerations for MDT.
Q. What are the three ways available for a program to position the
cursor on the screen?
A. 1. Static positioning. Code the insert cursor (IC) in the DFHMDF
BMS macro.
2. Relative positioning. Code the CURSOR option with a value
relative to zero(position 1,1 is zero) .
3 .Symbolic positioning. Move high values or -1 to the field
length in the symbolic map(and code
CURSOR on the SEND command).
Q. Name three ways the Modified Data Tag can be set on?
A. The Modified Data Tag can be set on:
1. When the user enters data into the field.
2. When the application program moves DFHBMFSE to the
attribute character.
3. By defining it in the BMS macro definition.
Q. What is a mapset?
A. A mapset is a collection of BMS maps link-edited together.
Q.
What is the function of DFHMDF BMS macro?
A. The DFHMDF macro defines fields, literal, and characteristics of a

field.
Q. Why is a TERM ID recommended in naming a TSQ?
In order to avoid confusion and to maintain data
security, a strict naming convention for QID will
be required in the installation. Moreover, for a
terminal-dependent task
(e.g., pseudoconversational task), the terminal id should be
included in QID in order to ensure the
uniqueness of TSQ to the task.
Q.
Explain the basic difference between Intra partition TDQ and

Extra partition TDQ.
INTRA PARTITION TD QUEUEs
It is a group of sequential
records which are produced
by the same and / or
different transactions within a
CICS region.
These Qs are stored in
only one physical file
( VSAM ) in a CICS region,
which is prepared by the
system programmer.
EXTRA PARTITION TD
QUEUEs
It is a group of sequential
records which interfaces
between
the transactions
of the CICS region and the
systems outside of CICS
region.
Each of these TDQs is a
separate physical file, and
it may be on the disk,
tape, printer or plotter.
Once a record is read

from a queue, the record
will be logically removed
from the queue; that is the
record cannot be read
again.
Q. What are the differences between Temporary Storage Queue
(TSQ) and Transient Data Queue (TDQ).?
A.
Temporary Storage Queue names are dynamically defined in
the application program, while TDQs
must first be defined in the DCT (Destination Control Table).
When a TDQ contains certain amount of records (Trigger
level), a CICS
transaction can be started
automatically. This does not happen when using a TSQ.
TDQ(extra partition) may be used by batch application; TSQ
cannot be accessed in batch. The Transient
Data Queue is actually a QSAM file.

You may update an existing item in a TSQ. A record in a TDQ
cannot be updated.
Records in TSQ can be read randomly. The TDQ can be read
only sequentially.
Records in Temporary Storage can be read more than once,
while records stored in Temporary Data
Queues cannot. With TDQs it is one read only.
Q. What is the difference between getting the system time with
EIBTIME and ASKTIME command?
The ASKTIME command is used to request the current
date and time.
Whereas, the EIBTIME field have the value at the task
initiation time.
Q. What does the following transactions do?
CEDF
CICS-supplied Execution Diagnostic Facility transaction. It
provides interactive program execution
and debugging functions of a CICS programs.
CEMT
CICS-supplied Extended Master Terminal transaction. It
displays or manipulates CICS control
environment interactively.
CEBR
CICS-supplied Temporary Storage Browse transaction. It
displays the content of Temporary
Storage Queue ( TSQ ).
CECI
CICS-supplied Command Interpreter transaction. It verifies
the syntax of a CICS command and
executes the command.
Q. Explain floating maps with illustration.
Maps which can position themselves relative to the previous
maps on the screen or page are known as
the floating maps. For this you have to use special positional
operands to LINE and COLUMN
parameters of the BMS macro definition. They are SAME,
NEXT.
Actually this floating map concept is there only in Full BMS
where as it is not available in Min. or
Standard BMS macros. RECEIVE MAP is not recommended in
the case of floating maps. Hence these
maps are normally used to send information such as selected
records from a database to screen but not
for data entry.
A mapset can contain more than one map in it, you may use
all these maps to build a screen. In that
case there are two ways to send these maps on to the
screen
i ) Use separate SEND MAP commands one for each map
involved. or
ii ) Use ACCUM operand along with SEND MAP command and
while sending really on to the screen
use SEND PAGE to display them at one shot.
The second one is called cumulative mapping scheme where
you also can use floating maps.
Let's take a situation where you have to build a screen like
this
HEADER MAP (no. of A gr. employs)
DETAIL MAP (employee list )
TRAILER MAP (Press a key to continue...)
Under such situations whatever the detail map needed that
is to be displayed
again and again to display all the information one screenful
at a time. In this
floating map concept helps.
Code the map like this M1 DFHMDI ......
HEADER=YES,JUSTIFY=FIRST
..................
M2 DFHMDI ..... ......................... LINE=NEXT
....................
M3 DFHMDI ........TRAILER=YES,JUSTIFY=LAST
...........................
here M2 is detail map which is coded as floating map.
Procedure:
Every time using cumulative map technique send header
(first) and followed by detail map next into
a page buffer once the page is full an overflow occurs by

using cics HANDLE OVERFLOW command
send first trailer map then header map ( This will do two
things i) it sends previous map on to the
screen ii) starts fresh page buffer ). Repeate this until no
more records to be retreived. Here M2 is the
one which holds the record values read from the file.
Q. What is the function of the Terminal Control Table(TCT)?
A. The TCT defines the characteristics of each terminal with which
CICS can communicate.
Q. What does it mean when EIBCALEN is equal to zeros?
A. When the length of the communication area (EIBCALEN) is equal
to zeros, it means that no data was passed to the application.
Q. How can the fact that EIBCALEN is equal to zeros be of use to an
application programmer?
A. When working in a pseudo-conversational mode, EIBCALEN can
be checked if it is equal to zero. A programmer can use this
condition as a way of determining first time usage(of the program).
Q. Which CICS system program is responsible for handling automatic
task initialization?
A. The Transient Data Program(TDP).
Q.
In an on-line environment, how can you prevent more than one

user from accessing the same Transient Data Queue at the same
time?
A. By issuing an EXEC CICS ENQ against the resource. When

processing is completed, a DEQ should be executed.
Q.
When an application is invoked via the EXEC CICS START

command with the from option, how does the application gain
access to the common area?
A. An EXEC CICS RETRIEVE command will access the common area.

Q. The DFHCOMMAREA is used to pass information from one
application to another. What are some other ways that this function
can be accomplished?
A. You can also pass information in the following ways.
- By using a temporary storage queue
By using an intrapartition TDQ

By using the Task Work Area
By using TCTUA
Through a file
Q. How do you define Task Work Area?

A. By defining it on the PCT (the Program Control Table)
Q. What information do you get when an EXEC CICS STARTCODE is
issued?
A. You will be able to determine if the application was started by (1)
a transient data trigger level(QD), (2) a START command (S,SD), (3)
user (U) or terminal input (TD), or (4) Distributed Program
Link(D,DS).
Q. Which CICS command must be issued by the application program
in order to gain access to the Common Work Area(CWA)?
A. EXEC CICS ADDRESS with CWA option.
Q. In which CICS table would you specify the length of the TASK
WORK AREA (TWA)?
A. In the Program Control Table(PCT).
Q. What is a deadlock?
A. Deadlock (also known as a deadly embrace) occurs when a task
is waiting for a resource held by another task which, in turn, is
waiting for a resources held by the first task.
Q. Explain the term Transaction routing.
A. Transaction routing is a CICS mode of intercommunication which
allows a terminal connected to local CICS to execute another
transaction owned by a remote CICS.
Q. Explain the term Function Request Shipping?
A. Function request shipping is one of the CICS modes of
intercommunication which allows an application program in a local
CICS to access resources owned by a remote CICS.
Q,. Explain the term MRO (Multi Region Operation)?
A. MRO is the mechanism by which different CICS address spaces
with in the same CPU can communicate and share resources.
Q. What are the pros and cons of Conversation Vs Pseudo

conversation programming ?
Q. Explain IPC mechanisms and means in CICS?
Q. Can we use EXEC SQL COMMIT/ROLLBACK in CICS? If so how? if
not what are the alternatives?
Q. What are the advantages of TDQ?
Q. How do you implement locking in CICS?
Q.
What is multithreading?
Q. Name 3 cobol commands that cannot be used with CICS

Q. Why is it important not to execute a STOP RUN in CICS ?
Q. How are programs reinitiated under CICS ?
Q. Why must all CICS programs have a Linkage Section ?
Q. Why doesnt CICS use the Cobol Open and Close statements ?
Q. What is the difference between a Symbolic map and Physical map
?
Q. If a physical map has six variable fields and nine constant fields,
how many fields must the symbolic map has ?
Q. In which column must label begin ?
Q. A mapset consists of three maps and 10 fields on each map .
How many of the following will be needed ?
a) DFHMSD statements
b) DFHMDI statements
c) DFHMDF statements
Q. Code the parameter that will assign a start value to the filed
Q. Can a program change protected field ?
Q. How many columns will be needed on a screen to display a
protected field that has 4 bytes of data
Q. How many columns will be needed to on a screen to display an
unprotected field that has 4 bytes of data
Q. What are the 2 categories of extended attributes ?

Q. When using extended attributes , how many attribute bytes will
be needed for each symbolic map field ?
Q. How is the stopper byte different from an autoskip byte ?
Q. By which command do you preserve working storage fields ?
Q. How do you restore working storage fields ?
Q. Which command will release all the resources used by the
program ?
Q. What is the relationship between EIBCALEN and DFHCOMMAREA
?
Q. How will you place cursor on a field called EMPNO. This field
belongs to mapset MAPEMPG and map MAPEMPM and Symbolic
map Empid-Rec ?
Q. How will the program know which key has been pressed.
Q. By which CICS defined field can you determine the position of
the cursor on the map ?
Q. What is the function of a STARTBR ?
Q. Assume that a file contains 100 records ,If one start browse and
99 readnext commands have been executed , which record will
currently be in memory ?
Q. True or False ? . In a browse program the program should remain
active while a user is viewing a screen
Q. Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to start a
browse beyond end-of file ?
Q. Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to continue
reading backward beyond the beginning of file?
Q. What will happen if a user enters a record key that is lower than
the lowest record key in a file ?
How can this answer be affected by the Start-Browse option ?
Q. Describe a method for beginning a browse at the beginning of a
file .
Q. When is the condition of NOTFND not an error ?
Q. What will happen if you code a send map command or a

return statement with the same transid option if a MAPFAIL occurs ?
Q. Why is the Enter Key option explicitly coded in the Handle Aid
command ?
Q. What happens if you omit labels on a HANDLE Condition
command ?
Q. What is the difference between a NOHANDLE and an IGNORE
condition ?
Q. What are the 3 broad ways that a program can give up control ?
Q. What is the difference between XCTL and RETURN.
Q. What happens if a DELETEQ TS command is executed ?
Q. Why is the terminal ID often used as a part of a TSQ ?
Q. What is the maximum length of a TSQ name ?
Q. What is the maximum length of a TDQ name ?
Q. Is it necessary to define a TSQ in a CICS table ?
Q. Can you read the 5th item of
a TDQ ?
Q. Where are TDQs defined ?

Q. Can you delete an individual record from a TSQ
or a TDQ
Q. Can you update a record in a TDQ ?

Q. Why is it necessary to update PPT ?
Q. In which CICS table do we define the transaction for a program ?
Typically, what purpose does CICS journalling serve?
It allows other systems to track data changes.
It provides easy access to views of data no longer available.
It provides an audit trail.
It provides a searchable database of units of work.
It provides a visual record of work performed.
What is the maximum length of a field name in a mapset?
6
7
8
9
10
What advantage does RDO hold over conventional methods of resource definition?
The syntax is abbreviated.
The effects of changes are temporary.
You can define resources not available via conventional means.
The effects of changes are immediate.
You can define multiple entries with a single statement.
What is the main advantage of using the LINK command instead of a call?
A LINKed program executes faster.
A LINKed program's name can change, and the calling program's code doesn't have to
change.
A LINKed program has addressability to the EIB.
A LINKed program is link-edited with the main program.
CICS shares all data areas with a LINKed program.
What can you do to ensure that the positioning remains constant in a TSQ that you're
reading sequentially?
Freeze the QUEUE.
ENQ the QUEUE.
DEQ the QUEUE.
Release the QUEUE.
Reset the QUEUE.
What can you do to ensure that the positioning remains constant in a TSQ that you're
reading sequentially?
DEQ the QUEUE.
ENQ the QUEUE.
Reset the QUEUE.
Release the QUEUE.
Freeze the QUEUE.
What are the three essential commands in a pseudo-conversational program?
ENTER, RETURN, and HANDLE AID

START, ENTER, and CANCEL
HANDLE AID, RETURN, and START
HANDLE CONDITION, HANDLE AID, and RETURN
SEND, RECEIVE, and RETURN
What data is critical in determining the result of a CICS command's execution?
The RETURN-CODE
The COMMAREA
The EIB
The TRACE-ID
The TWA
What is the maximum size for a COMMAREA?
Approximately 16 kilobytes
Approximately 16 megabytes
It is limited only by available memory
What data area is always associated with a task?
The File Section

The COMMAREA
Working Storage
The Linkage Section
The Execute Interface Block
If you get an AEI0 abend, which CICS table is most likely the culprit?
The terminal control table
The file control table
The transaction control table
The resource control table
The program control table
How can you pass variables forward to future CECI sessions?
Save your variables in a map. The next time you receive that map, your
variables will be there.
Save them to a TSQ, then read them back next time you need them.
Invoke the VARSAVE option within CECI.
Turn off your terminal without logging off. This will save your CECI variables
in the COMMAREA.
Suspend your session, and when you restart it, your variables will be intact.
What is the main type of index file in use today?

VSAM
BDAM
ISAM
IYAM
FDAM
What is normally the file source for the CICS pre-compiler?
None of the above
The output from the map assembler
The output from the Link-edit
Your source code file
The output from the COBOL compiler
EXEC CICS READ
DATASET(MYDATASET)
INTO (MY-DATA-AREA)
RRN(5)
END EXEC
What will happen if you try to execute the above command on a VSAM RRDS,
assuming there are 100 records in the file?
No data will be retrieved.
Data for the length of MY-DATA-AREA beginning with the fifth byte will be
retrieved.
The record that is five records past the current one will be retrieved.
The fifth record will be retrieved.
MY-DATA-AREA will be populated with five bytes of data.
What command would you use to retrieve information that the user inputs on the
screen?
RETRIEVE
GET DATA
OBTAIN
INPUT
RECEIVE MAP
What attribute of a TDQ makes it well suited for starting tasks?
Its ability to cross CICS regions
Its trigger mechanism
Its ability to store large amounts of data
Its read once property
Its native encryption
How would you newcopy a program in CICS?
Request a new copy.
Use the CEMT transaction.

Shut down CICS, and then restart it.
Disable the program and the re-enable it.
Set the address of the program.
What CICS command would you use to obtain specialized information, such as the
TWA length, from system control areas?
ISSUE
ASK
GET
ASSIGN
RETRIEVE
What parameter would you code in the FCT to require fixed length records?
The LENGTH parameter
The RECFORM parameter
The BASE parameter
The FIXED parameter
The STRNO parameter
What piece of data identifies the currently running task?
EIBLK
DFHTASK
EIBTRNID
EIBTASKN
WS-TASK
What system area would you use to determine the response code issued from the most
recently executed CICS command?
The CSA
The TWA
The TCTUA
The EIB
The TCT
What is the main way to add entries to the system tables while CICS is running?
Using CEBR
Using CECI
Using the transaction server
Using RDO
Using CEMT
What built in transaction aids in tracing program execution?
CEOT
CEMT
CEDF
CECI
CMSG
If you add a record to a sequential file, where does it get stored in the file?
In a random location in the file
At the next record in the file
At the current record in the file
At the beginning of the file
At the end of the file
How would you reverse all updates using the SYNCPOINT command?
Use the CICS RECOVER command.
Read the CICS journal, apply the updates in reverse and issue a SYNCPOINT.
Abend the program.
Code the UNSYNC option on the command.
Code the ROLLBACK option on the command.
What CICS command is used to display a CICS screen?

SEND MAP
POST
RECEIVE
ENTER
DISPLAY
At minimum, how many times do you need to press the ENTER key to execute a
command in CECI?
1
2
3
4
5
XCTL PROGRAM(MYPROGRAM)
What would the above example command do in the command interpreter?
Disable MYPROGRAM.
Transfer to MYPROGRAM.
Halt CICS.
Cause the terminal to lock up.

Return an INVREQ error condition.
In a mapset, what is the TIOAPFX option coded for?
To generate a 12 byte FILLER area for COBOL programs
To allow the TIOA to communicate with the application
For backward compatibility with older versions of CICS
To reserve a data area for future use
To allow the terminal I/O area a partition fixup address
What is an AID key more commonly known as?
An argument identifier
An assignment identifier
An abend identifier
An attention identifier
An address identifier
How would you prevent the user from using the keyboard after sending a map to the
terminal?
Omit the use of FREEKB.
Hide the cursor.
Code the LOCK option on the SEND command.
Return control to CICS.

Protect all the fields.
EXEC CICS
START TRANSID(TR54)
FROM(WS-DATA-AREA)
LENGTH(200)
PROTECT
END-EXEC
In the sample above, what purpose does the PROTECT parameter serve?
It makes the data identified in the FROM parameter recoverable in case of
system crash.
It prevents the STARTed transaction from modifying or deleting the data that
is passed with the FROM parameter.
It prevents the named transaction from STARTing until the current transaction
executes a SYNCPOINT command.
It prevents other transactions from CANCELing the STARTed transaction.
It changes the started transaction's TASKDATAKEY from "user" to "CICS".
EXEC CICS XCTL
PROGRAM(THISPROGRAM)
END-EXEC.
What will happen when the above code executes, assuming that THISPROGRAM
contains the name of the currently executing program?
A transaction dump will be produced, and CICS will end the task.
The command will execute, causing CICS to lock up because
THISPROGRAM is already executing.
The INVREQ error condition will be raised.
The currently running program will be invoked with no COMMAREA.

The command will be ignored.
Within CECI, when you code INTO for any command that supports the INTO option,
where is the data stored?
The data are stored in the variable mentioned in the INTO clause.
The data are stored in a transient data queue.
The data are stored in a temporary storage queue called CECIQUE.
The data are stored in the COMMAREA of the CECI transaction.
It doesn't get stored anywhere, the option is just available for syntax
completeness
Under what circumstances would you encounter the INVMPSZ error?
When you send a map that is defined larger than the screen of the target
terminal.
When you use a map name that is not defined.
When you send a map that is defined smaller than the actual map.
When you use a mapset name that is not defined.
When you use a map name other than the actual map.
EXEC CICS RECEIVE
MAP('MYMAP')
...
...
END-EXEC
In the code fragment above, what error condition would occur if no data were
received?
NODATA
INVMAPSZ
TERMERR
MAPFAIL
QZERO
EXEC CICS
SEND MAP(MYMAP)
END-EXEC
In the above example command, what option would you use to refresh the maps
constant data?
ERASEAUP
ERASEMAP
DATAONLY
PRINTMAP
MAPONLY
If you want to change the direction that you're reading in a browse operation, what do
you have to do to get the next or previous record?
Issue a browse reset.
Issue two READNEXT or READPREV commands.
Restart the browse at the current record.

Close the file and reopen it.
Issue a SYNCPOINT command.
In structured coding techniques, what does the SYNCPOINT command do?
Makes the last instruction executed before the command register-addressable.
Saves a logical unit of work.
Marks the program for re-entry at that point.
Sets an address in code that is reusable.
Makes all data altered to that point inaccessible.
How would you specify that a field is protected by default within a map?
Set its length to a negative number.
Set its attribute to ASKIP.
Set its attribute to PROT.
Do not specify the field's length.
Set its attribute as IC.
How would you specify that a field is protected by default within a map?
Set its length to a negative number.
Set its attribute to ASKIP.
Set its attribute to PROT.

