Jcl,Ibm Utilities

8/8/2019 Jcl,Ibm Utilities

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Overview:JCL Interview Questions - Mainframe JCL Interview Questions ,JCL MCQ,Mainframe JCL Multiple

Questions Test Preparation

1) What is the function of DD DISP parameter? - JCL

(1) Tells the system what to do with the dataset following normal termination of the step

(2) Describes the status of the dataset

(3) Tells the system what to do with the dataset following abnormal termination of the step

(4) All of the above

2) How is the record format of an output dataset specified?(1) RECORG parameter

(2) STORCLAS parameter

(3) RECFM parameter

(4) None of the above

3) What is the purpose of DD * statement in JCL?

(1) Begins an input data prompt at the system console

(2) Begins an in-stream dataset

(3) Marks the end of a command stream

(4) Includes all datasets within a naming pattern

4) A DD statement has 2 types of parameters. Name them ?

(1) Positional, Keyword

(2) Keyword, Control

(3) Dynamic, Static

(4) Named, Dynamic

5) What is the function of JOB statement in JCL ?

(1) Marks the end of a job

(2) Marks the beginning of an instream procedure

(3) Marks the beginning of a job & assigns a name to the job

(4) Assigns an execution priority to a job

6) How can a job send a status message to a TSO user at the completion of a job ?

(1) STATUS

(2) NOTIFY

(3) ENDMSG

(4) USER

7) What is the function of a DD statement ?

(1) Identifies & describes a dataset

(2) Delimits a DO loop

(3) Marks the start of a declarative section

(4) Delimits the start of an inline include section

8) When output dataset space is required, what quantity categories are used ?

(1) Primary, Secondary, Directory

(2) Address, Units, CONTIG or ALS

(3) Displacement and length

(4) Megabytes, Kilobytes and Bytes


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9) What statement marks the beginning of a job step; assigns a name to the step; identifies the program or

catalogued or in-stream procedure to be executed in the step ?

(1) START

(2) RUN

(3) EXEC

4. GO

10) How can unused space allocation be returned to the system when a dataset is closed ?

(1) RETURN

(2) RLSE(3) CONTIG

(4) CLOSE

11) Can an individual step be restricted from using all the jobs allowed CPU time ?

(1) Yes

(2) No

(3) Only in Catalogued Procedure

(4) Through the STEPTIME parameter

12) Where can program checkpoints be stored for use in a restart ?

(1) CHCKPOINT DD statement

(2) SYSCHK DD statement

(3) CHKOUT DD statement

(4) CHECK or DD statement

13) How can the disposition of sysout datasets be set for an entire jobstream ?

(1) SYSOUT parameter

(2) OUTPUT parameter

(3) DEFAULT parameter

(4) DEST keyword

14) What statement marks the end of an in-stream or Catalogued procedure ?

(1) STREAM(2) SET

(3) PROC

(4) PEND

15) What is the function of DD name parameter with a 2 part structure; Audit.Report ?

(1) Override the Audit DD statement in the report

(2) Override the Report DD statement in the Audit procedure

(3) Concatenate a dataset onto a DD statement in a called module

(4) Delete the Audit DD statement in the Report

16) Which DD parameters are required ?(1) All parameters & Keywords are optional

(2) Dsname, SPACE, RECFM

(3) Dsname, SPACE, UNIT

(4) Dsname, DISP, SPACE

17) How can an in-stream dataset be terminated?

(1) //

(2) //*

(3) /*

(4) None of the above


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18) What is the function of the DD DCB keyword?

(1) Begins the subparameters of the DCB

(2) Begins the DASD control block

(3) Marks the close of the DCB

(4) Modifies the record type parameters

19) What is the maximum length of a single line of JCL ?

(1) 71 bytes

(2) 60 bytes

(3) 55 bytes(4 ) 80 bytes

20) What is the purpose of DD DUMMY statement ?

(1) Marks a deleted DD statement

(2) Begins an interpreted command stream

(3) Specifies no space allocation & no disposition processing

(4) Suppress command processing

21) Many JCL statements contain specific values designed to direct & control the execution of the statement.

What are these fields called ?

(1) Linkage Variables

(2) Parameters

(3) Control Libraries

(4) Includes

22) When space is allocated for an output dataset, what units can be used?