Do not specify the field's length.
Set its attribute as IC.
1) What are the six different types of argument values in COBOL that can be placed in various
options of a CICS command?
2)
Data Value
EX (Literal 8 or 77 KEYLEN PIC S9(4) COMP VALUE 8.)
Data Area
EX (01 RECORD-AREA.
05 FIELD1 PIC X(5). )
Pointer-Ref
EX (05 POINTER-I PIC S9(8) COMP. )
Name
EX (05 FILE-NAME PIC X(5) VALUE FILEA. )
Label
Cobol paragraph name
HHMMSS
EX (77 TIMEVAL PIC S9(7) COMP3. )
2) Kindly specify the PIC clause for the following
Any BLL Cell, Data type of Length Option field, HHMMSS type of data fields
2) Any BLL Cell
S9(8) COMP
Data type of Length Option field
S9(4) COMP
HHMMSS type of data fields S9(7) COMP3
3) Specify CICS transaction initiation process. (From the perspective of CICS control programs
and control tables.)
4) TCP places data in TIOA and corresponding entry into TCT.
KCP acquires the transaction identifier from TIOA and verifies if it is present in PCT.
SCP acquires Storage in Task Control Area (TCA), in which KCP prepares control data for the
task.
KCP then loads the application programs mentioned in PCT by looking for it in PPT.
If resident real storage memory location is not present in the PPT the control is passed to PCP
that loads the application programs from the physical storage location address given in PPT. The
control is then passed to the application program (LOAD module).
4) List the sequence of steps used to achieve Modification in Skip Sequential Mode.
5)
I. READNEXT command
II. Issue the ENDBR command
III. Issue the READ command with UDTAE option.
IV. Manipulate the record (DELETE or REWRITE command)
V. Issue START command
VI. Issue two READNEXT commands (One for dummy skip)
VII. Go to step two.
5) Specify the requirements for Automatic Task Initiation. (Mention the control table, its
entries and the corresponding Procedure division CICS command).
6) DFHDCT TYPE=INTRA,
DESTID=MSGS,
TRANSID=MSW1,
28)
TRIGLEV=1000
EXEC CICS WRITEQ TD
QUEUE(MSGS),
FROM(DATA-AREA),
LENGTH(MSG_LEN)
END-EXEC.
6) What are the commands used to gain exclusive control over a resource (for Ex a Temporary
storage queue.)?
7) EXEC CICS ENQ
EXEC CICS DEQ
RESOURCE(QID)
RESOURCE(QID)
END-EXEC
END-EXEC
7) What is the EIB parameter and the CICS command used to implement PseudoConversational technique using single PCT Single PPT entry?
8) EIBCALEN To check if COMMAREA has been passed in terurn command.
EXEC CICS RETURN
TRANSID(data-name)
COMMAREA(data-area)
LENGTH(data-value)
END-EXEC
8) Mention the 5 fields available in the symbolic map for every NAMED field in the DFHMDI
macro? Give a brief description of these fields (Not exceeding a line).
9) FIELD+L - Return the length of text entered (or for dymanic cursor positioing)
FIELD+F - Returns X(80) if data entered but erased.
FIELD+A - Used for attributes reading and setting
FIELD+I
- Used for reading the text entered while receiving the map.
FIELD+O - Used for sending information on to the MAP.
9) What are the two ways of breaking a CPU bound process to allow other tasks to gain access
to CPU.
10) EXEC CICS DELAY
EXEC CICS DELAY
INTERVAL(hhmmss)
TIME(hhmmss)
END-EXEC
END-EXEC
POST and WAIT commands also achieve the same result.
10) How do you initiate another transaction? The transaction initiated should be in a position to
retrieve
information pertaining to which transaction has initiated it and from which terminal.
(Code the required CICS
commands)
10) EXEC CICS START
INTERVAL(hhmmss)/TIME(hhmmss)
TRANSID(TRAN)
TERMID(TRM1)
FROM(data-area)
LENGTH(data-value)
RTRANSID(EIBTRNID)
RTERMID(EIBTRMID)
END-EXEC
EXEC CICS RETRIEVE
INTO(data-area)
LENGTH(data-value)
RTRANSID(data-name)
RTERMID(data-name)
END-EXEC
11) Mention the option (along with argument type) used in a CICS command to retrieve the
response code after
execution of the command.
11) RESP( S9(8) COM.)
12) Whats the CICS command used to access current date and time?
13) ASKTIME.
13) Into what fields will the date and time values be moved after execution of the above
command?
14) EIBDATE & EIBTIME.
14) How do you terminate an already issued DELAY command?
15) EXEC CICS CANCEL
REQID(id)
END-EXEC
15) How do you dynamically set the CURSOR position to a specific field?
16) MOVE 1 to FIELD+L field. Mention CURSOR option in the SEND command.
16) Which option of the PCT entry is used to specify the PF key to be pressed for initiating a
transaction?
17) TASKREQ=PF1
17) Specify the CICS command used to read a VSAM record starting with prefix F. Code all
the relevant options.
18) EXEC CICS READ
DATASET(FILENAME)
INTO(data-area)
RIDFLD(data-area)
KEYLENGTH(1)
GENERIC
LENGTH(WK-LEN)
END-EXEC.
18) Mention the option used in the CICS READ command to gain accessibility directly to the file
I/O area. (Assume
COBOL-II).
18) SET(ADDRESS OF LINKAGE-AREA).
19) Which command is used to release a record on which exclusive control is gained?
20) EXEC CICS UNLOCK END-EXEC.
20) How do you establish a starting position in a browse operation?
21) EXEC CICS STARTBR---------- END-EXEC.
21) What is the option specified in the read operation to gain multiple concurrent operations on
the same dataset?
22) REQID(value).
22) What is the CICS command that gives the length of TWA area?
23) EXEC CICS ASSIGN
TWALENG(data-value)
END-EXEC.
23) What are the attribute values of Skipper and Stopper fields?
24) ASKIP, PROT.
24) How do you set the MDT option to ON status, even if data is not entered?
25) Mention FSET option in DFHMDF or set it dynamically in the program using FIELD+A attribute
field.
25) What option is specified in the SEND command to send only the unnamed fields on to the
screen?
26) MAPONLY_______________.
26) Which CICS service transaction is used to gain accessibility to CICS control tables? Mention
the one that has
the highest priority.
26) CEDA
27) What is the most common way of building queue-id of a TSQ? (Name the constituents of the
Queue ID).
28) TERMID+TRANSACTION-ID.
28) Into which table is the terminal id registered?
29) TCT.
29) How and where is the TWA size set? .
30) TWASIZE=300 in PCT table.
30) Which transient data queue supports ATI?
31) INTRA-PARTITION Data queue.
31) Code the related portions of CICS/COBOL-I programs to gain addressability to TWA area
assigned to a
particular task. Assume that the size of TWA area is 300 bytes. What are the advantages if
COBOL-II is used
in the place of COBOL? Code the above requirement in COBOL-II.
31)
COBOL- II PROGRAM
LINKAGE SECTION.
01 PARMLIST.
02 FILLER PIC S9(8) COMP.
02 TWA-PTR S(98) COMP.
01 TWA-DATA-LAYOUT.
02
DATA-AREA
PIC X(300).
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
.
EXEC CICS ADDRESS
TWA(TWA-PTR)
END-EXEC
SERVISE RELOAD TWA-DATA-LAYOUT.
COBOL- II PROGRAM
LINKAGE SECTION.
01 TWA-DATA-LAYOUT.
05 DATA-AREA
PIC X(300).
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
.
EXEC CICS ADDRESS
TWA(ADDRESS OF TWA-DATA-LAYOUT)
END-EXEC
32) Code a program meeting the following requirements.
EMPS is a transaction used to return information pertaining to an employee when the

EMPID is entered on the screen. The information pertaining to an employee is present in
a VSAM/KSDS dataset registered in FCT as EMPINFOR. The map and the working
storage section of the emp-info are given for reference. If the employee id is found the
information has to be sent to the screen (Status field) with the message Emp Id: XXX
found.. If the emp-id key is not found then status field should array the message Key not
found. and the EMP ID field should be set to bright. If the Exit option is set to Y then
the task has to terminated. Use pseudo-conversation technique three (Single PCT and
PPT).
EMPLOYEE INFORMATION FORM
EMP ID : XXX
EMP NAME : @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
EMP DESIG : @@@@@
SEX : @
DEPARTMENT : @@@@@@@@@@
SALARY : $$$$$$$
STATUS
: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
EXIT : X
X Input Field
@ - Output field (Alphanumeric)
$ - Output field (Numeric)
Mapname EMPFORM
Mapsetname - EMPFORM
Label given to various named fields on the DFHMDF macro while defining the map shown above. EMPID,
EMPNAME, EMPDESIG, DEPART, SEX, SALARY, STATUS and EXITINP.
Structure of the VSAM/KSDS file.
Working-Storage Section.
01 EMP-IOAREA.
05 EMP-REC.
10 EMP-KEY PIC XXX.
10 EMP-NAME PIC X(32).
10 EMP-SEX PIC X.
10 EMP-DEPT PIC X(10)
10 EMP-DESIG PIC X(5).
10 EMP-SAL PIC 9(7).
32) COBOL-II PROGRAM.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
77
LENGTH-OF-AREA
PIC S9(4) COMP.
77
WS-RCODE
PIC S9(8) COMP.
01
STATUS.
02 NORMAL.
05
FILLER PIC X(8) VALUE EMP ID: .
05
EMP-ID
PIC X(3).
05
FILLER
PIC X(6) VALUE FOUND.
02 ABNORMAL REDEFINES NORMAL.
05
ABMSG
PIC X(17).
01 EMP-IOAREA.
05
EMP-REC.
10
10
10
10
10
10
LINKAGE SECTION.
01
DFHCOMMAREA.
05
INPVAL
EMP-KEY
EMP-NAME
EMP-SEX
EMP-DEPT
EMP-DESIG
EMP-SAL
PIC XXX.
PIC X(32).
PIC X.
PIC X(10)
PIC X(5).
PIC 9(7).
PIC X(3).
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
..
IF EIBCALEN=0
EXEC CICS SEND
MAP(EMPFORM)
MAPSET(EMPFORM)
ERASE
END-EXEC.
MOVE 3 TO LENGTH-OF-AREA
EXEC CICS RETURN
TRANSID(EMPS)
COMMAREA(SEC)
LENGTH(DATA-VALUE)
END-EXEC.
ELSE IFINPVAL = SEC
EXEC CICS RECEIVE
MAP(EMPFORM)
MAPSET(EMPFORM)
END-EXEC.
EXEC CICS READ
DATASET(EMPINFOR)
INTO(EMP-IOAREA)
RIDFLD(EMPIDI)
LENGTH(LENGTH-OF-AREA)
RESP(WS-RCODE)
END-EXEC.
IF WS-RCODE NOT = DFHRESP(NORMAL)
MOVE KEY NOT FOUND TO ABMSG
MOVE DFHBMBRY TO EMPIDA
ELSE
MOVE EMP-NAME TO EMPNAMEO
MOVE EMP-SEX TO SEXO
MOVE EMP-DESIG TO EMPDESIGO
MOVE EMP-SAL TO SALARY
MOVE EMP-DEPT TO DEPARTO
MOVE EMP-KEY TO EMP-ID
MOVE STATUS TO STATUSO.
EXEC CICS SEND
MAP(EMPFORM)
MAPSET(EMPFORM)
ERASE
END-EXEC.
MOVE 3 TO LENGTH-OF-AREA
EXEC CICS RETURN
TRANSID(EMPS)
COMMAREA(SEC)
LENGTH(LENGTH-OF-AREA)
END-EXEC.
EXEC CICS RETURN
END-EXEC.
ELSE IF
(EXITINPI NOT = Y)
EXEC CICS RETURN
END-EXEC.
The following are most frequently asked questions (FAQS):

33) What does Pseudo Conversational mean?
34) The programming technique in which the task will not wait for the end-user replies on the
terminal. Terminating the
task every time the application needs a response from the user and specifying the next
transaction to be started when
the end user press any attention key (Enter, PF1 through PF24, PA1,PA2 and Clear) is pseudoconversational
processing.
34) Explain the means of supporting pseudo conversation programming. (E.g. Storing and
restoring of states,
control flow, error handling)
34) When we send a map using SEND MAP command. Immediately we release the program
by using EXEC
CICS RETURN command. In this command we mention the TRANSACTION ID which
is to be executed
after receiving the map. In this command we also specify the data that should be stored
in
COMMUNICATION AREA for later use. When this command is executed the
corresponding program is
released from the memory. After receiving the response from the terminal the program is
again loaded and this
time the data which we stored in communication area will be copied into the working
storage section. And
the map will be received with RECEIVE MAP command.
The variable EIBCALEN in EIB holds the length of communication area. In procedure
division we checks the value of EIBCALEN If it is zero, we first send the map
followed by RETURN command. Otherwise, that is if EIBCALEN is not zero, we know
that this transaction is not running first time and we receive the map by using RECEIVE
MAP command.
35) What is the function of the CICS translator?
36) The CICS translator converts the EXEC CICS commands into call statements for a specific
programming language. There are CICS translators for Assembler, COBOL, and PL/1.
37) How can you start a CICS transaction other than by keying the Transaction ID at the
terminal?
38) By coding an EXEC CICS START in the application program
1. By coding the trans id and a trigger level on the DCT table
2. By coding the trans id in the EXEC CICS RETURN command
3. By associating an attention key with the Program Control Table
4. By embedding the TRANSID in the first four positions of a screen sent to the terminal.
5.
By using the Program List Table
37) What is the purpose of the Program List Table?

38) The Program List Table records the set of applications programs that will be executed
automatically at CICS start-up
time.
38) What are the differences between and EXEC CICS XCTL and an EXEC CICS START
command?
39) The XCTL command transfer control to another application (having the same Transaction ID),
while the START command initiates a new transaction ID (therefore a new task number). The
XCTL continues task on the same terminal. START can initiate a task on another terminal.
39) What are the differences between an EXEC CICS XCTL and an EXEC CICS LINK
command.
40) The XCTL command transfer control to an application program at the same logical level (do not
expect to control back), while the LINK command passes control to an application program at
the next logical level and expects control back.
40) What happens to resources supplied to a transaction when an XCTL command is executed?
41) With an XCTL, the working storage and the procedure division of the program issuing the XCTL
are released. The I/O areas, the GETMAIN areas, and the chained Linkage Section areas
(Commarea from a higher level) remain. All existing locks and queues also remain in effect.
With a LINK, however, program storage is also saved, since the transaction expects to return and
use it again.
41) What CICS command do you need to obtain the user logon-id?
42) You must code EXEC CICS ASSIGN with the OPERID option.
42) What is a resident program?
43) A program or map loaded into the CICS nucleus so that it is kept permanently in main storage and
not deleted when CICS goes Short On Storage.
43) What is EIB. How it can be used?
44) CICS automatically provides some system-related information to each task in a form of
EXEC Interface Block (EIB), which is unique to the CICS command level. We can use all the
fields of EIB in our application programs right away.
44) What is some of the information available in the EIB area?
45)
I.
The cursor position in the map
II.
Transaction ID
III.
Terminal ID
IV.
Task Number
V.
Length of communication area
VI.
Current date and time
VII.
Attention identifier
45) What information can be obtained from the EIBRCODE?
46) The EIBRCODE tells the application program if the last CICS command was executed
successfully and, if not, why not.
46) What is the effect of including the TRANSID in the EXEC CICS RETURN command?
47) The next time the end user presses an attention key, CICS will start the transaction specified in the
TRANSID option.
47) Explain how to handle exceptional conditions in CICS.
48) An abnormal situation during execution of a CICS command is called an exceptional
condition".
There are various ways to handle these exception conditions:
1. Handle Condition Command: It is used to transfer control to the procedure label
specified if the
exceptional condition specified occurs.
2. Ignore Condition Command: It causes no action to be taken if the condition specified
occurs in
the program. That is control will be returned to the next instruction following the
command which
encountered the exceptional condition.
3. No Handle Option: This option can be specified in any CICS command and it will
cause no
action to be taken for any exceptional condition occurring during execution of
this command.
4. RESP Option: This option can be specified in any CICS command. If the RESP
option is
specified in a command, CICS places a response code at a completion of the command.
The
application program can check this code, then proceed to the next processing.
Handle condition:
Invalid handling of CICS error condition within the program causing the looping. Here is
one example, most program have EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDTION ERROR(label) or
EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND LABEL(label) to trap any error condition or abend. This
type of coding is usually acceptable if they handle the error / abend correctly in their
handling paragraph. However, the program often cause another error or abend within the
handling routine. In that case, looping or sos will occur. I strong recommend that the
following statement should be included in their ERROR handling paragraph.
EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDTION ERROR END-EXEC. It means that from now on, CICS
will handle all the errors and will not go back to error handling routine .For HANDLE
ABEND, code EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND CANCEL instead. Please check the
application program reference manual for further explanation of these two commands.
Besides, not only these two HANDLE will cause the program, other type of error handle
might cause loop too. So code the HANDLE command carefully. It is a good program
practice to deactivate the error handling by EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDITION
condition END-EXEC. Once you know that the program won't need it anymore.
48) What is the function of the EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDITION command?
49) To specify the paragraph or program label to which control is to be passed if the handle
condition occurs.
49) How many conditions can you include in a single HANDLE CONDITION command?
50) No more than 16 in a single handle condition. If you need more, then you must code another
HANDLE CONDITION
command.
50) What is the EXEC CICS HANDLE ABEND?
51) It allows the establishing of an exit so cleanup processing can be done in the event of abnormal
task termination.
51) What is the difference between EXEC CICS HANDLE CONDTION and an EXEC CICS
IGNORE command?
52) A HANDLE CONDITION command creates a go-to environment. An IGNORE command does
not create a go-to environment; instead, it gives control back to the next sequential instruction
following the command causing the condition. They are opposites.
52) What happens when a CICS command contains the NOHANDLE option?
53) No action is going to be taken for any exceptional conditional occurring during the execution of
this command. The abnormal condition that occurred will be ignored even if an EXEC CICS
HANDLE condition exist. It has the same effect as the EXEC CICS IGNORE condition except
that it will not cancel the previous HANDLE CONDITION for any other command.
53) When a task suspends all the handle conditions via the PUSH command, how does the task
reactivate all the
handle conditions?
53) By coding an EXEC CICS POP HANDLE command.
54) Explain re-entrancy as applies to CICS.
55) Reentrant program is a program which does not modify itself so that it can reenter to
itself and continue processing after an interruption by the operating system which,
during the interruption, executes other OS tasks including OS tasks of the same
program. It is also called a "reenterable" program or"serially reusable" program.
A quasi-reentrant program is a reentrant program under the CICS environment. That is, the
quasi-reentrant program is a CICS program which does not modify itself. That way it can
reenter to itself and continue processing after an interruption by CICS which, during the
interruption, executes other tasks including CICS tasks of the same program. In order to
maintain the quasi-reentrancy, a CICS application program must follow the following
convention:
Constants in Working Storage: The quasi-reentrant program defines only constants in its
ordinary data area (e.g. working Storage Section ). These constants will never be modified and
shared by the tasks.
Variable in Dynamic Working Storage: The quasi reentrant program acquires a unique
storage area (
called Dynamic Working Storage --DWS) dynamically for each task by issuing the CICS
macro
equivalent GETMAIN. All variables will be placed in this DWS for each task. All counters
would have to be initialized after the DWS has been acquired.
Restriction on Program Alteration: The program must not alter the program itself. If
it alters a CICS macro or command, it must restore the alteration before the
subsequent CICS macro or command.
55) What are the CICS commands available for program control?
56) The following commands are available for the Program Control services:
1. LINK: To pass control to another program at the lower level, expecting to be
returned.
2. XCTL:
To pass control to another program at the same level, not expecting to be
returned.
3. RETURN: To return to the next higher-level program or CICS.
4. LOAD:
To load a program.
5. RELEASE: To release a program.
56) How is addressability achieved to the data outside programs working-storage.?
57) The Base Locator for Linkage ( BLL ) is an addressing convention used to address storage
outside the Working Storage Section of an application program. If BLL is used for the input
commands (e.g.: READ, RECEIVE), it will improve the performance, since the program
would be accessing directly the input buffer outside of the program. In order to work as
intended, the program must construct BLL based on the following convention:
1). The parameter list must be defined by means of a 01 level data definition in
the Linkage Section as the first area definition to the Linkage Section, unless a
communication area is being passed to the program, in which case
DFHCOMMAREA must be defined first. The parameter list consists of a group of the
address pointers, each of which is defined as the full word binary field ( S9(8) COMP ).
This is called the BLL cells.
2). The parameter list is followed by a group of 01 level data definitions, which would be
the actual
data areas. The first address pointer of the parameter list is set up by CICS for
addressing the parameter list itself. From the second address pointer onward, there
is a one-to-one correspondence between the address pointers of the parameter list and
01 level data definitions.
3). VS COBOL II provides CICS application programs with a significant improvements
in the area of addressability through the special ADDRESS register. Therefore, if an
application program is written in VS COBOL II, the program is no longer requires
building the BLL cells in the Linkage Section.
57) Explain the various ways data can be passed between CICS programs.
58) Data can be passed between CICS programs in three ways- COMMAREA, TRASIENT DATA
QUEUE &
TEMPORARY STORAGE QUEUE.
Data can be passed to a called program using the COMMAREA option of the LINK or
XCTL command in a calling program. The called program may alter the data content of
COMMAREA and the changes will be available to the calling program after the RETURN
command is issued in the called program. This implies that the called program does not have
to specify the COMMAREA option in the RETURN command.
If the COMMAREA is used in the calling program, the area must be defined in the Working
Storage Section of the program (calling), whereas, in the called program, the area must
be defined as the first area in the Linkage Section, using reserved name
DFHCOMMAREA.
58) What is the difference between using the READ command with INTO option and SET
option?
59) When we use INTO option with the READ command the data content of the record
will be moved into the specified field defined in the Working Storage Section of
the program. When we use SET option with the READ command , CICS sets the
address pointer to the address of the record in the file input / output area within CICS,
so that the application program can directly refer to the record without moving the
record content into the Working Storage area defined in the program. Therefore, the
SET option provides a better performance than the INTO option.
59) Can we define an alternate index on VSAM/RRDS ?
60) No
60) What is the difference between the INTO and the SET option in the EXEC CICS RECEIVE
MAP command?
61) The INTO option moves the information in the TIOA into the reserved specified area, while the
SET option simply returns the address of the TIOA to the specified BLL cell or address-of a
linkage-section.
61) How to establish dynamic cursor position on a map? How to get the cursor position when we
receive a map?
62) We dynamically position a cursor through an application program using a symbolic
name of the symbolic map by placing -1 into the field length field ( i.e., fieldname +
L) of the field where you wish to place the cursor. The SEND MAP command to be
issued must have the CURSOR option ( without value ). Also, the mapset must be
coded with MODE = INOUT in the DFHMSD macro. We get the cursor position
when we receive a map by checking EIBCPOSN, which is a halfword ( S9(4)
COMP) binary field in EIB, and contains offset position (relatively to zero ) of the
cursor on the screen.
62) What is MDT?
63) MDT ( Modified Data Tag ) is one bit of the attribute character. If it is off ( 0 ), it
indicates that this field has not been modified by the terminal operator. If it is on ( 1 ),
it indicates that this field has been modified by the operator. Only when MDT is on, will
the data of the field be sent by the terminal hardware to the host computer ( i.e., to the
application program, in end ). An effective use of MDT drastically reduces the amount
of data traffic in the communication line, thereby improving performance significantly.
Therefore, BMS maps and CICS application programs should be developed based on
careful considerations for MDT.
63) What are the three ways available for a program to position the cursor on the screen?
64)
I. Static positioning. Code the insert cursor (IC) in the DFHMDF BMS macro.
II. Relative positioning. Code the CURSOR option with a value relative to zero(position 1,1 is
zero) .
III. Symbolic positioning. Move high values or -1 to the field length in the symbolic map(and
code CURSOR on the
SEND command).
64) Name three ways the Modified Data Tag can be set on?
65) The Modified Data Tag can be set on:
1. When the user enters data into the field.
2. When the application program moves DFHBMFSE to the attribute character.
3. By defining it in the BMS macro definition.
65) What is a mapset?
66) A mapset is a collection of BMS maps link-edited together.
66) What is the function of DFHMDF BMS macro?
67) The DFHMDF macro defines fields, literal, and characteristics of a field.
67) Why is a TERM ID recommended in naming a TSQ?
68) In order to avoid confusion and to maintain data security, a strict naming convention
for QID will be required in the installation. Moreover, for a terminal-dependent task
(e.g., pseudo-conversational task), the terminal id should be included in QID in
order to ensure the uniqueness of TSQ to the task.
68) Explain the basic difference between Intra partition TDQ and Extra partition TDQ.
69)
INTRA PARTITION TD QUEUEs
EXTRA PARTITION TD QUEUEs
It is a group of sequential records which are
produced by the same and / or different
transactions within a CICS region.
It is a group of sequential records