(1) Disks

(2) Megabytes

(3) Cylinders, Tracks, Blocks

(4) Bytes

23) What is the format of comment statement ?

(1) //(2) //*

(3) /*

(4 ) None of the above

24) A DD statement consists of 4 fields. Name them :-

(1) Name, DD, Space, Device

(2) Format, Name, DD, Space

(3) DD, parameter, device, format

(4) Name, DD, parameter, comments

25) What DD statement is used to supply the name of a dataset ?(1) Name

(2) Dsname

(3) Label

(4) File

26. What is the purpose of the DD KEYLEN parameter?

(1) Specify the length of a data set key in bytes

(2) Override the key length of an SMS defined VSAM dataset

(3) Override the key length specified in the dataset label

All of the above


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27. What is the function of the STEPLIB DD statement?

(1) Identify a library to be searched for programs named in the EXEC statement

(2) Identify a library containing executable job steps

(3) Override the system step library within a job stream


28. How can return codes be tested before execution of a job step?

(1) Through the RC keyword

(2) Through the CODE keyword

(3) Through the COND keyword(4) Through the RETURNCD keyword

29. What is concatenating?

(1) Overriding or adding procedures

(2) Logically connecting input datasets

(3) Overriding a called PROC dsname



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JCL MCQ

1. How can values be passed from the job stream to an executable program?(1) Through the PARM keyword(2) Through the VALUE parameter(3) Through the PGM parameter(4) All of the above

2. Must tape dataset definitions include VOL=SER specifications?(1) Yes(2) No

(3) Only for uncataloged datasets(4) Only for cataloged datasets

3. What is the function of //JCLLIB statement?(1) Identifies the source of the JCL commands(2) Points to the system software library(3) Marks the beginning of the in-stream JCL(4) Identifies the libraries that the system will search for include groups or procedures named in EXEC statements

4. What parameter of the job statement is used to limit the CPU time consumed by the job?(1) RUNTIME(2) TIME(3) LIMIT(4 ) EXECMAX

5. What statement marks the beginning of an in-stream or cataloged procedure in JCL and assigns default valuesto parameters defined in the procedure(1) STREAM(2) SET(3) PROC(4) PEND

6. How can a stopped job be started again? - JCL(1) Through the RETURN parameter(2) Through the STARTUP parameter(3) Through the RESTART parameter(4) Through the CHECKPNT keyword

7. In order to continue a job after a return code of 12 in step1, what the step2 EXEC statement include?(1) CONTINUE(2) COND = (12,NE)(3) COND = (12,GE)(4) COND = (12,EQ)

8. In SMS datasets, what is the function of the DD MGMTCLAS keyword?(1) Specify a management class for a new dataset(2) Lookup a storage profile from the class library(3) Begin a storage class definition block(4) Alters the default storage profile for the dataset

9. How can the submitting users RACF authority be overridden in a job stream?(1) Through the USER parameter(2) Through the USER and PASSWORD parameter(3) By notifying the console operation to override the authority(4) Through the RACF parameter

10. What parameters can be used to limit the number of records written to a SYSOUT dataset ?(1) LIMIT(2) OUTLIM(3) SIZE(4) MAX


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11. What statement can be used to send data to another MVS JES3 node ?(1) LINK(2) CONNECT(3) XMIT(4) SEND

12. What parameter directs the output of the job log dataset ?(1) JOBLOG(2) MSGCLASS(3) MSGLEVEL

(4) SYSLOG

13. How can a jobs execution priority be modified ?(1) PRIQTY parameter(2) PRTY parameter(3) JOBCLASS parameter(4) RUNTIME parameter

14. How can the attributes of one SMS dataset be copied to another dataset ?(1) Using DD like parameter(2) Using DD Copy parameter(3) Using DD Refer parameter(4) Attributes cannot be copied within SMS datasets

15. What is the function of //CNTL statement ?(1) Marks the beginning of one or more program control statements(2) Identifies the control card library(3) Delimits the PROC control statements(4) None of the above

16. If a (+1) generation dataset is created in the first step of a job, how can it be referenced in later steps of thesame job for input?(1) As the (0) generation(2) As the (+1) generation(3) As the (-1) generation(4) Without the generation number

17. In SMS datasets, what is the function of the DD AVGREC keyword ?(1) Specifies average length of records in a file(2) Specifies the multiplier to be used for primary & secondary space allocation(3) Directs the system to allocate space based on average record length(4) Specifies word blocking factor