which interfaces between
the
transactions of the CICS region and the
systems outside of CICS region.
These Qs are stored in only one

physical file ( VSAM ) in a CICS region,
which is prepared by the system
programmer.
Each of these TDQs is a separate

physical file, and it may be on the disk,
tape, printer or plotter.
Once a record is read from a queue, the

record will be logically removed from the
queue; that is the record cannot be read
again.
69) What are the differences between Temporary Storage Queue (TSQ) and Transient Data
Queue (TDQ).?
70) Temporary Storage Queue names are dynamically defined in the application program, while TDQs
must first be defined in the DCT (Destination Control Table). When a TDQ contains certain
amount of records (Trigger level), a CICS transaction can be started automatically. This does not
happen when using a TSQ. TDQ(extra partition) may be used by batch application; TSQ cannot
be accessed in batch. The Transient Data Queue is actually a QSAM file. You may update an
existing item in a TSQ. A record in a TDQ cannot be updated. Records in TSQ can be read
randomly. The TDQ can be read only sequentially. Records in Temporary Storage can be read
more than once, while records stored in Temporary Data Queues cannot. With TDQs it is one
read only.
70) What is the difference between getting the system time with EIBTIME and ASKTIME
command?
71) The ASKTIME command is used to request the current date and time. Whereas, the
EIBTIME field have the value at the task initiation time.
71) What does the following transactions do?
72) CEDF : CICS-supplied Execution Diagnostic Facility transaction. It provides interactive
program
execution and debugging functions of a CICS programs.
CEMT : CICS-supplied Extended Master Terminal transaction. It displays or manipulates
CICS
control environment interactively.
CEBR : CICS-supplied Temporary Storage Browse transaction. It displays the content of
Temporary Storage Queue ( TSQ ).
CECI : CICS-supplied Command Interpreter transaction. It verifies the syntax of a CICS
command
and executes the command.
72) Explain floating maps with illustration.
73) Maps which can position themselves relative to the previous maps on the screen or page are
known as
the floating maps. For this you have to use special positional operands to LINE and COLUMN
parameters of the BMS macro definition. They are SAME, NEXT. Actually this floating map
concept is there only in Full BMS where as it is not available in Min. or Standard BMS
macros. RECEIVE MAP is not recommended in the case of floating maps. Hence these maps
are normally used to send information such as selected records from a database to screen but
not for data entry. A mapset can contain more than one m ap in it, you may use all these maps
to build a screen. In that case there are two ways to send these maps on to the screen
i ) Use separate SEND MAP commands one for each map involved. or
ii) Use ACCUM operand along with SEND MAP command and while sending really
on to the
screen use SEND PAGE to display them at one shot.
The second one is
called
cumulative mapping scheme where you also can use floating maps.
Let's take a situation where you have to build a screen like this
HEADER MAP (no. of A gr. employs)
DETAIL MAP (employee list )
TRAILER MAP (Press a key to continue...)
Under such situations whatever the detail map needed that is to be displayed again and again
to display all the information one screenful at a time. In this floating map concept helps.
Code the map like this
M1 DFHMDI ...... HEADER=YES,JUSTIFY=FIRST..................
M2 DFHMDI ... ......................... LINE=NEXT....................
M3 DFHMDI ........TRAILER=YES,JUSTIFY=LAST...........................
Here M2 is detail map, which is coded as floating map. Procedure:
Every time using cumulative map technique send header (first) and followed by detail map
next into a page buffer once the page is full an overflow occurs by using CICS HANDLE
OVERFLOW command send first trailer map then header map ( This will do two things a) it
sends previous map on to the screen b) starts fresh page buffer ). Repeated this until no more
records to be retrieved. Here M2 is the one which holds the record values read from the file.
73) What is the function of the Terminal Control Table(TCT)?

74) The TCT defines the characteristics of each terminal with which CICS can communicate.
74) What does it mean when EIBCALEN is equal to zeros?
75) When the length of the communication area (EIBCALEN) is equal to zeros, it means that no data
was passed to the application.
75) How can the fact that EIBCALEN is equal to zeros be of use to an application programmer?
76) When working in a pseudo-conversational mode, EIBCALEN can be checked if it is equal to zero.
A programmer can use this condition as a way of determining first time usage(of the program).
76) Which CICS system program is responsible for handling automatic task initialization?
77) The Transient Data Program(TDP).
77) In an on-line environment, how can you prevent more than one user from accessing the same
Transient Data
78) Queue at the same time?
79) By issuing an EXEC CICS ENQ against the resource. When processing is completed, a DEQ
should be executed.
78) When an application is invoked via the EXEC CICS START command with the from option,
how does the
79) application gain access to the common area?
80) An EXEC CICS RETRIEVE command will access the common area.
79) The DFHCOMMAREA is used to pass information from one application to another. What
are some other ways
80) that this function can be accomplished?
81) You can also pass information in the following ways.
- By using a temporary storage queue
- By using an intrapartition TDQ
- By using the Task Work Area
- By using TCTUA
- Through a file
80) How do you define Task Work Area?
81) By defining it on the PCT (the Program Control Table)
81) What information do you get when an EXEC CICS STARTCODE is issued?
82) You will be able to determine if the application was started by (1) a transient data trigger
level(QD), (2) a START command (S,SD), (3) user (U) or terminal input (TD), or (4) Distributed
Program Link(D,DS).
82) Which CICS command must be issued by the application program in order to gain access to
the Common
83) Work Area(CWA)?
84) EXEC CICS ADDRESS with CWA option.
83) In which CICS table would you specify the length of the TASK WORK AREA (TWA)?
84) In the Program Control Table(PCT).
84) What is a deadlock?
85) Deadlock (also known as a deadly embrace) occurs when a task is waiting for a resource held by
another task which, in turn, is waiting for a resources held by the first task.
85) Explain the term Transaction routing?
86) Transaction routing is a CICS mode of intercommunication which allows a terminal connected to
local CICS to execute another transaction owned by a remote CICS.
86) Explain the term Function Request Shipping?

87) Function request shipping is one of the CICS modes of intercommunication which allows an
application program in a local CICS to access resources owned by a remote CICS.
87) Explain the term MRO (Multi Region Operation)?
88) MRO is the mechanism by which different CICS address spaces with in the same CPU can
communicate and share resources.
88) What are different system tables used in CICS?
89) PCT, FCT, TCT, DCT, PPT
89) What is multitasking and multithreading?
90) Multitasking is the feature supported by the operating system to execute more than one task
simultaneously. Multithreading is the system environment where the tasks are sharing the same
programs load module under the multitasking environment. It is a subset of multitasking since it
concerns tasks which use the same program.
90) What is the difference between link xctl?
91) Link is temporary transfer of control. Xctl is permanent transfer of control
91) Name some of the common tables in CICS and their usage.
92) PCT Program Control Table
- defines each transaction, containing a list of
valid transaction
identifiers (transid) where each transaction is
paired with its matching
program;
PPT Program Processing Table
- contains a list of valid program names and maps
and whether a
current version is in the CICS region or needs
to be brought in as a
new copy;
FCT File Control Table
- contains a list of files known to CICS, the
dataset name and status
(closed/open, enabled/disabled);
TCT Terminal Control Table
- a list of the terminals known to CICS.
92) Name some common CICS service programs and explain their usage?
93) Terminal Control, File Control, Task Control, Storage Control, etc. Each CICS services program
controls the usage
and status for its resource (file, terminal, etc) within the CICS region.
93) What is meant by a CICS task?
94) A CICS task exists from the time the operator presses the enter key until the application program
returns control to
CICS.
94) What is meant by program reentrance?
95) A program is considered reentrant if more than one task can execute the code without interfering
with the other tasks'
execution.
95) What is the common systems area (CSA)?
96) The common systems area is the major CICS control block that contains system information,
including pointers to
most other CICS control blocks. The CSA points to all members of STATIC storage.
96) What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?
97) This is the area of main storage designed to let programs or tasks communicate with one another,
used in programs via
RETURN, XCTL and LINK commands.
97) What is the EIB (execute interface block)?

98) The execute interface block lets the program communicate with the execute interface program,
which processes CICS
commands. It contains terminal id, time of day and response codes.
98) What is an MDT (Modified Data Tag) - it's meaning and use?
99) The modified data tag is the last bit in the attribute byte for each screen field. It indicates whether
the corresponding
field has been changed.
99) What is a transid and explain the system transid CEMT?
100) Transid is a transaction identifier, a four character code used to invoke a CICS task. CEMT is the
master terminal
transaction that lets you display and change the status of resources - it is the primary CICS
service transaction.
100)
101)
What is the common work area (CWA)?

The common work area is a storage area that can be accessed by any task in a CICS system.
101)
How do you access storage outside your CICS program?
102)
In COBOL storage was accessed via BLL cells using the SET option of ADDRESS
commands. In COBOL II the
special register, ADDRESS OF lets you reference the address of any Linkage Section field.
102)
How does COBOL II and CICS release 1.7 provide for exceptional conditions and how
does that differ from
103)
VS COBOL and earlier CICS releases?
104)
VS COBOL used the HANDLE CONDITION command to name routines to pass program
control when exceptional
conditions were encountered. COBOL II and CICS release 1.7 introduced the RESP option on
many CICS
commands.
103)
What is the meaning and use of the EIBAID field?
104)
EIBAID is a key field in the execute interface block; it indicates which attention key the user
pressed to initiate the
task.
104)
How do you control cursor positioning?
105)
It's controlled by the CURSOR option of the SEND MAP command using a direct (0 through
1919) or symbolic
value.
105)
What are attribute bytes and how and why are they modified?
106)
Attribute bytes define map field characteristics (brightness, protection, etc); they are modified
prior to issuing a
SEND MAP command, eg. from normal to intense to highlight an error field.
106)
107)
How do you invoke other programs? What are the pros and cons of each method?
There are three ways:
108) Use a COBOL II CALL statement to invoke a subprogram. This method is
transparent to CICS, which sees
only the one load module.
2) An EXEC LINK is similar to a call; it invokes a separate CICS program and ends with
a RETURN to the
invoking program. or
3) An EXEC XCTL which transfers control to another CICS program and does not get
control back.
107)
108)
What is BMS?
BMS is Basic Map Support; it allows you to code assembler level programs to define screens.
108)
What is the difference between FSET and FRSET?
109)
FSET specifies that the modified data tag should be turned on before the map is sent to the
screen. FRSET turns off
the attribute byte; it's used to transmit only changed data from the terminal.
109)
What is the difference between the enter key, the PF keys and the PA keys?
110)The enter and PF keys transmit data from the screen; the PA keys tell CICS that a terminal action
took place, but
data is not transmitted.
110)Explain the difference among the EXEC LINK, EXEC XCTL and Cobol II static call
statements in CICS.
111)COBOL II allows for static calls which are more efficient than the LINK instruction which
establishes a new rununit.
111)Are sequential files supported by CICS?
112)Yes, but not as part of the File Control Program. They are supported as extra partition transient
data files.
112)What option can be coded on the RETURN command to associate a transaction identifier
with the next
113)terminal input?
114)The TRANSID option.
113)What is an ASRA?
114)An ASRA is the CICS interrupt code, the equivalent of an MVS abend code.
114)What is temporary storage?
115)Temporary storage is either main or auxiliary storage that allows the program to save data between
task invocations.
115)What is transient data?
116)Transient data provides CICS programs with a simple method for sequential processing, often used
to produce
output for 3270 printers.
116)What are the two types of transient data queues?
117)They are intrapartition, which can only be accessed from within CICS and extrapartition, which
are typically used to
collect data online, but process it in a batch environment.
117)Where are transient data sets defined to CICS?
118)They are defined in the destination control table (DCT).
118)Once a transient data queue is read, can it be reread?
119)No, silly! That's why IBM calls it transient.
119)Name some commands used for CICS file browsing.
120)
STARTBR, READNEXT, READPREV, ENDBR and RESETBR.
121)
What other file control processing commands are used for file updating?
122)
WRITE, REWRITE, DELETE and UNLOCK.
121)
What is Journal Recovery and Dynamic Transaction Backout?
122)
Journal Recovery is recovery of changes made to a file during online processing. If a file has
I/O problems it is
restored from a backup taken before online processing began and the journalled changes are
applied. Dynamic
transaction backout is the removal of partial changes made by a failed transaction.
122)
What tables must be updated when adding a new transaction and program?
123)
At a bare minimum the Program Control Table ( PCT) and Program Processing Table (PPT)
must be updated.
123)
What is the meaning of the SYNCPOINT command?
124)
SYNCPOINT without the ROLLBACK option makes all updates to protected resources
permanent, with the
ROLLBACK option it reverses all updates.
124)
What do the terms locality of reference and working set mean?
125)
They refer to CICS efficiency techniques. Locality of reference requires that the application
program should
consistently reference instructions and data within a relatively small number of pages. The
working set is the
number of program pages needed by a task.
125)
What do the keywords MAPONLY and DATAONLY mean?
126)
MAPONLY is a SEND MAP operand that sends only fields with initial values to the screen.
DATAONLY is the
SEND MAP operand that specifies only data from the map area should be displayed.
126)
What is the MASSINSERT option?
127)
MASSINSERT is a WRITE option that modifies normal VSAM split processing, leaving free
space after the
inserted record, so subsequent records can be inserted without splits. It is ended by an
UNLOCK command.
127)
128)
What is a cursor in CICS sql processing?

A cursor is a pointer that identifies one row in a sql results table as the current row.
128)
What are the DB2 steps required to migrate a CICS DB2 program from source code to
load module?
129)
A DB2 precompiler processes some SQL statements and converts others. It creates a data base
request module
(DBRM) for the binding step. The bind process uses the DBRM to create an application plan,
which specifies the
techniques DB2 will use to process the embedded SQL statements. The link/edit step includes
an interface to the
129)
Name some translator and compile options and explain their meaning?
130)
For translator SOURCE option prints the program listing, DEBUG enables EDF and
COBOL2 alerts the system to
use the COBOL II compiler. For the compiler XREF prints a sorted data cross reference and
FDUMP prints a
formatted dump if the program abends.
130)
What is the significance of RDO?
131)
RDO is Resource Definition Online. Since release 1.6 RDO allows resources (terminals,
programs, transactions and
files) to be defined interactively while CICS is running.
131)
What is CECI?
132)
CECI is the command level interpreter transid that interactively executes CICS commands. It
is a rudimentary CICS
command debugger which does not require coding an entire program.
132)
133)
What is CEDF?
CEDF is the execute diagnostic facility that can be used for debugging CICS programs.
133)
134)
What is CEBR?
CEBR lets you browse the contents of a specific temporary storage queue.
134)
Name and explain some common CICS abend codes?
135)
Any AEI_ indicates an execute interface program problem - the abending program
encountered an exceptional
condition that was not anticipated by the coding. APCT - the program could not be found or is
disabled. ASRA
most common CICS abend, indicating a program check, identified by a one-byte code in the
Program Status Word
in the dump. AKCP - the task was cancelled; it was suspended for a period longer than the
transaction's defined
deadlock timeout period. AKCT - The task was cancelled because it was waiting too long for
terminal input.
135)
What is a logical message in CICS?
136)
A logical message is a single unit of output created by SEND TEXT or SEND MAP
commands. BMS collects the
separate output from each command and treats them as one entity. This technique may be used
to build CICS
reports.
136)
137)
What are the CICS commands associated with temporary storage queue processing?
WRITEQ TS, READQ TS, and DELETEQ, whose meanings should be self-explanatory.
137)
138)
What are the CICS commands associated with transient data queue processing?
WRITEQ TD, READQ TD, DELETEQ TD, ENQ and DEQ.
138)
What is the meaning of the ENQ and DEQ commands?
139)
Neither command is exclusively a transient data command. The ENQ command reserves any
user defined resource
for the specific task. For enqueued transient data no other task will be able to write records to
it for as long as it is
enqueued. DEQ removes the lock.
139)
140)
How do you delete Item 3 in a five-item TSQ?

You can't--at least not directly. Options, none of them good, include:
I. adding a logical-delete flag to the contents of each item;
II. moving item 4 to 3 and 5 to 4 and initializing item 5, all thru rewrites; this is a
variant on 1;
III. creating a new 'copy' TSQ that excludes the unwanted item, killing the old TSQ
(deleteq ts), writing the
new TSQ with the original name from the new TSQ, and then deleting the 'copy'
TSQ. This way, you
will get an accurate report from NUMITEMS.
140)
What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS sequentially in ascending
order?
141)
READNEXT reads the next record from a browse operation for any of the three VSAM files.
141)
142)
How do you get data from a task that began with a START command?
The RETRIEVE command is used to get data from a task that began with a START command.
142)
What is interval control and what are some of the CICS commands associated with it?
143)
CICS interval control provides a variety of time-related features - common commands are
ASKTIME,
FORMATTIME, START, RETRIEVE, and CANCEL.

143)
What is task control and what are the CICS commands associated with it?
144)
Task control refers to the CICS functions that manage the execution of tasks. Task control
commands are
SUSPEND, ENQ, and DEQ.
144)
What is the CICS LOAD command?
145)
The LOAD command retrieves an object program from disk and loads it into main storage it's primarily used for a
constant table that will be available system-wide.
145)
What is the ABEND command and when would you use it?
146)
The ABEND command forces a task to end abnormally. It creates a transaction dump and
invokes the dynamic
transaction backout.
146)
DB2 What is the difference between a package and a plan. How does one bind 2 versions
of a CICS
transaction with the same module name in two different CICS regions that share the
same DB2 subsystem?
146)
Package and plan are usually used synonymously, as in this site. Both contain optimized code
for SQL statements - a
package for a single program, module or subroutine contained in the database request module
(DBRM) library. A
plan may contain multiple packages and pointers to packages. The one CICS module would
then exist in a package
that could be referenced in two different plans.
147)
How to build up LU 6.2 communication?" and "what Pseudo-conversational and real
conversational
148)
transaction are and their differences."
149)
Pseudo-conversational transactions are almost always the preferred method. In these mode
CICS releases resources
between responses to user input, i.e. the task is ended awaiting the user response.
148)
149)
Why is it important not to execute a STOP RUN in CICS ?

Stop run will come out from the CICS region.
149)
150)
Why must all CICS programs have a Linkage Section ?

To pass parameters from appl. Program to CICS.
150)
A mapset consists of three maps and 10 fields on each map . How many of the following
will be needed ?
151)
a) DFHMSD statements
1
a b) DFHMDI statements
3
b c) DFHMDF statements
30
151)
152)
How are programs reinitiated under CICS ?

START COMMAND , RETURN COMMAND
152)
Why doesnt CICS use the Cobol Open and Close statements ?
153)
CICS AUTOMATICALLY OPENS AND CLOSES THE FILES THOSE ARE PLASED IN
FCT
153)
154)
What is the difference between a Symbolic map and Physical map ?

SYMBOLIC MAP IS USED BY USER AND PHYSICAL MAP IS USED BY SYSTEM
154)
155)
Can a program change protected field ?

NO
155)
How is the stopper byte different from an auto skip byte ?
156)
STOPPER command will stop after completing its field , whereas AUTOSKIP command Will
skip to next
unprotected field after completing its field.
156)
157)
By which CICS defined field can you determine the position of the cursor on the map ?
ATTRIB FIELD
157)
How will you place cursor on a field called EMPNO. This field belongs to mapset
MAPEMPG
and map MAPEMPM and Symbolic map Empid-Rec ?
157)
BY INSERTING IC IN THE ATTRIB COMMAND
158)
159)
How do you place the cursor on a particular position on the screen? - GS

Move -1 to the length attribute of the field and use the CURSOR option.
Define the field with IC in the BMS map.
Use CURSOR(n m)??
159)
160)
What are the two outputs created as a result of generation of a map? - GS

The map copybook and the load module.
160)
161)
162)
163)
What is the difference between physical map and symbolic map? - GS

The physical map is the load module and the symbolic map is the data structure.
What is the attribute byte? - GS
Defines the display/transmission of field. most cases is an output field from the program.
162)
163)
How do you use extended attributes ?

163)
164)
What are the 3 working storage fields used for every field on the map? - GS
Length, attribute and input/output field.
164)
What is MDT? What are FSET, FRSET ?

165) MDT: Bit in the attribute byte indicating modification of field on screen. Happens on an input
operation.
FSET: Sets MDT on to ensure field is transmitted. Happens on an output operation.
FRSET: Resets MDT. Until this happens, field continues to be sent.
165)
166)
What is the use of DSECT parameter in BMS?

166)
167)
Do you receive the attribute byte in the symbolic map?

On EOF yes.
167)
168)
How do you make your BMS maps case sensitive?

Use ASIS???
168)
What is effect on RECEIVE MAP when PF key is pressed? PA key is pressed?
169)
When PF key is pressed, Data transmission may happen. When PA key is pressed, Data
transmission will not
happen.
169)
170)
What is the difference between a PF key & a PA key ?

PF keys wake up the task and transmit modified data, PA keys only wake up the task.
170)
171)
Name the macros used to define the following: MAP

MAPSET
DFHMSD
DFHMDI
DFHMDF
FIELD
171)
Can you use OCCURS in a BMS map? If you do, what are the issues related with its
use?
172)
172)
173)
Can you define multiple maps in a BMS mapset?

Yes.
173)
174)
How is the storage determined in the symbolic map, if you have multiple maps?
Storage for maps redefine the first. This means largest map has to be the first.
174)
175)
What is the meaning of BMS length of field = 0?

175)
176)
Can you simply check if length = 0 for checking if a field was modified?
No, not if ERASE EOF was used.
176)
What do you do if you do not want characters entered by the user to be folded to
uppercase ?
177)
177)
178)
What does the BUFFER option in RECEIVE mean ?

178)
What are the steps you go through to a create a BMS executable?
179)
180)
When you compile a CICS program, the (pre)compiler puts an extra chunk of code.
Where does it get
included and that is it called? What is its length? - GS
179)
DFHEIBLK, DFHCOMMAREA.
180)
181)
List all the CICS tables and explain their contents. - GS

PPT
SIT
PCT
JCT
FCT
SNT
DCT
SRT
RCT
TCT
181)
182)
I have written a CICS program. What tables should I setup to run this program? - GS
PPT, PCT, (FCT, DCT, RCT (if needed)).
182)
183)
In which table would you make an entry for a BMS map? - GS

PPT
183)
184)
What is the content of the PPT entry? - GS

Length, Source, Use count, Lang, Res count DFHRPL number
184)
185)
For a CICS-DB2 program, how is the plan referenced? - GS

Uses a RCT table.
185)
186)
How is dynamic memory allocated within a CICS application program? - GS

Use a GETMAIN
186)
187)
What is the use of a TDQ, TSQ? - GS

Temporary data stores.
187)
188)
How do you read from a TSQ? - GS

Temp storage read command
188)
189)
If I create a TSQ from one transaction, can I read it from another transaction? - GS
189)
What are extra partition & intra partition TDQs?
190)
Extra partition TDQs are datasets used for communication b'n CICS and other CICS/Batch
regions. Intrapartition
TDQs are queues for communication within regn.
190)
What is trigger level in the context of TDQs?
191)
For intrapartition TDQs specify the # records at which ATI happens. not applicable for extra
partition TDQs.
191)
How do you fire a batch job from a CICS transaction ?
192)
Define an extrapartition TDQ as an internal reader and write the JCL to it. Terminate the JCL
with /*EOF.
192)
193)
What is ATI? What kind of TDQ can be used?

193)
194)
Do you require a table entry for a TSQ?

194)
195)
Is there any entry for TSQs in CICS tables?

Yes in the DFHTST.
195)
196)
197)
198)
What is the use of DCT?

What is ENQ, DEQ ?
197)
198)
Can you issue SQL COMMIT from a CICS program? - GS

Yes.
198)
199)
What is the other way of terminating a transaction? - GS

EXEC CICS SYNCPOINT. Assuming it is a LUW. This will not end the Xn.
199)
200)
What is an ASRA abend ?

200)
201)
What is an AEY9 abend ?

DB2/IDMS not up.
201)
202)
What are the situations under which NEWCOPY is required ?

When a program has been used in CICS atleast once and then changed and recompiled.
202)
203)
What is EXEC CICS RETRIEVE ?

203)
204)
Name some important fields in the EIB block ?

204)
Can you use DYNAMIC calls in CICS ?
205)
Yes, the called routine must be defined in PPT and the calling program must use CALL
identifier..
205)
206)
How do you handle errors in CICS pgms ?

206)
Suppose pgm A passes 30 bytes to pgm B thru commarea and pgm B has defined its
DFHCOMMAREA to be
206)
50 bytes . Is there a problem ?

207)
When an XCTL is done, does the tranid change ? Is a new task created ? Does it cause an
implicit
SYNCPOINT to be issued ?
207)
No, No, Yes.
208)
209)
How do you execute a background CICS transaction ?

209)
What is the difference between START and XCTL ?
210)
START is used to start a new task. It is a interval control command. XCTL is used to pass
control to a program
within the same task. It is a program control command.
210)
What is the usage of language in the PPT entry?
211)Language interface and call parameters???
211)Can you have CICS code in a copybook? If yes, what happens during compilation?
212)
212)
213)
What is an AICA abend?

Runaway Task.
213)
How would you resolve an ASRA abend?
214)
215)
I invoke a transaction from CICS. The program has a code: MOVE DFHCOMMAREA
TO WS-AREA.
What happens to this transaction? What happens to the other transactions?
214)
215)
216)
When you do a START, what will the value of EIBCALEN?

Zero.
216)
217)
How are VSAM files Read in CICS pgms? - GS

File Control Commands. Random, Sequential, forward and backward.
217)
218)
How will you access a VSAM file using an alternate index?

Thru the path. Define path as an FCT and use normal File control commands.
218)
How do you rollback data written to an ESDS file?
219)
Define the file as recoverable. in cases where records have been inserted into the file, you may
need to run a batch
program to logically delete the inserted records.
219)
I have done a START BROWSE on a VSAM dataset. Can I do another START
BROWSE without doing an
END BROWSE?
219)
No.
220)
221)
Can you access QSAM (seq ) files from CICS ?

No.
221)
222)
Can you access ESDS files from CICS ?

Yes.
222)
In the CICS command level all the re-entrancy issues are handled by the System(True or
False).
223)
True
223)
224)
What are the three BMS options ?

Minimum, Standard, Full
224)
225)
What are the beginning and end points of an LUW called?

Sync point
225)
The DL/I database is a hierarchical database and the DL/I access method isthe access
method of the
Information Management System (IMS)(True or False)
225)
True
226)
Before you can use a Temporary Storage Queue you must first define the Queue name in
the CICS
Temporary Queue Table)( True or False).
226)
False
227)
The process of writing its own type of journal records by the application program, other
than the automatic
journalling provided by CICS is called
227)
Explicit Journalling
228)
In order to display a formatted screen, a terminal must receive a series of data stream
called Native Mode
Data Stream(True or False).
228)
True
229)
Which is the CICS control program which governs the flow of control among the CICS
application
programs?
229)
Program Control Program
230)
What is the option of the DFHDCT macro which makes it possible to recover logically
deleted records from
an Intrapartition TDQ?
230)
REUSE=YES
231)
232)
CICS and DB2 can exist in the same region under the Operating system (True or False)
True
232)
What is the name of the facility provided by CICS to free the application program form
the problems caused
by NMDS (device and format dependence)?
232)
Terminal Paging
233)
What is the command which will delete a program LOADed into the main storage using
LOAD command?
234)
RELEASE
234)
Which is the option of the HANDLE AID command that will pass control to the specified
label when any key
is pressed?
234)
ANYKEY
235)
236)
What is the name of the mapset definition macro?

DFHMSD
236)
237)
What is the access method used by DB2?

SQL
237)
238)
What is the command that is used to add a new record to the file?
READ with UPDATE followed by REWRITE
238)
What will happen when the resource security check has failed on the program which has
been specified in the
PROGRAM option of the LOAD command?
238)
INVREQ
239)
240)
What is the command used to send a map to a terminal?

SEND MAP
240)
241)
What is the command used to request notification when the specified time has expired?
POST
241)
242)
If DATAONLY option is specified in the SEND MAP command what will happen?
Only the symbolic map will be send
242)
243)
What will happen if the TDQ that you want to delete is not in the DCT?
QIDERR will occur
243)
244)
The read of a record from an Intrapartition TDQ is not destructive(True or False).

True
244)
245)
An XCTL uses more CPU time than LINK (True or False)

False
245)
246)
What is the primary function of the Sign-on Table?

Register security information of all programs
246)
Native Mode Data Stream (NMDS) is a mixture of Buffer Control Characters(BCC) and
text data (True or
False).
246)
True
247)
When there are 2 records with the same key specified in a DELETE operation what will
happen?
248)
DUPKEY condition will be set
248)
The application programs that contain the SQL statements must be Pre-compiled for
converting the SQL
statements into equivalent COBOL statements (True or False)
248)
True
249)
250)
What are the databases that CICS can access?

DB2, DL/I, ORACLE
250)
The first step in the development of an application system is the Requirement
Analysis(True or False).
251)
True
251)
CICS provides an interface through which the all the DL/I services can be used under
CICS(True or False).
252)
True
252)
253)
How to get the sign-on user-id from an application program?

ASSIGN command with USERID option
253)
254)
254)
What is a Logical Unit of Work (LUW)?

A sequence of operations logically tied together
Translation Time is not reduced if the Pre-compilation is done first(True or False).
255)
True
255)
256)
What is the general Command format of CICS ?

EXEC CICS followed by the command
256)
If you use the OPTIMIZE compiler option the size of the program can be reduced by 5
to 10%(True or
False).
256)
True
257)
258)
For multithreading an application program need not be re-entrant(True or False).

True
258)
Before issuing an ASKTIME command what will be the values in the EIBDATE and
EIBTIME fields if the
EIB?
258)
The date and time at the task initiation
259)
What is the error condition that is set when the file specified in the NAME option is not
in the FCT?
260)
PGMIDERR
260)
For protecting a transaction using the transaction security function, the two things that
must be done are:
1. in the SNT entry of the user who you which to allow to access a protected transaction,
specify SCTKEY=n
2. In the PCT entry of the transactions that you wish to protect specify the TRANSEC=n.
(True or False)
260)
True
261)
What are the various types of accesses that can be allowed by the SERVREQ option of
the DFHFCT?
262)
ADD,BROWSE,DELETE,READ,UPDATE
262)
CICS' system services provides an interface between CICS and the operating system
and carries out the
functions like loading and releasing of application programs, acquiring and freeing of
storage , task
scheduling, etc (True or False).
262)
True
263)
What are the parameters that you have to give when you are using the CSSN
transaction?
264)
None
264)
What is the command that is used to delay the processing of a task for a specified time
interval or until a
specified time?
264)
WAIT
265)
266)
NMDS is both device dependent and format dependent (True or False)

True
266)
267)
Which is the EIB field that gives the date when a task was started?
EIBDATE
267)
Which is the AID that will not be identified in the ANYKEY option of the HANDLE AID
command?
268)
CLEAR
268)
Reading a record from a TSQ will logically delete the record from the Queue (True or
False).
269)
True
269)
What is the option that is used to erase all unprotected fields during a SEND MAP
operation?
270)
ERASEAUP
270)
What is the CICS command that is used to receive the un-formatted data from the
terminal or logical unit of
a communication network?
270)
RECEIVE
271)
272)
What is the command for reading a record form a TSQ?

READQ TS, READQ
272)
What will happen, if an out-of-range or negative value is specified in the LENGTH
option of the SEND
command?
272)
The OUTRAGE condition will be set
273)
Which is the control table where you specify all the transaction that are to be started by
CICS after CICS
start-up?
273)
Sign-on table
274)
A HANDLE CONDITION remains active until the end of the program or until another
HANDLE
CONDITION command (True or False).
274)
True
275)
In the conversational mode the system waits for the user to enter his response and then
press an attention
key, and while waiting the resources are held by the program or task. So conversational
mode of
programming is inefficient (True or False)
275)
True
276)
277)
Which is the macro used for making an entry in the PPT

DFHPPT
277)
The goal of a recovery process is to Maintain the integrity of the data processed by the
system and to
minimize the impact of a task or system failure (True or False).
277)
True
278)
279)
What is the primary objective of CICS ?

To provide the control and services of the DB/DC system
279)
280)
If no exception handling is provided in the program, what will happen ?

CICS will take the default action specified for the condition
280)
What is the CICS supplied transaction which performs syntax checking of a CICS
command?
281)
CEMT
281)
What is the process of converting the CICS commands into the equivalent host language
statements called?
282)
Translation
282)
283)
What is the function of the LOAD command?

To fetch a program, table or map to the main storage.
283)
284)
What is the CICS Command that is used for reading a record from the TDQ?
READQ
284)
LENGERR, NOTAUTH and PGMIDERR are some of the common exception conditions
that can occur with
LINK and XCTL (True or False).
284)
False
285)
286)
Which of the following are recoverable CICS resources?

Data files and data bases, Intrapartition TDQs, Auxiliary TSQs
286)
287)
Which is the program which determines whether a transaction should be restarted ?

DTB
287)
288)
What is the command used for receiving a map from a terminal?

RECEIVE MAP
288)
The mode of achieving conversation with the user, by sending him the message and while
waiting for his
response, freeing the system resources is called
288)
Pseudo-conversation
289)
290)
Which is the command used for terminating a browse operation?

ENDBR
290)
291)
What is the primary function of the Processing Program Table (PPT)?

To register all programs and maps
291)
292)
Sync points cannot be requested by the application programs(True or False).

False
292)
293)
Which is the command that is used to dump the main storage areas related to a task?
DUMP
293)
What is the CICS command that is used to copy a screen image of a terminal into
another terminal?
294)
ISSUE COPY
294)
What is the name of the log which contains the information needed to restart the system,
including the task
sync point information and system activity key points, snapshots of key system tables,
etc.
294)
Dynamic Log
295)
296)
The EIB field which gives the last CICS command executed is
EIBRCODE
296)
The READ command with INTO option will read the record specified into the data area
specified (True or
false).
296)
False
297)
The attribute character is an visible 1 byte character which precedes a screen field and
determines the
characteristics of the field (True or False).
297)
True
298)
299)
What is the function of the Terminal Control table?

To register all CICS terminals
299)
Which is the CICS control program that provides communication services between user
written application
programs and terminals?
299)
Terminal Control Program
300)
301)
CICS Command level is

Low level version of CICS macro level
301)
302)
TSQs can be written in the Main storage or Auxiliary storage (True or False).
True
302)
A302)
what is difference between call and link ?

In case of call , whenever you do changes to the called program you need to compile the
calling program also. In case of link , it is not needed .
303)
A303)
what are the differences between DFHCOMMAREA and TSQ ?

Both are used to save data among tasks. but 1. COMMAREA is private to that transaction only
. like every transaction has its own COMMAREA created by CICS as soon as the transaction
is initiated . however TSQ , if queue id is known can be accessed by other transactions also 2.
COMMAREA length is s9(4) comp i.e. 65k . but TSQ can have any length.3. COMMAREA is
available only during the transaction is running. TSQ if created with auxiliary option resides in
aux memory and available even if main memory crashes.4.normally COMMAREA is used to
transfer data from one task to another while tsq is used widely within the task as a scratch pad.
304)
A304)
What is Communication Area?

Communication Area is used to pass data between the program or between the task.
305)
Which of the following statements correctly describe the syntax of CICS command
language?
A). If an EXEC CICS command must be continued onto a second line a hyphen (-) must
be coded in column 7 of the continued line.
B). If an EXEC CICS command must be continued onto a second line an 'X' must be
coded in column 72 of each line to be continued.
C). An EXEC CICS command CANNOT be coded within a COBOL IF statement,
between the IF command and the period (.) ending it.
D). The END-EXEC delimiter is optional and never needs to be placed at the end of a
CICS command.
E). The options specified within an EXEC CICS command can be in any order.
E. The options specified within an EXEC CICS command can be in any order. For example
'exec CICS Send From(Msg1) Length(30) End-Exec' can also be coded 'exec Cics Send
Length(30) From(Msg1) End-Exec'
A305)
306)
A306)
307)
A CICS program ABENDS with an ASRA ABEND code. What is its meaning?
A) A link was issued to a program whose name does not exist in the PPT (Program
Processing Table).
B) A program attempted to use a map that is not defined in the PCT (Program Control
Table).
C) A security violation has occurred. The operator is not defined with the proper
authority in the SNT (Signon Table) to use a particular file
D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in a CICS program.
E) An I/O error has occurred when attempting to use a VSAM file from a CICS program
A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in a CICS program.
Which of the following commands, when issued by 2 different programs running at the
same time, will prevent simultaneous use of resource 'SINGLE'?
B) EXEC CICS PROTECT RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC.
A307)
308)
C) EXEC CICS HOLD RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC.

D) EXEC CICS TASK SINGLE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC.
E) EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC.
EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC
A308)
The map shown below is displayed with:

EXEC CICS SEND MAP('MAP1') MAPSET('MAP1S') MAPONLY END-EXEC. After the
screen is displayed, the operator enters 1 character, the letter 'X'. Where will the cursor now
appear on the screen?
MAP1S DFHMSD
TIOAPFX=YESMAP1
DFHMDI SIZE=(24,80) DFHMDF POS=(5,1),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1FIELD2
DFHMDF
POS=(5,5),ATTRB=(UNPROT,IC),LENGTH=1FIELD4 DFHMDF
POS=(5,7),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1FIELD5 DFHMDF
POS=(5,9),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1,INITIAL='Z' DFHMDF
POS=(5,11),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1 DFHMSD TYPE=FINAL
A) In the field with a POS=(5,1) B) In FIELD2. C) In FIELD3. D) In FIELD4. E) In FIELD5.
In FIELD5
309)
310)
How can you accomplish breakpoint in intertest?

U-for unconditional breakpoint, C-for conditional breakpoint, and A-for automatic breakpoint
310)
How many ways are there for initiating a transaction? what are they?
311)There are six ways in initiating a transaction.they are as follows.
1. embedding four character transid on the top left most corner of the screen.
2. making use of EXEC CICS START TRANSID ( )
3. making use of EXEC CICS RETURN TRANSID ( )
4. By defining the transid in DCT (destination control table) to enable ATI (AUTOMATIC
TASK INITIATION)
5. Making use of PLT ( program list table)
6. By associating four character transid in PCT (program control table)
Q311)
A311)
Which type of TDQ is read destructive?

Intrapartition TDQ is read destructive. extra partition tdq is not read destructive.
Q312) The error code AEIV?

A312) This is the error code for length, if length of the source data is more than the receiving field,
This error will occur.
Q313) What is the size of commarea
A313)
The default commarea size is 65k.
Q314) What is ASRAABEND in CICS?
A314) It occurs when program interruption takes place. e.g.: when alphanumeric string moved to
numeric data item OR
when arithmetic calculations performed on nonnumeric data item OR when an attempt made
to read an occurrence
of a table beyond the defined occurrences.
Q315) What is a two Phase commit in CICS?
A315) This occurs when a programmer Issues a Exec CICS Syncpoint command. this is called two
phase because CICS
will first commit changes to the resources under its control like VSAM files. and the DB2
changes are
committed. Usually CICS signals Db2 to complete the next phase and release all the locks.
Q316) Difference between TSQ & TDQ

A316) TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not. TSQ can be created dynamically, TDQ cannot be created
dynamically. TSQ is
temporary in nature (i.e. it will be deleted when the program finishes execution, unless it is
made permanent by
making a entry in the Temporary Storage Table), TDQ is not.
Q317) What is ENQ in CICS?
A317) If any one want to restrict Trans-Id to single user, enter trans-id with ENQ. It won't allow any
one else to use the
same trans-id.
Q318) In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning after moving -1 to the length field also the cursor is
not positioned in that particular field. Give reasons?
A318) You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your EXEC CICS and END-EXEC
in the program.
Q319) What does EIB mean?
A319) The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK. It is not the EXECUTE INTERFACE
BLOCK. All TP
monitors or transaction processors are know as EXECUTIVEs as they carry out process on
behalf of a program
module. CICS and DB2 are executives.
Q320) How many exceptional condition can be given in a HANDLE CONDITION?
A320) Max. of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single HANDLE CONDITION.
Q321) How do you access the records randomly in TSQ ?
A321) By specifying the ITEM option
Q322) What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ?
A322) READQ TD, the read is destructive.
Q323) What are different ways of initiating transaction in CICS ?
A323) We can initiate cics transaction a) by giving transaction id b) by giving cics start command c)
automatic task
initiation.
Q324) What is the difference between LINK and XCTL ?
A324) The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the resources requested by the
first program may still
be allocated. A task does not end until a RETURN statement is executed. While in LINK
command, program control
resumes its instruction following the LINK parameter. The disadvantage of LINK is that it
requires that both the
calling program and the called program remain in main memory even though both are no
longer needed.
Q325) What is the difference between CICS Program Control Table (PCT) and CICS
Processing Program Table (PPT) ?
A325) PCT contains a list of valid transaction ID. Each transaction ID is paired with the name of the
program ,CICS will
load and execute when the transaction is invoked. On the other hand, PPT indicates each
program's location which
pertains to a storage address if the program has already been loaded or a disk location if the
program hasn't been
loaded. PPT will also be used to determine whether it will load a new copy of the program
when the transaction is
invoked.
Q326) What are the 3 common ways to create maps?