18. How can a JES3 operator command be entered through the jobstream?(1) Through the OPERATOR statement(2) Through the COMMAND statement(3) Through the //** statement(4) Through the console statement

19. To connect EBCDIC records to ASCII during write process, what DCB sub-parameter is used ?

(1) EBCDIC = NONE (2) ASCII = ALL (3) TRANSLATE = ALL (4) OPTCODE = Q

20. If a generation data set is specified as input without the generation number, what will the input to the DD ?(1) the most recent generation created(2) the earliest generation created(3) a concatenation of all the cataloged generations4. a jcl error will be returned to the job

21. How can buffers be assigned to a DCB ?(1) Through the BUFMAX subparameter(2) Through the BUFOUT subparameter(3) Through the BUF subparameter4. Through the BUFNO subparameter


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22. What is the function of the DD MODIFY parameter ?(1) overrides the LRECL of a cataloged dataset(2) specify a copy-modification module to format a printed dataset(3) overrides the blocksize of a cataloged dataset(4) add records to an existing dataset

23. What is the prefix character for symbolic parameter ?(1) % (2) & (3) @ (4) {}

24. What is the purpose of REGION key word ?

(1) specifies the amount of space required by a step(2) specifies the amount of space required by a job(3) both of the above(4) none of the above

25. What is a system data set catalog ?(1) a reference to the naming standards for datasets(2) a list of MVS reference libraries(3) a list of datasets available to MVS along with the location data(4) the original installation datasets for JCL

26. If both the JOBCAT & STEPCAT statements are coded in a step, which will be executed?(1) JOBCAT(2) STEPCAT3. the one coded first in the JCL stream(4) both the statements will be executed in sequence


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JCL Interview Questions on Generation Data Group (GDG)

Q: What is a Generation Data Group (GDG)?

A: A generation Data Group is a group of chronologically or functionally related datasets. GDGs are processed

periodically, often by adding a new generation, retaining previous generations, and sometimes discarding the oldest

generation.

Q: How is GDG base created?

A: A GDG base is created in the system catalog and keeps track of the generation numbers used for datasets in the

group. IDCAMS utility is used to define the GDG base for MVS/XA, and MVS/ESA. Older systems required that theIEHPROGM utility be used.

Q: What is model dataset label (Model DSCB)?

A: A model dataset label is a pattern for the dataset label created for any dataset named as part of the GDG group. The

system needs an existing dataset to serve as a model to supply the DCB parameters for the generation data group one

wish to create. The model dataset label must be cataloged. The model DSCB name is placed on the DCB parameter on

the DD statement that creates the generation data group.

Q: What is the advantage in using generation data groups?

A: The advantage in using the generation data groups is that all datasets have the name, and the system keeps track of

adding and deleting successive generations. The JCL does not need to be changed between runs.

Q: How are GDG concatenated?

A: Generation data groups are concatenated by specifying each dataset name and the generation number of all

generations of the generation data group . To retrieve all generations of a generation data group, omit the generation

number. The DD statements refers to all generations

The result is the same as if all individual datasets were concatenated. If generations are not on the same volume, this will

not work.

Q: How are different generations specified?

A: Different generations are specified by providing the dataset name and generation number for each GDG desired.

Q: What is the status of the GDG when an abend occurs?A: The GDG is in a bad state because it may consist of partial information. If used in this state, it is possible to get

incorrect or improper results. It is recommended to reset the current generation by deleting the bad generation before

executing the job, which will re-create a new generation.

Q: How is a previous GDG coded?

A: Previous GDGs are coded as (-1) after the dataset name. An example would be DSN=JAN.DATA(-1).

Q: How is the current GDG coded?

A: Current GDGs are coded as (0), (+0), or (-0) after the dataset name as follows: DSN=JAN.DATA(0). The +(0) and (-0)

have the same effect as (0) Normally, it is coded as (0).

Q: How is a new GDG coded?

A: A new GG is coded as (+1) after the dataset name as follows:

DSN=JAN.DATA(+1). This will cause all generations to be pushed down one level at the end of the job.


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This article provides Mainframe Interview Questions covering JCL questions on JOB, EXEC, AND PARM

Q: What is the purpose of the JOB statement?