A326) The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching symbolic map in your
COBOL program. The
second way to create a physical map along with a matching symbolic map is to code only the
physical map using the
&SYSPARM option, CICS will automatically create a member in a COPY library. And the
third way is to use a
map generator such as SDF (Screen Definition Facility)
Q327) What is Quasi-reentrancy?
A327) There are times when many users are concurrently using the same program, this is what we
call MultiThreading. For
example, 50 users are using program A, CICS will provide 50 Working storage for that
program but one Procedure
Division. And this technique is known as quasi-reentrancy
Q328) What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset and a logical BMS mapset?
A328) The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to the screen at execution time.
The symbolic map is the
actual copybook member used in the program to reference the input and output fields on the
screen.
Q329) How To Set MDT(Modified Data Tag) Thru Application Program?(Dynamically)?
A329) You have to move the following macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute field of that particular
Variable.
Q330) What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the transactions?
A330) COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.
Q331) How would you release control of the record in a READ for UPDATE?
A331) By issuing a REWRITE,DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending the task.
Q332) What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID and XCTL ?For example
prog. A is issuing REUTRN with TRANSID to prog B. Prog A. is issuing XCTL to prog
B?
A332) In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region and the user have to transfer
the control to prog. B
by pressing any of the AID KEYS.In XCTL the control is directly transfer to prog. B.
Q333) What will be the length of the eibcalen ,if the transaction is used to cics first time?
A333) The length will be 0(zero).
Q334) What is DFHEIBLK?
A334) DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage section automatically by
CICS translator program.
It must be the first entry in linkage section. CICS places values prior to giving control to the
program and we can
find almost any information about our transaction.
Q335) What is the difference between the XCTL and LINK commands?
A335) The LINK command anticipates return of control to the calling program, the XCTL command
does not. Return to
the calling program will be the result of the CICS RETURN command, specifying
TRANSID(name of the calling
program).
Q336) What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS sequentially in ascending
order?
A336) First issue a STARTBR(start browse), which will position the browse at the desired record.
Retrieve records by
using subsequent READNEXT commands. Indicate the end of sequential processing with the
ENDBR command. If
the generic key is specified in the STARTBR command positioning in the file will be before
the first record
satisfying the generic key.For reading in descending order use the READPREV instead of
READNEXT.
Q337) What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and conversational?
A337) Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By coding a CICS RETURN
command specifying
TRANSID(itself). Conversational will have an active task during the duration of the data
entry.
Q338) What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?
A338) An area used to transfer data between different programs or between subsequent executions of
the same program.
Needs to be defined in the Linkage Section.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
What are the pros and cons of Conversation Vs Pseudo conversation programming ?
Explain IPC mechanisms and means in CICS?
Can we use EXEC SQL COMMIT/ROLLBACK in CICS? If so how? if not what are the
alternatives?
What are the advantages of TDQ?
How do you implement locking in CICS?
What is multithreading?
Name 3 cobol commands that cannot be used with CICS
Why is it important not to execute a STOP RUN in CICS ?
How are programs reinitiated under CICS ?
Why must all CICS programs have a Linkage Section ?
Why doesnt CICS use the Cobol Open and Close statements ?
What is the difference between a Symbolic map and Physical map ?
If a physical map has six variable fields and nine constant fields, how many fields must the
symbolic map has ?
In which column must label begin ?
Code the parameter that will assign a start value to the filed
Can a program change protected field ?
How many columns will be needed on a screen to display a protected field that has 4 bytes of data
How many columns will be needed to on a screen to display an unprotected field that has 4 bytes
of data
What are the 2 categories of extended attributes ?
When using extended attributes , how many attribute bytes will be needed for each symbolic map
field ?
How is the stopper byte different from an autoskip byte ?
By which command do you preserve working storage fields ?
How do you restore working storage fields ?
Which command will release all the resources used by the program ?
What is the relationship between EIBCALEN and DFHCOMMAREA ?
How will you place cursor on a field called EMPNO. This field belongs to mapset
MAPEMPG and map MAPEMPM and Symbolic map Empid-Rec ?
How will the program know which key has been pressed.
By which CICS defined field can you determine the position of the cursor on the map ?
What is the function of a STARTBR ?
Assume that a file contains 100 records ,If one start browse and 99 read next commands have been
executed , which record will currently be in memory ?
True or False ? . In a browse program the program should remain active while a user is viewing a
screen
Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to start a browse beyond end-of file ?
Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to continue reading backward beyond the
beginning of file?
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
What will happen if a user enters a record key that is lower than the lowest record key in a file ?
Describe a method for beginning a browse at the beginning of a file .
When is the condition of NOTFND not an error ?
What will happen if you code a send map command or a return statement with the same transid
option if a MAPFAIL occurs ?
Why is the Enter Key option explicitly coded in the Handle Aid command ?
What happens if you omit labels on a HANDLE Condition command ?
What is the difference between a NOHANDLE and an IGNORE condition ?
What are the 3 broad ways that a program can give up control ?
What is the difference between XCTL and RETURN.
What happens if a DELETEQ TS command is executed ?
Why is the terminal ID often used as a part of a TSQ ?
What is the maximum length of a TSQ name ?
What is the maximum length of a TDQ name ?
Is it necessary to define a TSQ in a CICS table ?
Can you read the 5th item of a TDQ ?
Where are TDQs defined ?
Can you delete an individual record from a TSQ or a TDQ ?
Can you update a record in a TDQ ?
Why is it necessary to update PPT ?
In which CICS table do we define the transaction for a program?
Distinguish between TSQ and TDQ.
What is DFHBMSCA?
What is Pseudo conversational programming?
Name 3 cobol commands that cannot be used with CICS
If a physical map has six variable fields and nine constant fields , how many fields must the
symbolic map has ?
In which column must label begin ?
Code the parameter that will assign a start value to the filed
How many columns will be needed on a screen to display a protected field that has 4 bytes of
data?
How many columns will be needed to on a screen to display an unprotected field that has 4 bytes
of data
What are the 2 categories of extended attributes ?
When using extended attributes , how many attribute bytes will be needed for each symbolic map
field ?
By which command do you preserve working storage fields ?
How do you restore working storage fields ?
Which command will release all the resources used by the program ?
What is the relationship between EIBCALEN and DFHCOMMAREA ?
How will the program know which key has been pressed.
What is the function of a STARTBR ?
Assume that a file contains 100 records ,If one start browse and 99 read next commands have been
executed , which record will currently be in memory ?
True or False ? . In a browse program the program should remain active while a user is viewing a
screen
Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to start a browse beyond end-of file ?
Which condition will be triggered if a user attempts to continue reading backward beyond the
beginning of file?
What will happen if a user enters a record key that is lower than the lowest record key in a file ?
Describe a method for beginning a browse at the beginning of a file .
When is the condition of NOTFND not an error ?
What will happen if you code a send map command or a return statement with the same transid
option if a MAPFAIL occurs ?
Why is the Enter Key option explicitly coded in the Handle Aid command ?
What happens if you omit labels on a HANDLE Condition command ?
What is the difference between a NOHANDLE and an IGNORE condition ?
What are the 3 broad ways that a program can give up control ?
84. What is the difference between XCTL and RETURN.

85. What happens if a DELETEQ TS command is executed ?
86. Why is the terminal ID often used as a part of a TSQ ?
87. What is the maximum length of a TSQ name ?
88. What is the maximum length of a TDQ name ?
89. Is it necessary to define a TSQ in a CICS table ?
90. Can you read the 5th item of a TDQ ?
91. Where are TDQs defined ?
92. Can you delete an individual record from a TSQ or a TDQ ?
93. Can you update a record in a TDQ ?
94. Why is it necessary to update PPT ?
95. In which CICS table do we define the transaction for a program ?
96. How do you do a browse Operation
97. If you have a new map, new program, and a newfile, which CICS tables do you update?
98. How to read a TS Queue
99. Differentiate between XCTL and LINK
100.What is START ?
101.How do you update a file in CICS In JCL,
102.What is a temporary dataset?
103.What is a PROC, and how is it different from a JCL
104.Differentiate instream procedures versus Catalogued procedures
105.What is difference between TDQ and TSQ ?
106.How do interval control transactions invoke themselves
107.How do we read a VSAM file in CICS
108.What are some of imp. CICS commands and their parameters
109.How do you protect a field from being overlaid? - GS
110.What are SEND MAP MAPONLY & SEND MAP DATAONLY ?
111. What are the restrictions while using GETMAIN and FREEMAIN? - GS
112.I have TSQ with 15 items. I want to delete the 10th item. How do I do that?
113.How do I find the name of the CICS region inside my COBOL program?
114.Can a CICS region be attached to more than one DB2 subsystem ?
115.What determines the DB2 subsystem to which a particular CICS region is attached ?
116.What is the DSNC transaction used for ?
CICS
1.How do you place the cursor on a particular position on the

screen?
Move -1 to the length attribute of the field and use the CURSOR
option.
Define the field with IC in the BMS map.
Use CURSOR(n m)??
2.What are the two outputs created as a result of generation of
a map? The map copybook and the load module.
3.What is the difference between physical map and symbolic map?
The physical map is the load module and the symbolic map is the
data structure.
4.How do you protect a field from being overlaid? 5.What is the attribute byte? Defines the display/transmission of field. most cases is an
output field from the program.
6.How do you use extended attributes ?
7.What are the 3 working storage fields used for every field on
the map? Length, attribute and input/output field.
8.What is MDT? What are FSET, FRSET ?
Modified Data Tag. Bit in the attribute byte indicating
modification of field on screen. Happens on an input operation.
FSET. Sets MDT on to ensure field is transmitted. Happens on an
output operation.
FRSET. Resets MDT. Until this happens, field continues to be
sent.
9.What is the use of DSECT parameter in BMS?

10.Do you receive the attribute byte in the symbolic map?
On EOF yes.
11.How do you make your BMS maps case sensitive?
Use ASIS???
12.What is effect on RECEIVE MAP when
o
o
o
PF key is pressed? Data transmission may happen,

PA key is pressed? Data transmission will not happen.
13.What are SEND MAP MAPONLY & SEND MAP DATAONLY ?

14.What is the difference between a PF key & a PA key ?
PF keys wake up the task and transmit modified data, PA keys
only wake up the task.
15.Name the macros used to define the following:
MAP MAPSET FIELD
DFHMSD DFHMDI DFHMDF
16.Can you use OCCURS in a BMS map? If you do, what are the
issues related with its use?
17.Can you define multiple maps in a BMS mapset?
Yes.
18.How is the storage determined in the symbolic map, if you
have multiple maps?
Storage for maps redefine the first. This means largest map has
to be the first.
19.What is the meaning of BMS length of field = 0?
20.Can you simply check if length = 0 for checking if a field
was modified?
No, not if ERASE EOF was used
21.What do you do if you do not want characters entered by the

user to be folded to uppercase
22.What does the BUFFER option in RECEIVE mean ?
23.What are the steps you go through to a create a BMS
executable?
24.When you compile a CICS program, the (pre)compiler puts an
extra chunk of code. Where does it get included and that is it
called? What is its length? DFHEIBLK, DFHCOMMAREA.
25.List all the CICS tables and explain their contents.
PPT SIT
PCT JCT
FCT SNT
DCT SRT
RCT TCT
26.I have written a CICS program. What tables should I setup to
run this program? PPT, PCT, (FCT, DCT, RCT (if needed)).
27.In which table would you make an entry for a BMS map? PPT
28.What is the content of the PPT entry? Length, Source, Use count, Lang, Res count DFHRPL number
29.For a CICS-DB2 program, how is the plan referenced? Uses a RCT table.
30.How is dynamic memory allocated within a CICS application
program?
Use a GETMAIN
31.What are the restrictions while using GETMAIN and FREEMAIN?

33.What is the use of a TDQ, TSQ? Temporary data stores.
34.How do you read from a TSQ? Temp storage read command
35.If I create a TSQ from one transaction, can I read it from
another transaction?
36.What are extra partition & intra partition TDQs?
Extra partition TDQs are datasets used for communication b'n
CICS and other CICS/Batch regions. Intrapartition TDQs are
queues for communication within regn.
37.What is trigger level in the context of TDQs?
For intrapartition TDQs specify the # records at which ATI
happens. not applicable for extra partition TDQs.
38.How do you fire a batch job from a CICS txn ?
Define an extrapartition TDQ as an internal reader and write the JCL
to it. Terminate the JCL with /*EOF.
39.What is ATI? What kind of TDQ can be used?
40.Do you require a table entry for a TSQ?
41.Is there any entry for TSQs in CICS tables?
Yes in the DFHTST.
42.What is the use of DCT?
43.What is ENQ, DEQ ?
44.I have TSQ with 15 items. I want to delete the 10th item.
How do I do that?
45.Can you issue SQL COMMIT from a CICS program? Yes.

46.What is the other way of terminating a transaction? EXEC CICS SYNCPOINT. Assuming it is a LUW. This will not end
the Xn.
47.What is an ASRA abend ?
48.What is an AEY9 abend ?
DB2/IDMS not up.
49.What are the situations under which NEWCOPY is required ?
When a program has been used in CICS atleast once and then
changed and recompiled.
50.What is 2 phase commit?
51.What is EXEC CICS RETRIEVE ?
52.Name some important fields in the EIB block ?
53.Can you use DYNAMIC calls in CICS ?
Yes, the called routine must be defined in PPT and the calling
program must use CALL identifier..
54.How do you handle errors in CICS pgms ?
55.Suppose pgm A passes 30 bytes to pgm B thru commarea and pgm
B has defined its DFHCOMMAREA to be 50 bytes . Is there a
problem ?
56.When an XCTL is done,
does the tranid change - No
Is a new task created - No
Does it cause an implicit SYNCPOINT to be issued - Yes
57.How do you execute a background CICS txn ?

58.Can a CICS region be attached to more than one DB2 subsystem ?
59.What determines the DB2 subsystem to which a particular CICS
region is attached ?
60.What is the DSNC transaction used for ?
61.How do you handle error in a CICS program?
Same as 36.
62.What is the difference between START and XCTL ?
START is used to start a new task. It is a interval control
command. XCTL is used to pass control to a program within the
same task. It is a program control command.
63.What is the usage of language in the PPT entry?
Language interface and call parameters???
64.Can you have CICS code in a copybook? If yes, what happens
during compilation?
65.What is an AICA abend?
Runaway Task.
66.How would you resolve an ASRA abend?
67.I invoke a transaction from CICS. The program has a code:
MOVE DFHCOMMAREA TO WS-AREA. What happens to this transaction?
What happens to the other transactions?
68.How do I find the name of the CICS region inside my COBOL
program?
69.When you do a START, what will the value of EIBCALEN?

Zero.
70.How are VSAM files Read in CICS pgms? -
File Control Commands. Random, Sequential, forward and

backward.
71.How will you access a VSAM file using an alternate index?
Thru the path. Define path as an FCT and use normal File
control commands.
72.How do you rollback data written to an ESDS file?
Define the file as recoverable. in cases where records have
been inserted into the file, you may need to run a batch
program to logically delete the inserted records.
73.I have done a START BROWSE on a VSAM dataset. Can I do
another START BROWSE without doing an END BROWSE?
No.
74.Can you access QSAM (seq ) files from CICS ?
No.
75.Can you access ESDS files from CICS ?
Yes.
How can you define files, programs and transactions to the CICS system?
Files programs and transactions are defined to the CICS system thru various CICS
tables, which define files programs and transactions to the CICS system.
Files are defined to CICS in the FCT (File Control Table). The information required
include an 8 character ID that uniquely identifies the file, the File name, key length
and types of I/O allowed on the file.
Programs must be defined in the PCT (Program Control Table). The information
required includes the program name and program language.
Transactions are defined in the PPT (Program Process Table). The transaction name is
4 characters. The information required in the PPT includes the Program name that the
transaction is to run.
Definitions of CICS resources are stored in the CICS System Definitions (CSD) file.
There are two usual methods of adding and defining resources to CICS.
The first method is to use Resource Definition Online (RDO). There are a number of
transactions in CICS, which allow you to define resources to CICS.
The second method is to use the CSD offline update utility, DFHCSDUP. This is run
as a batch job, and the definitions normally become available when CICS is restarted.
What is an API?
resources using the application-programming interface (API). The API lets you issue
programming. Macro Level is no longer supported under newer versions of CICS.
What is a transaction id?
A transaction ID is a 4 Byte command which tells CICS what task ( which is
associated with that TransID) has to be started.
A transaction is started in CICS by entering a 4 character transaction id. When you
What is pseudo conversational programming?
Ordinary conversational programs run and stay in memory for the duration of the
interaction between the computer and the operator. This means that all the resources
that the program requires are held and not released, so if an operator went off for
lunch, say, leaving the terminal logged in and running a transaction, no one else would
be able to access the resources held by that program.
Psuedo conversational program overcomes this limitation by terminating the
transaction when the screen is displayed. This frees up the resources while the
operator is typing at the terminal (or off for lunch). The transaction is re-initiated
when the user presses the Enter or a PF Key. This involves a bit more programming
effort, but is usually worth it
The majority of CICS application programs are coded to take advantage of a
technique called pseudo conversational programming.
How CICS commands executed from COBOL programs?
When you want to execute a CICS command from your program, you start the
command by specifying EXEC CICS before the CICS command. You terminate the
CICS command with the END-EXEC terminator.
The EXEC CICS. END-EXEC structure must start after column 12 as with normal
COBOL commands.
The CICS command can be spread over a number of lines, without the need for a
continuation character.
What is Customer Information Control System (CICS)?

CICS is a transaction processing system, it allows a user to input data online. A
transaction can be thought of as a unit of work, usually it is a single program that
performs an update or returns the result of an enquiry.
CICS appears to the user to be a separate environment, but is actually a job that runs
under the main operating system (OS/390, Z/OS, etc).
CICS has a number of programs that handle resources, such as storage. There are
various CICS tables, which define files programs and transactions to the CICS
system.
resources using the application programming interface (API). The API lets you issue
programming. Macro Level is no longer supported under newer versions of CICS, so
it will not be covered here.
A transaction is started in CICS by entering a 4-character transaction id. When you
What are the differences between batch COBOL and CICS COBOL programs?
The biggest difference you will notice in CICS programs is that you do not define
files in your program. The usual file access commands like OPEN, CLOSE, READ,
WRITE is not used.
The reason you do not define files in the program, is that the files should be defined to
CICS in the File Control Table (FCT). The FCT contains all the information needed
by CICS to access the file. (If you are going to be using a new file then you will need
to have it defined in the FCT before you can use it). The Opening and Closing of files
is handled by CICS. I/O operations on files are carried out using CICS commands in
your program.
To terminate a CICS program you should use the CICS RETURN command instead
of a STOP RUN, GOBACK or END PROGRAM. The RETURN command will
return control to the calling program, or if there was no calling program, control is
returned to CICS. You can also specify a Transid to which control returns.
In order to compile a CICS COBOL program you must first run the program through
a Pre-Compiler. The Pre compiler will read your program and convert the CICS
commands into COBOL CALL commands. This is required because the Cobol
compiler does not understand CICS commands. In newer versions of CICS (CICS TS
V2 and above) the pre-compile step is not required, because the pre-compiler has been
integrated into the compiler.
How data passed between CICS Cobol Programs?
Data is passed between programs in a number of different ways.

1)The Execute Interface Block (EIB). This is a special block of data passed between
programs. It contains system information that can be used (but not changed) by your
program. The EIB is copied into your program when you compile it. The variables are
populated by the system when the program runs.
2)COMMAREA (DFHCOMMAREA). The Commarea is used to pass user data
between programs. The Commarea is specified in the LINKAGE SECTION of your
program. There will always be a DFHCOMMAREA in your program whether you
specify it or not. If you dont specify a DFHCOMMAREA in the program then a one
byte DFHCOMMAREA is placed in the Linkage Section at compile time. (The
compiler will also insert the USING DFHCOMMAREA after the Procedure Division
statement). The maximum size of DFHCOMMAREA is 32K, however it is
recommended (by IBM) that it not exceed 24K. The length of the Commarea is
returned to your program in the variable EIBCALEN.
3)Temporary Storage and Transient Data Queues. These are special areas of storage
that you can use to keep information and pass it between programs. Temporary
Storage Queues (TS Queues) can be accessed either sequentially or randomly, while
Transient Data Queues (TD Queues) can only be accessed sequentially. In addition
Transient Data Queues must be declared to CICS before use.
4)Files. You can, of course, use files to pass data between programs.
What is a CICS Screen or what are CICS Screens?
You can design screens for your programs to display the screens are usually referred
to as Maps or BMS Maps. Screens are defined using special Assembler Macros.
You dont have to be an assembler programmer to use the macros, it is fairly easy to
code the macros, they tend to be very similar for each screen.
If you use assembler macros to define your screens then you will define the attributes
of each field that will appear on the screen, such as colour, size, etc.
Another way to define screens is to use one of the many screen painters available.
These take the hard work out of coding macros, because they allow you to design the
screen on-line and automatically generate the required macros. Examples of screen
painters are IBMs SDF II and BMS/GT.
How can you call other Programs from a CICS COBOL program?
You can call other programs from a CICS Cobol program in a number of ways.
LINK - Similar to a standard Cobol CALL command. Once the called program has
finished control is returned to the calling program at the next statement after the
LINK.
XCTL - This command transfers control to the called program, and the calling
program is terminated, Control is NOT returned to the calling program.
You can also use the Cobol CALL ... USING ... command to transfer temporary
control to another program.
What are CICS Supplied Transactions?
There a number of transaction that are supplid with the CICS system. These
transactions let you manage and view CICS resources online, amongst other things.
Examples of CICS transactions are CEMT, CEDA, CESN and CSSF.
The CEDF CICS supplied transaction is a debugging aid, It stops your program before
and after each CICS command and lets you view storage areas.
The CECI transaction lets you execute CICS commands without needing to write a
program.
What are the File Handling commands in CICS?

The READ Command
READ
DATASET (file name)
INTO (data area)
[UPDATE]
[EQUAL / GTEQ]
[LENGTH (record length area)]
[GENERIC]
The DATASET, INTO and RIDFLD options are required in every READ command.
DATASET gives the name, in quotes, of the file that you wish to read. INTO names
the data area within your program into which the record should be copied from the
file. RIDFLD stands for Record IDentification FieLD. This option names the data
area that contains the key value of the record you wish to read from the file.
The UPDATE option is used to establish exclusive control over a record. This is
necessary to prepare CICS to update or delete a record later in your program.
EQUAL and GTEQ refer to the collating sequence in which record keys occur in the
file. By default, the READ command will only read a record whose key is equal to the
key specified in RIDFLD. If GTEQ is specified, the first record whose key is greater
than or equal to the RIDFLD is read.
The LENGTH option is mandatory for reading variable length records. It specifies a
data area that contains the maximum length input record that the program is
expecting. When Cics executes the READ it stores the actual length of the record it
reads into the data area specified in the LENGTH option. If this length exceeds the
maximum length that the program had specified, the LENGERR exception condition
is raised.
GENERIC tells CICS that the RIDFLD specifies only a partial key. KEYLENGTH,
which is mandatory with the GENERIC option, tells CICS how many bytes of the
RIDFLD key should be used to retrieve the record. The data value associated with the
KEYLENGTH option may be a constant number, or it may be a variable data area
defined in working storage.
The SYSID option is needed only if your installation uses the Intersystem
Communication (ISC) facility to communicate with other systems. The four character
system ID that you specify tells Cics on which system the file to be read is located.
Whenever you specify the SYSID option, the LENGTH and KEYLENGTH options
must be specified.
The WRITE command
WRITE
DATASET (file name)
FROM (data area)
With the exception of FROM and LENGTH, all of these options are coded in the
same way that they are coded for the READ command.
The FROM option indicates the name of the data area in working storage from which
the record will be written.
The LENGTH option specifies the exact length of the record to be written. There is no
need for CICS to return a length value to the program after the record has been
written. Therefore, in the WRITE command, the LENGTH option can be specified by
a constant number instead of by the name of the data area, as in the READ command.
As with the READ command, the LENGTH option is required for variable length
records.
The REWRITE Command
REWRITE
DATASET (file name)
FROM (data area)
After a record has been READ from a file with the UPDATE option, and the program
has updated fields within the record, the REWRITE command can be issued to rewrite
the record to the file and complete the update option.
Notice that the options that affect the WRITE command also affect the REWRITE
command with the exception of the RIDFLD and KEYLENGTH options. These
options are unnecessary because, if used at all they must be specified in the READ
UPDATE command which must precede a REWRITE.

The DELETE Command
DELETE
DATASET (file name)
[RIDFLD (record key area)]
[LEYLENGTH (data value)
The DELETE command can be used in two ways to delete records. One way is to
issue a DELETE command using the DATASET and RIDFLD options.
The other, safer, method is to issue a READ UPDATE command prior to deleting the
record. The program can the inspect fields within the record to help determine
whether the record should be deleted. If a record is deleted after being retrieved with a
READ UPDATE command, the DELETE command may be issued without the
RIDFLD option. RIDFLD is unnecessary in this instance because it was already
specified on the READ UPDATE command.
The KEY LENGTH and SYSID options need to be issued only when the record to be
deleted resides in a file on another system.
The UNLOCK Command
UNLOCK
DATASET (file name)
When a record is read with the UPDATE option, exclusive control for that record
remains in effect until the record is either rewritten or deleted or until the transaction
is terminated.
If once the record has been read, it is determined that an update is not necessary,
exclusive control should be released from the record so that it can be accessed by
other transactions.
The UNLOCK command releases the program's exclusive control over a record.
What is a Browse Program or A browse transaction?
What is the difference between READ and READNEXT?
What is a Temporary Storage Queue and what is a Transient Data Queue and
what are the differences between them?
Temporary Storage Queues
Temporary storage provides a means for storing data records in queues. Like files,
these records are identified by a unique symbolic name. Temporary storage queues do
not have to be predefined to CICS. They can be created in main storage or on
auxiliary storage devices. Once created, these records can be read either sequentially
or randomly by any other CICS program.
Temporary storage queues are not directly attached to a task. This means that
temporary storage queues are task independent. Once a temporary storage queue is
written, it remains intact after the task that created it has terminated.
Temporary Storage Queue Commands
There are three commands that process data in temporary storage queues.
* The WRITEQ TS command allows you to write records to a temporary storage
queue. If no queue exists when this command is issued, one will be created and the
records will be written to it.
* The READQ TS command allows you to read records, either sequentially or
randomly, from a temporary storage queue.
* Records in a temporary storage queue can be updated and rewritten by using the
REWRITE option of the WRITEQ TS command
* The DELETEQ TS command allows you to delete an entire temporary storage
queue. Individual records cannot be deleted.
* The queue name specified in a temporary storage command must not exceed eight
characters in length
Transient Data Queues
Like temporary storage queues, transient data queues are task dependent. However
transient data queues can only be read sequentially.
Unlike temporary storage queues, transient data queues must be defined before they
are used. This definition takes place in a special CICS table called the Destination
Control Table (DCT). The DCT is usually maintained by a sys prog. One of the fields
in each DCT entry tells whether the queue is an intrapartition or extrapartition queue.
Intrapartition Data Queues
Intrapartition transient data queues may only reside on auxiliary storage and can only
be read sequentially by other CICS programs. Reading an intrapartition data queue is
destructive.
Intrapartition queues may also be associated with Automatic Task Initiation. When the
number of records in an intrapartition queue reaches a predefined count a special task
is automatically initiated.
Extrapartition Data Queues
Unlike intrapartition queues, extrapartition queues can be accessed by other CICS
programs as well as batch programs executing outside of the CICS partition or region.
They can reside on any sequential device, such as disk or tape, or be sent directly to
an off line printer. Reading records in an extrapartition queue is non-destructive.
What Exceptional Conditions occur while processing a Q?
IOERR - An undetermined error has occurred during input or output
ISCINVREQ - an undetermined error has occurred on a remote system
ITEMERR - The requested item number is invalid
LENGERR - The length of a record is invalid or missing
NOSPACE - A write has failed due to lack of space
QIDERR - The requested queue cannot be found

QZERO - A read has been attempted on an empty queue
SYSIDERR - The specified remote system is unavailable or not defined
How can you create a CICS screen and what are the rules to be followed while
creating a screen?
CICS maps are created using special Assembler Language macros. It is not necessary
to know much about assembler to create CICS maps.
There are special screen painters available (eg IBM's SDF II) which take the hard
work out of coding assembler macros, these screen painters will generate the
necessary assembler macros to create your map.
What are Symbolic and Physical Maps and how can you create them?
Two terms commonly used when creating maps are the Symbolic Map and the
Physical Map. The symbolic map is essentially a copy library member which allows
you to refer to fields on the map from your COBOL (or PL/1 or C or Assembler)
program. The physical map is the code generated by the assembler to allow the system
to display the map i.e. the object module.
Once you have created your map, you need to run it through the assembler. The map
must be assembled twice with different parameters. The first pass through the
assembler, you specify TYPE=DSECT, this will create a copy library member that
you can copy into your CICS/COBOL program. The second pass through the
assembler, you specify TYPE=MAP, this will create an object module which will be
passed through the link editor (binder) to produce a CICS load library member.
What are DFHMSD, DFHMDI and DFHMDF?
The DFHMSD macro defines a map set.
The DFHMDI macro defines a map within a map set defined by DFHMSD
The DFHMDF macro defines a field within the map defined by DFHMDI.
MAPSN DFHMSD TYPE=DSECT,
X
CTRL=FREEKB,DATA=FIELD,LANG=COBOL,
X
MODE=INOUT,TERM=3270,TIOAPFX=YES
In this command what CTRL=FREEKB,DATA=FIELD,LANG=COBOL,
MODE=INOUT,TERM=3270,TIOAPFX=YES means?
"MAPSN" is the name of the map set to be created. "TYPE=" is used to specify
whether a copybook member is to be generated (TYPE=DSECT) or an object library
member is to be created (TYPE=MAP).
"CTRL=" specifies the characteristics of the 3270 terminal
"DATA=FIELD" specifies that data is passed as contiguous fields.
"LANG=COBOL" specifies the source language for generating the copy library
member.
"MODE=INOUT" specifies that the mapset is to be used for both input and output.
"TERM=" specifies the terminal type associated with the mapset.
"TIOAPFX=YES" specifies that fillers should be included in the generated copy
library member.
Can you use arrays to define fields in CICS screen?
You can use BMS Macros to define an array of fields with the same name. However
using Assembler Macros you can only specify a horizontal array. To do this you use
the OCCURS= parameter on the DFHMDF macro.
If you want to specify a Vertical array then you must specify each field in the array
separately using BMS Macros and then edit the generated symbolic map (Copybook).
When using a screen painter such as IBMs SDF II you can specify the array
direction, and the screen painter will generate the correct symbolic map to let you use
horizontal arrays without the need for editing the generated code.
Is it possible to submit commands to a CICS region from a JCL job stream?
It is possible to submit commands to a CICS region from a JCL job stream. The JCL
uses the MVS Modify command to execute the CICS commands.
What is a storage violation Error?
When you request an area of storage in CICS, such as for the programs Commarea,
CICS will add 16 bytes of storage to the area of storage. It adds 8 bytes at the start and
8 bytes at the end. CICS will then put a value in each of these areas. If the value
changes then CICS will detect a storage violation! However, CICS will not
necessarily detect the storage violation when it happens. This is because CICS will
only check for a violation when the area of storage is freed up. So the storage
violation could occur at the start of your program but not actually be detected until
later, for example when the program terminates or calls another program.
The most common reasons for storage violations are programming errors. Common
reasons are different length DFHCOMMAREAs when your program calls or is
invoked by another program, or subscript errors causing data to be stored beyond the
end of the storage area.
It is also possible that another program has overwritten your storage, your program
may detect that the other program has overwritten its storage. If you suspect that it is
not your program that is at fault, try doing a CEMT New Copy of your program.
What is the most common abend in CICS?
ASRA is the most common abend in CICS. It indicates a Program Check Exception,
roughly equivalent to having an S0C7 in a batch program. Check for spaces in a
packed decimal numeric field and changes to the file and record layouts.
What is Execute Interface Block (EIB)?
The Execute Interface Block (EIBLK) contains a variable called EIBFN. This
contains a value that tells you what CICS command was last executed. This value can
be displayed as part of an error message, to aid in the debugging of your code or when
an exception condition occurs
1. Which of the following does multithreading allow?
A. Several transactions that require the same program to use one copy of the program.
B. Many tasks to be allocated to the terminal. C. An audit trail of all files records
from all files updated by a particular application
2. Under CICS, multitasking achieved by what method?
A. Virtual paging. B. Task switching. C. Priority numbering, D. pseudo
conversational
3. What are programs that are reusable to each task and restarted by each task said to
be?
A. Command-Level. B. Transaction Dependent. C. Prioritized. D. Quasi-Reentrant.
4. What three control programs execute in a task?
A. File Control/Temp Storage Control/Trace Control. B. Task Control/Interval
Control/BMS Control. C. Terminal Control/Task Control/Program Control. D.
Journal Control/Dump Control/Storage Control
5. Which are the correct ways to initiate CICS tasks?
A. Automatic Task Initiation/Exec CICS Start. B. CALL Statement/Receivable
Map/Send Map. C. Permanent Transaction ID/Temporary Transaction ID. D. PA
Key/XCTL Statement/Interval Control Transaction ID
6. A CICS Cobol program must first be ____________ before compiled.
A. linked to CICS tables. B. new copied. C. loaded to CICS object table. D.
translated.
7. Online files must have an entry in the:
A. Resource control table. B. Vsam master catalog. C. File control table. D. File
initialization table.
8. For data fields that should not be entered or cleared you can use what
characteristic?
A. Unprotected. B. Normal. C. Initial Value. D. Autoskip.
9. The cursor can be controlled by using a special one byte field called:
A. Stopper field. B. Jump field. C. Shift field. D. Tag field.
10. Name the types of maps used in CICS:
A. BMS Map/Map set. B. Offline Map/Online Map. C. Physical Map / Symbolic
map. D. Symbolic Map/Temp Map.
11. BMS uses _______________ to load the appropriate physical map into main
storage.
A. Load library. B. Program control. C. map set. D. Temp storage.
12. With BMS, two (2) major application benefits are given to the programmer. They
are:
A. Physical Map/Assembler Macro. B. Symbolic Maps/Map sets . C. Device and
Data independence. D. Map sets/Coding Rules.
13. Which answer describes a rule for coding a BMS Macro?
A. Label is from one (1) to seven (7) characters long with the first character being
alphabetic. B. Get main command should be coded first. C. Op-code is separated
from the label by an asterisk. D. Operands start in column 20 separated by commas.
14. The second BMS macro (OP Code DFHMDI) has which function?
A. Specifies length of the field. B. Defines a field with a map and its position. C.
States purpose of field - Input, Output or both. D. Contains size parameters of Map.
15. If the program uses other keys besides "enter" to control logic, a copy of
___________ should be used in working storage of program.
A. ebaid. B. dfhaid. C. dfhbmsca. D. dfheivar.
16. Which two entries are usually found in the linkage section?
B. Execute Interface Block/Transaction Work Area. B. Symbolic
Maps/DFATTRBS. C. DFHEIV11 / Communication Area. D.
Dfhcommarea/Execute Interfaced Block.
17. Which of the following fields will be found with the execute interface block?
A. Attr-prot/Attr-unprot/Attr-Prot-askip. B. Eibtranid/Eibtramid/Eitbaid/. C.
Eibposn/Eibmapnm/Eibfilnm. D. Dfheiv0/Dfheiv99/Dfhnull.
18. When coding linkage pointers, what is it important to ensure?
A. That Symbolic storage is never over 4096K. B. That the structure is packed
decimal. C. That the size pointer is equal to the symbolic map size. D. That each
pointer appears in the same sequence as the 01 level entry it refers to.
19. Which of the following CICS Tables utilizes trans IDs?
A. TCT. B. PCT. C. RCT. D. PPT.
20. Which of the following terminates a task in true pseudo-conversational fashion?
A. Erase. B. Suspend. C. End-Exec. D. Return.

21. Which of the following is acquired for a program before it executes a task?
A. Transaction Word Area. B. Dfhcommarea. C. Communication Area. D. Map
Area.
22. What does the Handle Aid command do?
A. It specifies terminal keys and/or other attention identifiers with corresponding
routines for execution. B. It automatically tries to correct error storage abends. C. It
identifies status codes on file reads to determine error messages. D. It sets all PF-keys
to ANSI standards where pre-processing proceeds to generate logic for routines
necessary.
23. Which of the following best describes the Handle condition?
A. Method of detecting an error condition and then branching to logic in a program to
handle the error. B. used to determine whether to release resources and save starting
point. C. automatically determines that an inputted field is to be updated. D.
terminates session based upon stated return-codes.
24. Which of the following is only true of the fields with modified data tag "On"?
A. They can be modified. B. They are made available for upgrade, regardless of map
name and fset usage. C. They will be transferred to the symbolic map on a receive
command. D. They may be used on a send command.
25. Which of the following describes a way of setting the Modified Data Tag (MDT)
on?
A. Attributes may be changed by the programmer to include the fset attribute. B.
Attributes can be set to fset via passing them to call program "DFHFSET" prior to
sending map. C. Specify FSET as one of the attributes when coding the BMS macro
map definition. D. Moving fields necessary to "Fset" type symbolic map. E. Either a
or c.
26. Why are maps grouped into mapsets?
A. to load all related maps into main storage for quick retrieval. B. to document maps
within a process or application. C. to identify all application maps in the order in
which they will appear. D. to allow map-names to be duplicated in different
applications
27. Debug or debug translation options are utilized by what facility?
A. Time Sharing Option (TSO). B. Linkage Editor. C. Information Efficiency
Facility (IEF). D. Execute Diagnostic Facility (EDF).
28. What action will the translation option "Seq" cause?
A. sequencing the source statements. B. flagging all statements that are not in
sequence. C. The priority order of terminals will be the function of resource
utilization. D. Telling CICS that the program will re-sequence map execution in order
of program usage, not mapset order.
29. What type of abend is issued by the system if a receive map is executed when no
map has been displayed?
A. Record not found. B. Map not found/Map failure. C. Duplicate record. D. Invalid
attention identifier used. E. Initialization Queue error condition.
30. When the dataonly operand on sending a map is used, which item below would be
left out of the SEND command?
A. Map. B. Erase. C. Delete. D. Set-on. E. Cursor.
31. What is the purpose of issuing eraseup?
A. to erase unchanged user entered fields and set modified data tags to "on". B. to set
the values of all non-protected fields to null. C. to automatically erase all successfully
updated fields and set modified data tags and fset to "off". D. to erase all updated
fields and reset map prior to change.
32. Which of the following is true about online files?
B. Definition of files resides in the File Control Table which determines what
action are allowed. B. Such files are used by many transactions at different
times. C. Files that are needed by all applications may be opened when CICS
is initialized and closed when CICS is terminated. D. Programs that open and
close online files require special CICS macros. E. All of the above.
What is Primary and alternate indexes?
A file's primary index is used to access each record in the file by a unique primary
key. You can also define one or more alternate indexes, which enable you to access
the same set of records in different ways. For example, a personnel file can have a
primary index using the unique employee numbers and an alternate index using
employee names. You can then retrieve a record by using either the employee number
or name.
33. Which of the following are uses of the Getmain command?

A. adding a record to the file. B. writing out a journal record. C. obtaining new temp
storage. D. manipulating fields defined in the Linking Area. E. all of the above
34. Which of the following is the correct syntax for reading a record from a temporary
storage queue?
A. Read TSQ. B. ReadTSQ. C. ReadQue TS. D. ReadQ TS.
35. The readnext command is performed in which case?

A. sequential read/update. B. Vsam ESDS file access. C. Dynamic searches. D.
After a browse is started.
36. On which type of file would you use readprev?
A. Vsam. B. Qsam. C. IMS. D. Bdam.
37. Which of the following are the two (2) commands needed to release exclusive
control from a record or block?
A. Freemain/Erase. B. Delete/syncpoint. C. Unlock/Rewrite. D. Rollback/Release.
E. Return/Suspend.
38. Which of the following is a function of syncpoint?
A. to clear out buffers and temp storage. B. to clear out buffers and physically write
records to file. C. to reset all Key-Sequence files to current key in use at syncpoint
declare. D. to backout all transactions from buffers upon no update decision.
39. Which of the following best defines the action of a suspend command?
A. takes a current task out of service and places it in the Wait queue. B. cancels a
transaction dump of transient storage data. C. deactivates the debugging activities in
process. D. cancels and restarts program execution.
40. Which of the following are the four basic areas affected by CICS commands?
A. Terminal I-O/Temporary Storage/File Control/Program Control. B.
CEMT/Resource Control/Task Control/Terminal I-O. C. Process Control/Program
Control/Address Pointers/BMS. D. Suspend/Getmain/Reads/Writes
41. The release command will delete from main storage any mapset table and program
previously obtained through which of the following?
A. XCTL. B. Link. C. Return. D. Load.
42. The XCTL command transfers control from one program to another at the same:
A. storage address. B. logical level. C. higher level. D. lower level.
43. Into where can the load command load a program from the library?
A. transient storage. B. communications area. C. main storage. D. symbolic map
44. The link command can call another program at the next __________ __________
___________ and regains control when the last program issues a:
A. lower send map; link. B. Lower logical level; return. C. Higher logical level;
freemain. D. issued transation ID; load.
45. For what is the CESN transaction primarily utilized?
A. system security. B. closing files. C. application library controls. D. debugging
46. Which of the following is an example of correct usage of the CEMT transaction?
A. Security control. B. Debugging. C. Terminal information and controls.
Temporary storage allocations
47. How does a program gain access to the TWA?
A. reading a dataset. B. the Address Command. C. the Exec-CICS statement. D.
calling program 'DFHEI1'/.
48. For what is the CEDF transaction used?
B. task management. B. files and DASD control. C. CICS data facility manager.
D. Debugging programs.
A1. PCT Program Control Table - defines each transaction, containing a list of
valid transaction identifiers (transid) where each transaction is paired with its
matching program; PPT Program Processing Table - contains a list of valid
program names and maps and whether a current version is in the CICS region or
needs to be brought in as a new copy; FCT File Control Table - contains a list of
files known to CICS, the dataset name and status (closed/open, enabled/disabled);
TCT Terminal Control Table - a list of the terminals known to CICS.
Q8. What is an MDT (Modified Data Tag) - it's meaning and use?
A8. The Modified Data Tag is the last bit in the attribute byte for each screen field.
It indicates whether the corresponding field has been changed.
Q9. What is a Transid and explain the system Transid CEMT.
CICS system.
they are modified prior to issuing a SEND MAP command, eg. from normal to
method.
Q17. What is BMS?
define screens.
A20. COBOL II allows for static calls, which are more efficient than the LINK
instruction, which establishes a new run-unit.

batch environment.
needed by a task.
row.
A38. A DB2 precompiler processes some sql statements and converts others. It
creates a data base request module (DBRM) for the binding step. The bind process
uses the DBRM to create an application plan, which specifies the techniques DB2 will
use to process the embedded sql statements. The link/edit step includes an interface to
the CICS/DB2 attachment facility.
EDF and COBOL2 alerts the system to use the COBOL II compiler. For the
compiler XREF prints a sorted data cross reference and FDUMP prints a formatted
dump if the program abends.
running.
Q43. What is CECI?
Q44. What is CEDF?
programs.
Q45. What is CEBR?
processing?
processing?
removes the lock.
A51. You can't--at least not directly. Options, none of them good, include: 1) adding
a logical-delete flag to the contents of each item; 2) moving item 4 to 3 and 5 to 4
and initializing item 5, all thru rewrites; this is a variant on 1; 3) creating a new
'copy' tsq that excludes the unwanted item, killing the old tsq (deleteq ts), writing the
new tsq with the original name from the new tsq, and then deleting the 'copy' tsq. This
way, you will get an accurate report from NUMITEMS.
ascending order?
A52. READNEXT reads the next record from a browse operation for any of the
three VSAM files.
START command.
with it?
DEQ.
subsystem?
Q59. Do we need to define the TDQ?
A59.
Yes of course you need to define a TDQ.

You have to add a DCT entry for the with the queue name(4 characters)
and also a DSName corresponding to a file in the region.
TDQs can be intra/extra partitioned.
you must be extremely careful with the record length
You need to first define a tdq, then install the tdq. Only then u can
access the tdq for read or write. For defining and installing the tdq u
can use CEDA command. For read and write operations on the tdq u
can use CECI command. TDQ's can be intra, extra or indirect
partitioned. You can delete the TDQ using DELETEQ command under
CECI after it is no longer useful.
Q60. What are the differences between a TDQ and a TSQ?

A60.
1) In Temporary Storage Queues Data is read randomly, While in Transient Data
Queues data must be read sequentially.
(2) In a TSQ data can be read any number of times as it remains in the queue until
the entire Queue is deleted. In TDQ data item can be read once only. To reuse the
TDQ it must be closed and reopened.
(3) Data can be changed in TSQ, but not in TDQ.
(4) TSQ can be written to Auxiliary or Main Storage, while TDQ is written to Disk.
Temporary storage is a holding place, while Transient data is always associated
with destination.
(5) TSQ name is defined dynamically, while a TDQ name need to be defined in the
DCT. Note: An application uses TSQ 's to pass info' from task to task, while a TDQ
to accumulate records before processing or send data for external use, such as a
print operation or other.
Q: What is CICS?
A: CICS is a DB/DC system. It acts as an interface between the

operating system and the application program.
Q: What are the differences between DFHCOMMAREA and
TSQ?
A: Both are used to save data among tasks.
COMMAREA is private to that transaction only like every
transaction has its own COMMAREA created by CICS as soon as
the transaction is initiated. However for TSQ, if QID is known,
they can be accessed by other transactions also.
The length of COMMAREA is S9(4) COMP i.e., 65k. But TSQ can
have any length.
COMMAREA is available only when the transaction is running.
TSQ, if created with auxiliary option, resides in auxiliary
memory and is available even if main memory crashes.
Normally COMMAREA is used to transfer data from one task to
another while TSQ is used widely within the task as a scratch
pad.
Q: How to get Cursor
environment?
A: Get it from EIBCURPOS
Position
from
system
in
CICS
Q: What is Communication Area (COMMAREA)?

A: Communication Area is used to pass data between the tasks.
Q: A CICS program ABENDS with an ASRA ABEND code.
Choose its meaning from the following:
A) A link was issued to a program whose name does not exist
in the PPT (Program Processing Table).
B) A program attempted to use a map that is not defined in
the PCT (Program Control Table).
C) A security violation has occurred. The operator is not
defined with the proper authority in the SNT (Sign-on Table)
to use a particular file.
D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has
occurred in a CICS program.
E) An I/O error has occurred when attempting to use a VSAM
file from a CICS program
A: The correct meaning of the ASRA ABEND is:
(D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in
a CICS program.
Q: How many ways are there for initiating a transaction?
What are they?
A: There are six ways in initiating a transaction. They are as
follows:
Embedding four-character TRANS-ID on the top left most corner

of the screen.
Making use of EXEC CICS START with TRANSID
Making use of EXEC CICS RETURN with TRANSID
By defining the TRANS-ID in DCT (Destination Control Table) to
enable ATI (Automatic Task Initiation)
Making use of PLT (program list table)
By associating four character transid in PCT (program control
table)
Q: Which type of TDQ is read destructive?
A: Intrapartition TDQ is read destructive. Extrapartition TDQ is not
read destructive.
Q: What is the error code AEIV?
A: This is the error code for length; if length of the source data is
more than the receiving field, this error will occur.
Q: What is the size of COMMAREA?
A: The default COMMAREA size is 65K.
Q: What is ASRA ABEND in CICS?
A: It occurs when program interruption takes place. For example
When alphanumeric string moved to numeric data item
When arithmetic calculations performed on nonnumeric data
item
When an attempt is made to read an occurrence of a table
beyond the defined occurrences
Q: What is a two Phase commit in CICS?
A: This occurs when a programmer issues an EXEC CICS
SYNCPOINT command. This is called two phase because CICS will
first commit changes to the resources under its control like VSAM
files and the DB2 changes are also committed. Usually CICS
Q: What is ENQ in CICS?
A: If any one wants to restrict TRANS-ID to single user, enter
TRANS-ID with ENQ. It won't allow any one else to use the same
TRANS-ID.
Q: What is the difference between TSQ & TDQ
A: The differences between TSQ and TDQ are:
TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not.
TSQ can be created dynamically, TDQ cannot be created
dynamically.
TSQ is temporary in nature (i:e it will be deleted when the
program finishes execution, unless it is made permanent by
making an entry in the Temporary Storage Table), TDQ is not.
Q: In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning, even after moving -1 to

the length field also, the cursor is not positioned in that
particular field. Give reasons?
A: You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your
EXEC CICS and END-EXEC in the program.
Q: What does EIB mean?
A: The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK.
[It is not EXECUTE INTERFACE BLOCK] All TP monitors or
transaction processors are known as Executives as they carry out
process on behalf of a program module. CICS and DB2 are
excutives.
Q: How many exceptional conditions can be given in a

HANDLE CONDITION?
A: Maximum of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single
HANDLE CONDITION.
Q: What command do you issue to delete a record in a
transient data queue (TDQ)?
A: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a
restriction. You can delete the records sequentially. For example if
one want to delete 10th record directly it is not possible with this.
Q: How do you access the records randomly in TSQ?
A: By specifying the ITEM option
Q: What is the difference between LINK and XCTL?
A: The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the
resources requested by the first program may still be allocated. A
task does not end until a RETURN statement is executed. While in
LINK command, program control resumes its instruction following
the LINK parameter. The disadvantage of LINK command is that it
requires that both the calling program and the called program
Q: What is the difference between Program Control Table
(PCT) and Processing Program Table (PPT)?
A: PCT contains a list of valid TRANS-IDs. Each TRANS-ID is
paired with the name of the program, CICS will load and execute
when the transaction is invoked. On the other hand, PPT indicates
each program's location which pertains to a storage address if the
program has already been loaded or a disk location if the program
hasn't been loaded. PPT will also be used to determine whether it
will load a new copy of the program when the transaction is
invoked.
Q: What are the 3 common ways to create maps?

A: The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching
symbolic map in your COBOL program. The second way to create a
physical map along with a matching symbolic map is to code only
the physical map using the &SYSPARM option, CICS will
automatically create a member in a COPY library. And the third way
is to use a map generator such as SDF (Screen Definition Facility)
Q: What is Quasi-reentrancy?
A: There are times when many users are concurrently using the
same program, this is what we call multithreading. For example, 50
users are using program A, CICS will provide 50 Working storage
for that program but one Procedure Division. And this technique is
known as Quasi-reentrancy
Q: What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset
and a logical BMS mapset?
A: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to
the screen at execution time. The symbolic map is the actual
copybook member used in the program to reference the input and
output fields on the screen.
Q: How do you pass data from one program to another?
A: Data is passed by using one of the following:
DFHCOMMAREA,Temporary Storage, Tranisient Data, TCTUA,
TWA, CWA, VSAM Files
Q: How to Set MDT (Modified Data Tag) through Application
Program? (Dynamically).
A: You have to move the macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute field of
Q: What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the
transactions?
A: COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.
Q: How would you release control of the record in a READ for
UPDATE?
A: By issuing a REWRITE, DELETE or UNLOCK command or by
ending the task.
Q: What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID
and XCTL? [For example program A is issuing REUTRN with
TRANSID to program B. Program A is issuing XCTL to
program B].
A: In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region
and the user has to transfer the control to program B by pressing
any of the AID KEYS. In XCTL the control is directly transferred to

program B.
Q: What is the maximum number of exceptions that can be
specified with a single HANDLE CONDITION command in
CICS?
A: SIXTEEN (16)
Q: What will be the length of the EIBCALEN, if the
transaction is used to CICS first time?
A: The length will be 0 (ZERO).
Q: What is DFHEIBLK?
A: DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage
section automatically by CICS translator program. It must be the
first entry in linkage section. CICS places values prior to giving
control to the program and we can find almost any information
about our transaction.
Q: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS
A: First issue a STARTBR (start browse), which will position the
browse at the desired record. Retrieve records by using subsequent
READNEXT commands. Indicate the end of sequential processing
with the ENDBR command. If the generic key is specified in the
STARTBR command positioning in the file will be before the first
record satisfying the generic key. For reading in descending order
use the READPREV instead of READNEXT.
Q: What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and
conversational?
A: Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By
coding a CICS RETURN command specifying TRANSID (itself).
Conversational will have an active task during the duration of the
data entry.
Q: What is the COMMAREA (communications area)?
A: An area used to transfer data between different programs or
between subsequent executions of the same program. This needs to
be defined in the Linkage Section.
A1. PCT Program Control Table - defines each transaction, containing a list of valid
transaction identifiers (transid) where each transaction is paired with its matching
program; PPT Program Processing Table - contains a list of valid program names
and maps and whether a current version is in the CICS region or needs to be brought
in as a new copy; FCT File Control Table - contains a list of files known to CICS,
the dataset name and status (closed/open, enabled/disabled); TCT Terminal Control
Table - a list of the terminals known to CICS.
Q8. What is an mdt (modified data tag) - it's meaning and use?
A8. The modified data tag is the last bit in the attribute byte for each screen field. It
indicates whether the corresponding field has been changed.
Q9. What is a transid and explain the system transid CEMT.
CICS system.

they are modified prior to issuing a SEND MAP command, eg. From normal to
method.
Q17. What is BMS?
define screens.
A20. COBOL II allows for static calls which are more efficient than the LINK
instruction which establishes a new run-unit.

batch environment.
needed by a task.
row.
A38. A DB2 precompiler processes some sql statements and converts others. It creates
a data base request module (DBRM) for the binding step. The bind process uses the
DBRM to create an application plan, which specifies the techniques DB2 will use to
process the embedded sql statements. The link/edit step includes an interface to the
EDF and COBOL2 alerts the system to use the COBOL II compiler. For the compiler
XREF prints a sorted data cross reference and FDUMP prints a formatted dump if the
program abends.
running.
Q43. What is CECI?
Q44. What is CEDF?
programs.
Q45. What is CEBR?
processing?
processing?
removes the lock.
A51. You can't--at least not directly. Options, none of them good, include: 1) adding a
logical-delete flag to the contents of each item; 2) moving item 4 to 3 and 5 to 4 and
initializing item 5, all thru rewrites; this is a variant on 1; 3) creating a new 'copy' tsq
that excludes the unwanted item, killing the old tsq (deleteq ts), writing the new tsq
with the original name from the new tsq, and then deleting the 'copy' tsq. This way,
you will get an accurate report from NUMITEMS.
ascending order?
A52. READNEXT reads the next record from a browse operation for any of the three
VSAM files.
START command.
with it?

DEQ.
subsystem?
1.Psudo conversation?
It is a mode of dialog between the program and the terminal, which
appears to the user as a continuous conversion, but which is actually
carried out in a series of separate tasks.
2.TSQ?TDQ...Explain?..
Temporary storage queue is for scratch pad memory purposes used in
the programs.
Transient data queue is accessed only with the destination id defined
in the destination control table.
3.whats physical map and symbolic map?
Physical map is a program in the fom of load module.its coded using
BMS macros,assembled separately and link edited into the CICS load
library.
Symbolic is copy is a copy library member,which is to be included in
the application program for defining the screen feilds. its coded
using BMS macros,assembled separately and link edited into a copy
Library.At the time of application program compile it will be include
in the application programme.
4.Fset&frset?
Fset specifies in DFHMDF macro and MDT set on.If the feild modified
MDT set 1.
FRSET specifies in DFHMSD&DFHMDI macros and MDT set
off.If its 0 Field is not modified.
4.Whats map only and data only?
Data only:Only the application program data in the symbolic map sent
to the terminal.
MAP ONLY:Only the default data from the physical map is to be sent to the
terminal.
Q Explain the differences between a Transaction and a Task.
A Under CICS, a user can't directly invoke a program. Instead, the user invokes a
transaction, which in turn specifies the program to be run. When a user invokes a
transaction, CICS locates the associated program with the transaction, loads it into
storage (if it is not there), and starts a task. Where Task is a unit of work which is
scheduled by CICS. The difference between transaction and task is that while several
users may invoke the same transaction, each initiates a separate task.
Q Distinguish between Multitasking and Multi-threading.
A Multi-tasking means that the OS allows more than one task to run (be executed)
concurrently, regardless of whether the task use the same program or different
programs. Multi-threading is the system environment, where multiple tasks share the
same program under the multi-tasking environment. Programs are shared by several
tasks, and for each task the program work as if it executes the instructions only for
that task.
Q What is the differences between operation of Pseudo-Conversational and a
conversational program ?
A In a conversational mode, the program accomplishes the conversation by simply
sending a message to the terminal, and waiting for the user to respond, and receiving
the response from the terminal. The system that sits idle without allowing an other
operation while waiting for the data is called a conversational program.
In a Pseudo-Conversational program, a program attempts a conversation with a
terminal user, it terminates the task after sending a message with a linkage for the next
task. When the user completes the response the next task is automatically initiated.
Pseudo-conversational program's uses the CICS resources such as control tables
efficiently.
Q What is a PROGRAM CONTROL TABLE (PCT) ?
A The primary function of the PCT is to register the control information of all CICS
transactions. PCT contains a list of valid Trans-id paired with the name of a program
CICS will load when the transaction is initiated with that transaction identifier. It
identifies priority and security level (RSLC) of transaction.
Q What is a PROCESSING PROGRAM TABLE (PPT) ?
A The Primary function of PPT is to register all CICS application programs and BMS
mapsets. The PPT keeps track of which applications are loaded on the CICS address
Space (storage). CICS uses this information to determine whether new copy of the
program need to be loaded from Disk or it exists on storage. It contains information
such as Location in memory, Library address of the disk and language being used.
Q What is FILE CONTOL TABLE (FCT) ?
A The Primary function of FCT is to register the control information of all files, which
are used under CICS. FCT contains the name and type of each file and in addition lists
the file control operations that are valid for each file. It lists whether the existing
records can be read sequentially or randomly, deleted or modified. Others control
tables used are TCT to register terminals, DCT, TST, RCT, SIT, SRT and SNT.
Q What are the the basic steps of a CICS program development ?
A Develop a complete set of program specifications. The minimum the specifications
should include program overview, a screen layout for each map being used, a listing
of copy members of each file used by the program. Others that are needed are include
decision tables, editing rules, ...
Design the program. Most standard COBOL programs are designed around a basic
looping structure that controls the overall program execution. In a pseudoconversational CICS program there is no basic looping structure, Instead CICS
invokes your program whenever there is an interaction with a user. CICS program is
to be designed to respond appropriately for each type of user action.
Create the necessary CICS table entries. Before you can test a CICS program, you
need to make sure that all of the CICS table entries required to support the program
are in place. For most programs the entries need to be added to PPT, PCT and FCT
tables.
Prepare the BMS mapset by coding the assembler language BMS macros or using
mapset generator.
Code the program. Coding the CICS programs involves writing of standard COBOL
code with special CICS commands to invoke CICS services.
Compile the program. By either using the Foreground command level translator or a
JCL, compile the CICS application program. Under which the CICS commands are
commented out and replaced by appropriate calls and move statements during the precompile / Translation step. In addition to translation the CICS commands the
translator also inserts other code needed to process the CICS instructions. Now the
Cobol Source is compiled and link-edited similar to a standard Cobol program.
Test the program under CICS test region. Load and run the program under the test
environment and check for the functionality. You can use CEMT, CEDF and CECI
transactions during the test cycle.
Q What is a BMS Map ?
A The primary objective of Basic Mapping Support system is to free the Application
Program from device dependent codes and Format. A screen defined through BMS is
called a Map. There are two type of maps: Physical Map ,Symbolic Map
Q What is a Physical Map ?
A It is the assembly language program, which are created and placed in a load
(program) library. It controls the screen alignment plus sending and receiving of
constants and data from and to the terminal, and has the terminal information.
Q What is a Symbolic Map ?

A It defines the map fields used to store variable data referenced in a COBOL
program. They may be placed by BMS into a Copy library and be added to the Cobol
program at the compile time.
Q What is a Map Set ?
A A group of maps, which are link-edited together is called a Mapset.
Q What are the BMS Macros to generate Maps ?
A DFHMSD - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Set Definition.It is used to define a
mapset
DFHMDI - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Definition Information.It is used to define
a map.
DFHMDF - Data Facility Hierarchical Map Data Field.It is used to define a Field in
the map.
Q What are the 3 working storage fields used for every field on the map? What other
fields are generated ?
A Length field, Flag Field and Attribute field. In addition Input & Output field are
also created. Others are extended Color & Extended Highlighting attributes created
only if MAPATTS and DSATTS are specified.
Q What is the IBM supplied Copybook,with all modifiable attribute bytes that can be
used with symbolic maps ?
A DFHBMSCA
Q How do you place the cursor on the particular position on the screen (map)?
A Define the field with IC in the BMS map. Move -1 to the length attribute of the
field and use the CURSOR option without displacement value. (symbolic
positioning). Use the CURSOR(nnn) option with SEND MAP, where nnn = (row1)*80+(col-1) (physical positioning).
Q What is MDT ?
A Bit in the attribute byte indicating modification of field on screen.If the user keys in
any data into the field, it turns the MDT ON indicating that the data is modified. To
save transmission time , 3270 terminal sends a field over the TC line only if the MDT
is on. Otherwise, the field value is not transmitted.
Q What is DFHCOMMAREA ?
A DFHCOMMAREA in the Linkage section is used to pass the data in working
storage commarea from one to program to another program. It should be defined with
as at least one byte long. As the working storage section is freshly allocated for every
execution.
Q What is Execution Interface Block (EIB) ?
A EIB is a CICS area that contains information related to the current task, which can
be used for debugging the program. The most widely used variables are EIBDATE,
EIBTIME, EIBAID, EIBCALEN, EIBCPOSN, EIBRESP, EIBRSRCE (resource),
EIBFN (recent CICS command code), EIBTRMID and EIBTRNID.
Q What are the important tables used in the CICS-DB2 environment ?

A CICS manages it's communication with DB2 with special interface modules called
CICS/DB2 Attachment Facility. When a CICS program issues a SQL statement, CICS
requests the attachment facility to establish a connection with DB2 called a thread.
The information about the CICS transaction and DB2 is entered in Resource Control
Table (RCT). The plan information is referenced through the RCT Entries.
Q What are the various commands used to browse through a dataset ?
A STARTBR, READNEXT, READPREV and RESETBR. The options used are
DATASET, RIDFLD, RRN/RBA, GENERIC, and KEYLENGTH for the 3
commands, and INTO, LENGTH for READNEXT and READPREV command, and
EQUAL/GTEQ for STARTBR only. RESP can be used with any. ENDBR is used to
end the browse operation.
Q What is 2 phase commit ?
A It occurs when a programmer Issue's an Exec CICS Syncpoint command. This is
called a two phase Commit because CICS will first commit changes to the resources
under its control like VSAM files, before DB2 changes are committed. Usually CICS
Q What are ASRA,AICA,AEY9 abend ?
A ASRA - Any data exception problem SOC7, SOC4 etc
AICA - Runaway Task.
AEY9 - DB2/IDMS Database is not up.
Q What are the differences between TSQ and a TDQ ?
A (1) In Temporary Storage Queues Data is read randomly, While in Transient Data
Queues data must be read sequentially. (2) In a TSQ data can be read any number of
times as it remains in the queue until the entire Queue is deleted. In TDQ data item
can be read once only. To reuse the TDQ it must be closed and reopened. (3) Data can
be changed in TSQ, but not in TDQ. (4) TSQ can be written to Auxiliary or Main
Storage, while TDQ is written to Disk. Temporary storage is a holding place, while
Transient data is always associated with destination. The (5) TSQ name is defined
dynamically, while a TDQ name need to be defined in the DCT. Note: An application
uses TSQ 's to pass info' from task to task, while a TDQ to accumulate records before
processing or send data for external use, such as a print operation or other.
Q What are Extra partition & Intra partition TDQs ?
A Extra-partition TDQ's are datasets used for communication between CICS and other
CICS/Batch regions. Intra-partition TDQ's are queues for communication within
CICS region. CICS stores the Intra-partition TDQ in a dataset 'DFHNTRA' on the
Disk. Extra-partition TDQ doesn't have to be a disk file, it can reside on any device
that's a valid QSAM/VSAM. The DCT entry contains the destination-Id, type of TDQ,
Destination, Trigger level if needed
Q How is an Abend handled in a CICS program ?
A The HANDLE ABEND command is used to trap and Handle errors. It has 4
possible options and only one of them can be used with this command at a time. The
options are Program(...) to transfer control to the program, Label(...) to transfer
control to the specified paragraph, Cancel option keeps the earlier Handle Abends
from being executed. Reset option will reactivate the Handle Abend commands,
which were previously cancelled.
Q What is Quasi-reentrancy ?
A There are times when many users are concurrently using the same program, this is
what we call Multi-Threading. For example, 50 users are using program A, CICS will
provide 50 Working storage for that program but one Procedure Division. And this
technique is known as quasi-reentrancy.
CICS
Question: what is difference between call and link ?
Answer: In case of call , whenever you do changes to the called program you need to
compile
the calling program also. In case of link , it is not needed .
Question: what are the differences between DFHCOMMAREA and TSQ ?
Answer: both are used to save data among tasks. but
1. commarea is private to that transaction only . like every transaction has its own
commarea created by cics as soon as the transaction is initiated . however tsq , if qid is
known can be accessed by other transactions also
2. commarea length is s9(4) comp ie 65k . but tsq can have any length.
3. commarea is available only during the transaction is running. tsq if created with
auxiliary option resides in aux memory and available even if main memory crashes.
4.normally commarea is used to tranfer data from one task to another while tsq is used
widely within the task as a scratch pad.
Question: What is Communication Area?
Answer: Communication Area is used to pass data between the programmer between
the task.
Question: Which of the following statements correctly describe the syntax of CICS
command language?
A) If an EXEC CICS command must be continued onto a second line a hyphen (-)
must be coded in column 7
of the continued line.
B) B) If an EXEC CICS command must be continued onto a second line an 'X' must
be coded in column 72 of
each line to be continued.
C) An EXEC CICS command CANNOT be coded within a COBOL IF
statement,between the IF command and
the period (.) ending it.
D) The END-EXEC delimiter is optional and never needs to be placed at the end of a
CICS command.
E) The options specified within an EXEC CICS command can be in any order. For
example
'EXEC CICS
SEND FROM(MSG1)
LENGTH(30)
END-EXEC' can also be coded
'EXEC CICS
SEND LENGTH(30)
FROM(MSG1)
END-EXEC'
Answer: E) The options specified within an EXEC CICS command can be in any
order.
For example 'EXEC CICS SEND FROM(MSG1) LENGTH(30) END-EXEC' can
also be coded 'EXEC CICS SEND LENGTH(30)
FROM(MSG1) END-EXEC'
Question: .A CICS program ABENDS with an ASRA ABEND code. What is its
meaning?
A) A link was issued to a program whose name does not exist in the PPT (Program
Processing Table).
B) A program attempted to use a map that is not defined in the PCT (Program Control
Table).
C) A security violation has occurred. The operator is not defined with the proper
authority in the SNT (Sign-on Table) to
use a particular file.
D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in a CICS program. E)
An I/O error has occurred when attempting
to use a VSAM file from a CICS program
Answer: D) A program interrupt (0C0 or 0C1 or 0C2 or ...) has occurred in a CICS
program.
Question: Which of the following commands, when issued by 2 different programs

running at the same time, will prevent
simultaneous use of resource 'SINGLE'? .
B) EXEC CICS PROTECT RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC. C)
EXEC CICS HOLD RESOURCE('SINGLE')
LENGTH(6) END-EXEC. D) EXEC CICS TASK SINGLE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6)
END-EXEC. E) EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE
RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) END-EXEC.
Answer: E) EXEC CICS EXCLUSIVE RESOURCE('SINGLE') LENGTH(6) ENDEXEC
Question:
1.The map shown below is displayed with: EXEC CICS SEND MAP('MAP1')
MAPSET('MAP1S') MAPONLY END-EXEC.
After the screen is displayed, the operator enters 1 character, the letter 'X'.Where will
the cursor now appear on the screen?
MAP1S DFHMSD
TIOAPFX=YESMAP1
DFHMDI SIZE=(24,80)
DFHMDF POS=(5,1),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1
FIELD2 DFHMDF POS=(5,3),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1
FIELD3 DFHMDF POS=(5,5),ATTRB=(UNPROT,IC),LENGTH=1
FIELD4 DFHMDF POS=(5,7),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1
FIELD5 DFHMDF POS=(5,9),ATTRB=UNPROT,LENGTH=1,INITIAL='Z'
DFHMDF POS=(5,11),ATTRB=ASKIP,LENGTH=1
DFHMSD TYPE=FINAL
A) In the field with a POS=(5,1)
B) In FIELD2.
C) In FIELD3.
D) In FIELD4.
E) In FIELD5.
Question: How can you accomplish breakpoint in interest?
Answer: U-for unconditional breakpoint, C-for conditional breakpoint, and A-for
automatic breakpoint
Question: how many ways are there for initiating a transaction?what are they?
Answer: There are six ways in initiating a transaction.they are as follows.
1. embedding four character transid on the top left most corner of the screen.
2. making use of EXEC CICS START TRANSID ( )
3. making use of EXEC CICS RETURN TRANSID ( )
4. By defining the transid in DCT ( destination control table) to enable ATI
(AUTOMATIC TASK INITIATION)
5. Making use of PLT ( program list table)
6. By associating four character transid in PCT (program control table)
Question: which type of TDQ is read destructive?
Answer: intrapartition tdq is read destructive. extrapartition tdq is not read destructive.
Question: The error code aeiv?
Answer: this is the error code for length, if length of the source data is more than the
receiving field, this error will occur.
this is the correct answer, previously i mentioned it as program id error. sorry for the
wrong information.
Topic: CICS
Question: WHAT IS THE SIZE OF COMMAREA

Answer: THE DEFAULT COMMAREA SIZE IS 65K.
Question: What is ASRA ABEND in CICS?

Answer: It occurs when program interuption takes place.e.g.: when alphanumeric
string moved to numeric data item
OR when arithmetic calculations performed on nonnumeric data item OR when an
attempt made to read an occurance
of a table beyond the defind occurances. ISN'T IT?
Question: Very important question:What is a two Phase commit in CICS?
Answer: This occurs when a programmer Issues a Exec CICS Syncpoint command.
this is called two phase because
CICS will first commit changes to the resources under its control like VSAM files.
and the DB2 changes are committed.
Usually CICS signals Db2 to complete the next phase and release all the locks.
Question: Answer to ANON's question, diference between TSQ & TDQ
Answer: TDQ is read destructive, TSQ is not. TSQ can be created dynamically, TDQ
cannot be created dynamically.
TSQ is temporary in nature (i:e it will be deleted when the program finishes
execution, unless it is made permanent by
making a entry in the Temporary Storage Table), TDQ is not. Hope this will suffice
Question: What is ENQ in CICS?
Answer: If any one want to restrict Trans-Id to single user, enter trans-id with ENQ. It
won't allow any one else to use the
same trans-id.
Question: In SYMBOLIC Cursor Positioning after moving -1 to the length field also
the cursor is not positioned in that
particular field.Give reasons?
Answer: You have to explicitly specify the word CURSOR between your EXEC CICS
and END-EXEC in
Question: What does EIB mean?
Answer: The EIB is the EXECUTIVE INTERFACE BLOCK. It is not the EXECUTE
INTERFACE BLOCK. All TP monitors or
transaction processors are know as EXECUTIVEs as they carry out process on behalf
of a program module. CICS and DB2
are excutives.
Question: How many exceptional condition can be given in a HANDLE
CONDITION?
Answer: Max. of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single HANDLE
CONDITION.
Question: I just wanted to add something to the answer given by Brian on June 25,
1998 Question: What command do
you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ? Answer: READQ TD, the read
is destructive. Yes it is correct but
there is a restriction. U can delete the records sequentially.. For example if one want
to delete 10 th record directly it is not
possible with this..
Answer: Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive. Yes it is correct but there is a
restriction. U can delete the records
sequentially.. For example if one want to delete 10 th record directly it is not possible
with this..
Question: How do you access the records randomly in TSQ ?

Answer: By specifying the ITEM option
Question: What command do you issue to delete a record in a transient data queue ?
Answer: READQ TD, the read is destructive.
Question: WHAT ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF INITIATING TRANSACTION IN
CICS
Answer: WE CAN INITIATE CICS TRANSACTION
a) BY GIVING TRANSACTION ID
b) BY GIVING CICS START COMMAND
C) AUTOMATIC TASK INITIATION.
Question: What is the difference between LINK and XCTL ?
Answer: The XCTL command passes control to another program, but the resources
requested by the first program
may still be allocated. A task does not end until a RETURN statement is executed.
While in LINK command, program
control resumes its instruction following the LINK parameter. The disadvantage of
LINK is that it requires that both the
calling program and the called program remain in main memory even though both are
no longer needed.
Question: What is the difference between CICS Program Control Table (PCT) and
CICS Processing Program Table (PPT) ?
Answer: PCT contains a list of valid transaction ID. Each transaction ID is paired with
the name of the program ,CICS will load
and execute when the transaction is invoked. On the other hand, PPT indicates each
program's location which pertains to a
storage address if the program has already been loaded or a disk location if the
program hasn't been loaded. PPT will also
be used to determine whether it will load a new copy of the program when the
transaction is invoked.
Question: What are the 3 common ways to create maps?
Answer: The first way is to code a physical map and then code a matching symbolic
map in your COBOL program.
The second way to create a physical map along with a matching symbolic map is to
code only the physical map using
the &SYSPARM option, CICS will automatically create a member in a COPY
library. And the third way is to use a map
generator such as SDF (Screen Definition Facility)
Question: What is Quasi-reentrancy?
Answer: There are times when many users are concurrently using the same program,
this is what we call MultiThreading.
For example, 50 users are using program A, CICS will provide 50 Working storage for
that program but one Procedure Division.
And this technique is known as quasi-reentrancy
Question: What is the difference between a physical BMS mapset and a logical BMS
mapset?
Answer: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to the screen at
execution time. The symbolic map
is the actual copybook member used in the program to reference the input and output
fields on the screen.
Question: How To Set MDT (Modified Data Tag) Through Application Program?
(Dynamically).
Answer: You have to move the following macro DFHBMFSE to the Attribute field of
Question: What CICS facilities can you use to save data between the transactions?
Answer: COMMONAREA, TSQ & TDQ.
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE, DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending the
task.
Answer: By issuing a REWRITE, DELETE, or UNLOCK command or by ending the
task.
Question: What is the difference between a RETURN with TRANSID and XCTL ?
For example prog. A is issuing
REUTRN with TRANSID to prog B. Prog A. is issuing XCTL to prog B.
Answer: In RETURN with TRANSID the control goes to the CICS region and the
user have to transfer the control to prog.
B by pressing any of the AID KEYS. In XCTL the control is directly transfer to prog.
B.Question: What is the maximum number of exceptions that can be specified with a
single HANDLE CONDITION command
in CICS ?
Answer: SIXTEEN (16)
Question: WHAT WILL BE THE LENGTH OF THE EIBCALEN, IF THE
TRANSACTION IS USED TO CICS FIRST TIME?
Answer: THE LENGTH WILL BE 0(ZERO).
Question: WHAT IS DFHEIBLK?
Answer: DFHEIBLK is Execute Interface Block. It is placed in the linkage section
automatically by CICS translator program.
It must be the first entry in linkage section. CICS places values prior to giving control
to the program and we can find almost
any information about our transaction.
Question: What is the difference between the XCTL and LINK commands?
Answer: The LINK command anticipates return of control to the calling program, the
XCTL command does not. Return to the
calling program will be the result of the CICS RETURN command, specifying
TRANSID(name of the calling program).
Question: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS sequentially
in ascending order?
Answer: First issue a STARTBR(start browse), which will position the browse at the
desired record. Retrieve records by
using subsequent READNEXT commands. Indicate the end of sequential processing
with the ENDBR command. If the
generic key is specified in the STARTBR command positioning in the file will be
before the first record satisfying the
generic key. For reading in descending order use the READPREV instead of
READNEXT.
Question: What is the difference between pseudo-conversational and conversational?
Answer: Pseudo-conversational will start a new task for each input. By coding a CICS
RETURN command specifying
TRANSID(itself). Conversational will have an active task during the duration of the
data entry.
Question: What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?
Answer: An area used to transfer data between different programs or between
subsequent executions of the same program.
Needs to be defined in the Linkage Section.
In the CICS command level all the reentrancy issues are handled by the
system.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
What are the three BMS options ?

1. Standard, Normal, Extended ( )
_ 2. Minimum, Standard, Full (x)
3. Minimum, Average, Maximum ( )
4. None of the Above
()
What are the beginning and end points of an LUW called?
1. Commit point
()
_ 2. Sync point
(x)
3. Milestones
()
4. None of the above ( )
The DL/I database is a hierarchical database and the DL/I access method is
the access method of the Information Management System (IMS)
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 5
Before you can use a Temporary Storage Queue you must first define the Queue
name in the CICS Temporary Queue Table.
1. True
_ 2. False
()
(x)
Question 6
The process of writing its own type of journal records by the application
program, other than the automatic journalling provided by CICS is called
1. Automatic Journalling ( )
2. System Journalling ( )
_ 3. Explicit Journalling (x)
Question 7
In order to display a formatted screen, a terminal must receive a series of
data stream called Native Mode Data Stream.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 8
Which is the CICS control program which governs the flow of control among
the CICS application programs?
1. Task Control Program ( )
2. Terminal Control Program ( )
_ 3. Program Control Program (x)
4. None of the above
()
Question 9
What is the option of the DFHDCT macro which makes it possible to recover
logically deleted records from an Intrapartition TDQ?
1. REUSE=YES
(x)
_ 2. REUSE=NO
()
3. REUSE=RECOVERABLE ( )
Question 10
CICS and DB2 can exist in the same region under the Operating system
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 11
What is the name of the facility provided by CICS to free the application
program form the problems caused by NMDS (device and format dependence)?
1. Terminal Paging
(x)
2. Buffer Control Characters ( )
_ 3. Basic Mapping Support ( )
()
Question 12
What is the command which will delete a program LOADed into the main storage
using LOAD command?
1. FREE
()
2. FREEMAIN
()
_ 3. RELEASE
(x)
Question 13
Which is the option of the HANDLE AID command that will pass control to the
specified label when any key is pressed?
1. ALLKEY
()
_ 2. ANYKEY
(x)
3. KEY
()
Question 14
What is the name of the mapset definition macro?

1. DFMMAPSET ( )
2. DFHMAP ( )
_ 3. DFHMSD (x)
4. MFHMDI ( )
Question 15
What is the access method used by DB2?
1. DL/I Access method ( )
2. VSAM
()
_ 3. SQL
(x)
Question 16
What is the command that is used to add a new record to the file ?
1. READ with UPDATE followed by REWRITE (x)
2. UPDATE command
()
3. ADD command
()
_ 4. WRITE Command
()
Question 17
What will happen when the resource security check has failed on the program
which has been specified in the PROGRAM option of the LOAD command?
1. PGMIDERR
()
_ 2. NOTAUTH
()
3. INVREQ
(x)
Question 18
What is the command used to send a map to a terminal?
_ 1. SEND MAP
(x)
2. SEND
()
3. DISPLAY MAP
()
Question 19
What is the command used to request notification when the specified time has
expired?
1. WAIT
()
_ 2. POST
(x)
3. SEND
()
Question 20
If DATAONLY option is specified in the SEND MAP command what will happen?
1. Only the physical map will be send ( )
_ 2. Only the symbolic map will be send (x)
3. Both the maps will be send
()
4. None will be send
()
Question 21
What will happen if the TDQ that you want to delete is not in the DCT?
1. QZERO will occur ( )
_ 2. QIDERR will occur (x)
3. LENGERR will occur ( )
Question 22
The read of a record from an Intrapartition TDQ is not destructive.
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 23
An XCTL uses more CPU time than LINK
1. True
_ 2. False
()
(x)
Question 24
What is the primary function of the Signon Table?
_ 1. Register security information of all CICS users ( )
2. Register security information of all resources ( )
3. Register security information of all programs (x)
4. All of the above
()
Question 25
Native Mode Data Stream (NMDS) is a mixture of Buffer Control
Characters(BCC) and text data.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 26
When there are 2 records with the same key specified in a DELETE operation
what will happen?
1. One record will be deleted ( )
2. Both records will be deleted ( )
_ 3. DUPKEY condition will be set (x)
4. Nothing will happen
()
Question 27
The application programs that contain the SQL statements must be
Precompiled for converting the SQL statements into equivalent COBOL
statements
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 28
What are the databases that CICS can access?
1. dbase, foxpro ( )
2. DB2, SYBASE
()
3. DB2, DL/I, SYBASE ( )
_ 4. DB2, DL/I, ORACLE (x)
Question 29
The first step in the development of an application system is the
Requirement Analysis.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 30
CICS provides an interface through which the all the DL/I services can be
used under CICS.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 31
How to get the signon userid from an application program?
_ 1. ASSIGN command with USERID option (x)
2. ASSIGN command with USER option ( )
3. ASSIGN command with ID option ( )
()
Question 32
What is a Logical Unit of Work (LUW)?
1. A set of operations that are done concurrently ( )
_ 2. A sequence of operations logically tied together (x)
3. All the tasks that are running at an instance ( )
()
Question 33
Translation Time is not reduced if the Precompilation is done first.
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 34
What is the general Command format of CICS ?
1. EXEC PGM followed by the command ( )
2. EXEC TASK followed by the command ( )
_ 3. EXEC CICS followed by the command (x)
()
Question 35
If you use the OPTIMIZE compiler option the size of the program can be
reduced by 5 to 10%.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 36
For multithreading an application program need not be reentrant.
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 37
Before issuing an ASKTIME command what will be the values in the EIBDATE and
EIBTIME fields if the EIB?
1. No values
()
2. The date and time at the system startup ( )
_ 3. The date and time at the task initiation (x)
()
Question 38
What is the error condition that is set when the file specified in the NAME
option is not in the FCT?
1. PGMIDERR
(x)
2. NOTAUTH
()
_ 3. DSIDERR
()
Question 39
For protecting a transaction using the transaction security function, the
two things that must be done are:
1. in the SNT entry of the user who you which to allow to access a protected
transaction, specify SCTKEY=n
2. In the PCT entry of the transactions that you wish to protect specify the
TRANSEC=n.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 40
What are the various types of accesses that can be allowed by the SERVREQ
option of the DFHFCT?
_ 1. ADD,BROWSE,DELETE,READ,UPDATE (x)
2. ADD and UPDATE only
()
3. ADD, DELETE and UPDATE only ( )
()
Question 41
CICS' system services provides an interface between CICS and the operating
system and carries out the functions like loading and releasing of
application programs, acquiring and freeing of storage , task scheduling,
etc.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 42
What are the parameters that you have to give when you are using the CSSN
transaction?
_ 1. OPNAME and PASSWORD ( )
2. USERID and PASSWORD ( )
3. USERID and USERNAME ( )
4. None of the above (x)
Question 43
What is the command that is used to delay the processing of a task for a
specified time interval or until a specified time?
1. STOP
()
2. WAIT
(x)
_ 3. DELAY
()
Question 44
NMDS is both device dependent and format dependent
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 45
Which is the EIB field that gives the date when a task was started?
1. EIBCALEN ( )
2. EIBSTRTDATE ( )
_ 3. EIBDATE (x)
4. EIBTMSTMP ( )
Question 46
Which is the AID that will not be identified in the ANYKEY option of the
HANDLE AID command?
1. CLEAR
(x)
2. PF key ( )
_ 3. ENTER
()
4. PA key ( )
Question 47
Reading a record from a TSQ will logically delete the record from the Queue.
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 48
What is the option that is used to erase all unprotected fields during a
SEND MAP operation?
1. ERASE ( )
2. ERASEPROT ( )
3. ERASEUPROT ( )
_ 4. ERASEAUP (x)
Question 49
What is the CICS command that is used to receive the unformatted data from
the terminal or logical unit of a communication network?
_ 1. RECEIVE (x)
2. RECEIVE MAP ( )
3. READQ TD ( )
4. READQ TS ( )
Question 50
What is the command for reading a record form a TSQ?
1. READQ TS
()
2. READQ
()
_ 3. All of the above (x)
Question 51
What will happen, if an outofrange or negative value is specified in the
LENGTH option of the SEND command?
1. The message will be send
()
_ 2. The LENDER condition will be set ( )
3. The OUTRAGE condition will be set (x)
()
Question 52
Which is the control table where you specify all the transaction that are to
be started by CICS after CICS startup?
1. Start up table ( )
2. Signon table
(x)
_ 3. Program List Table ( )
Question 53
A HANDLE CONDITION remains active until the end of the program or until
another HANDLE CONDITION command.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 54
In the conversational mode the system waits for the user to enter his
response and then press an attention key, and while waiting the resources
are held by the program or task. So conversational mode of programming is
inefficient
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 55
Which is the macro used for making an entry in the PPT
1. No macro is used
()
2. The LOAD control JCL is used ( )
_ 3. DFHPPT
(x)
4. MACPPT
()
Question 56
The goal of a recovery process is to Maintain the integrity of the data
processed by the system and to minimise the impact of a task or system
failure.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()
Question 57
What is the primary objective of CICS ?
1. To provide the control and services of the DB/DC system (x)
2. To free the programmer from hardware and OS constraints ( )
3. To make application system development more easy
()
_ 4. All of the above
()
Question 58
If no exception handling is provided in the program, what will happen ?
1. CICS will terminate the task
()
2. CICS will ignore the exception
()
3. CICS will ask the user what to do
()
_ 4. CICS will take the default action specified for the condition (x)
Question 59
What is the CICS supplied transaction which performs syntax checking of a
CICS command?
1. CEDF
()
2. CEMT
(x)
_ 3. CECI
()
Question 60
What is the process of converting the CICS commands into the equivalent host
language statements called?
1. Precompilation ( )
_ 2. Translation
(x)
3. Compilation
()
Question 61
What is the function of the LOAD command?
_ 1. To fetch a program, table or map to the main storage. (x)
2. To load data into a database
()
3. To execute a program
()
()
Question 62
What is the CICS Command that is used for reading a record from the TDQ?
1. READQ
(x)
_ 2. READQ TD
()
3. READ
()
Question 63
LENGERR, NOTAUTH and PGMIDERR are some of the common exception
conditions
that can occur with LINK and XCTL.
_ 1. True
2. False
()
(x)
Question 64
Which of the following are recoverable CICS resources?
1. Data files and data bases ( )
2. Intrapartition TDQs
()
3. Auxiliary TSQs
()
_ 4. All of the above
(x)
Question 65
Which is the program which determines whether a transaction should be
restarted ?
1. Restart program
()
_ 2. Transaction Restart Program (RTY) ( )
3. DTB
(x)
()
Question 66
What is the command used for receiving a map from a terminal?
1. RECEIVE
()
2. OBTAIN
()
_ 3. RECEIVE MAP
(x)
Question 67
The mode of achieving conversation with the user, by sending him the message
and while waiting for his response, freeing the system resources is called
1. Conversation
()
_ 2. Pseudoconversation (x)
3. Non conversational mode ( )
()
Question 68
Which is the command used for terminating a browse operation?
1. ENDBROWSE
()
2. STOP RUN
()
_ 3. ENDBR
(x)
Question 69
What is the primary function of the Processing Program Table (PPT)?
1. To control the flow of the programs ( )
_ 2. To register all programs and maps (x)
3. To register all CICS regions
()
()
Question 70
Sync points cannot be requested by the application programs.

1. True
_ 2. False
()
(x)
Question 71
Which is the command that is used to dump the main storage areas related to
a task?
1. ABEND
()
2. TRACE
()
_ 3. DUMP
(x)
Question 72
What is the CICS command that is used to copy a screen image of a terminal
into another terminal?
1. ISSUE
()
2. ISSUE PRINT
()
3. ISSUE PRINT SCREEN ( )
_ 4. ISSUE COPY
(x)
Question 73
What is the name of the log which contains the information needed to restart
the system, including the task sync point information and system activity
key points, snapshots of key system tables, etc.
1. Dynamic system Log ( )
_ 2. System Log
()
3. Dynamic Log
(x)
Question 74
The EIB field which gives the last CICS command executed is
1. EIBCALEN
()
_ 2. EIBFN
()
3. EIBRCODE
(x)
Question 75
The READ command with INTO option will read the record specified into the
data area specified.
_ 1. True
2. False
()
(x)
Question 76
The attribute character is an visible 1 byte character which precedes a
screen field and determines the characteristics of the field.
1. True
_ 2. False
(x)
()
Question 77
What is the function of the Terminal Control table?
1. To register all CICS users ( )
_ 2. To register all CICS terminals (x)
3. To register all the Programs ( )
4. All of the above
()
Question 78
Which is the CICS control program that provides communication services
between user written application programs and terminals?
1. Task Control Program ( )
2. User Control Program ( )
_ 3. Terminal Control Program (x)
()
Question 79
CICS Command level is
_ 1. High Level version of CICS macro level ( )
2. Low level version of CICS macro level (x)

3. Has no relation with CICS macro level ( )
()
Question 80
TSQs can be written in the Main storage or Auxiliary storage.
_ 1. True
2. False
(x)
()

Cics Interview Questions

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Cics Interview Questions

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How can you define files, programs and transactions to the CICS system?

What is Customer Information Control System (CICS)?

What are the File Handling commands in CICS?

The UNLOCK Command

transient data queues can only be read sequentially.

A. Automatic Task Initiation/Exec CICS Start. B. CALL Statement/Receivable

33. Which of the following are uses of the Getmain command?

Q9. What is a Transid and explain the system Transid CEMT.

Q27. Where are transient data sets defined to CICS?

A36. MASSINSERT is a WRITE option that modifies normal VSAM split

Yes of course you need to define a TDQ.

TDQs can be intra/extra partitioned.

you must be extremely careful with the record length

Q60. What are the differences between a TDQ and a TSQ?

Q: How to get Cursor

Q: What is Communication Area (COMMAREA)?

A: The default COMMAREA size is 65K.

Q: How many exceptional conditions can be given in a

A: Maximum of 12 exceptional conditions can be given in a single

A: The physical mapset is a load module used to map the data to

Q: What CICS command would you use to read a VSAM KSDS

Q6. What is the COMMAREA(communications area)?

Q29. Name some commands used for CICS file browsing.

files/databases, and then have data to be transmitted from the

Expanded features for the system programmer

An interface between the terminal and printers with CICS via a

Multi Region Operation(MRO), through which more than one

Intersystem Communication (ISC), through which one CICS

Interfaces with programming languages such as COBOL

Command level translator

An Execution Diagnostic Facility (EDF)

An interface with database access methods such as DB2,

An interface with error checking and reporting facilities

System Initialization Table

CICS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

How do you place the cursor on a particular position on the screen?

What are the two outputs created as a result of generation of a map?

What is the difference between physical map and symbolic map?

How do you use extended attributes ?

What is MDT? What are FSET, FRSET ?

What is the use of DSECT parameter in BMS?

10. Do you receive the attribute byte in the symbolic map?

11. How do you make your BMS maps case sensitive?

12. What is effect on RECEIVE MAP when

15. Name the macros used to define the following:

32. What is the use of a TDQ, TSQ?

Automatic Task Initiation. Intra partition TDQ.

43. Can you issue SQL COMMIT from a CICS program?

50. Can you use DYNAMIC calls in CICS ?

Interview Q&As for CICS

RETURN TRANSID ( ) 4. By defining the transid in DCT ( destination control

Question: What does EIB mean?

By coding an EXEC CICS START in the application

By coding the trans id and a trigger level on the DCT

By coding the trans id in the EXEC CICS RETURN

By associating an attention key with the Program Control

By using the Program List Table

The Program List Table records the set of applications programs

CICS automatically provides some system-related information

The cursor position in the map

Q. What information can be obtained from the EIBRCODE?

Q. Explain how to handle exceptional conditions in CICS.

An abnormal situation during execution of a CICS command is called