A: The purpose of the JOB statement is to inform the operating system of the start of a job, give necessary accounting

information and supply run parameters. Each job must begin with a single JOB statement.

Q: How does one identify a job to the Operating system?

A: A job is identified to the system by the use of jobname. Jobnames can range from one to eight alphabetic characters.

The first character must begin in column 3 and be alphabetic (A-Z). Jobs should be given unique names since duplicate

jobnames will not execute until any job having the same jobname completes execution.

Q: What does the accounting information consist of?

A: Accounting information consists of the account number of which the job is charged and any additional information

established by the installation.

Q: What does the parameter CLASS in the JOB statement mean?

A: Parameter CLASS specifies the job class. There are 36 possible job classes (A-Z, 0-9). Installations usually attempt to

establish job classes that achieve a balance between I/O bound and CPU-bound jobs. Job classes also determine the

overall priority of a job, along with the PRTY parameter PRTY may be coded to give special priority to a job. The operator

may also set it.

Q: What is parameter MSGCLASS in the JOB statement used for?

A: The MSGCLASS parameter is used to specify the job scheduler message output class. The output classis (A-Z,0-9).

Job scheduler message include all messages not printed by the actual job steps being executed. Some of these are: JCL

statements and error messages, device allocations, dataset disposition and accounting information.

Q: What does parameter MSGLEVEL on the JOB statement mean and what is the advantage of using it.

A: MSGLEVEL indicates whether or not one wishes to print the JCL statements and allocation messages. The

MSGLEVEL parameter can save paper. After a job is debugged, there may be no need to print all the JCL and allocation

messages each time it runs. To reduce printing to a minimum one may wish to code MSGLEVEL = (0,0)

Q: which parameter allows one to run a syntax check n the JCL without executing it?

A: TYPRUN = SCAN parameter is used to check the JCL for syntax errors and suppress the execution of the job. Thischecking does not include checking for duplicate datasets on volumes, insufficient space or region size for job steps.

Q: What does parameter TYPRUN = HOLD mean?

A: The parameter TYPRUN = HOLD holds a job in the input queue for later execution. The job is held until the operator

releases it. TYPRUN=HOLD is useful for when one job must not run until another job completes. Operator intervention is

required to release the job.

Q: What is the purpose of the EXEC statement?

A: The purpose of the EXEC statement is to name a program or procedure to be executed. It follows the job statement. A

job or cataloged procedure can contain several EXEC statements. A job may have up to 255 EXEC statements.

Q: What is the stepname on the EXEC statement used for and is it a required parameter?

A: Stepname on the EXEC statement is used to name the job step. It is required if subsequent JCL statements refer to it

or if one wishes to restart the job from the step; otherwise it is optional. Stepname are recommended and should have

unique names. The names must begin in column 3 with an alphabetic or national character (A-Z, @$#)

Q: Which parameter is used to name the program in the exec statement?

A: The parameter PGM= is used to name a program or utility to be executed. For example, to code a program named

FIRST, one would code PGM=FIRST. For utility named IEBGENER, it would be coded as PGM=IEBGENER.


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Q: What are the commonly used parameters on the EXEC statement and what do you they mean?

A: The most commonly used parameters on the EXEC statement are: COND, PARM, REGION, and TIME. They stands

for:

1. COND Specifies conditions to execute subsequent job steps if the previous step(s) fail.

2. PARM Passes parameter to the job steps.

3. REGION Specifies the region size to allocate for the job / job step.

4. TIME Imposes a time limit on the job or job step.

Q: What is the default for the TIME parameter if it is not coded on the EXEC statement?

A: If the TIME parameter is omitted from the EXEC statement, the default is 30 minutes of the CPU time.

Q: What is the difference between the JOBLIB & STEPLIB statements?

A: The JOBLIB statement is placed after the JOB statement and is effective for all job steps. It cannot be placed in the

catalogued procedure. The STEPLIB statement is placed after the EXEC statement and is effective for that job step only.

Unlike JOBLIB statement, the STEPLIB cannot be placed in the catalogued procedure.

Q: What can be done to resolve a JCL error that reads DATASET NOT FOUND?

A: Some of the actions one can take to resolve a JCL error DATASET NOT FOUND are:

1. One must examine the job log and the allocation/deallocation report and identify the step and DDname involved.

2. Determine whether or not the dataset name does indeed exist on the system.

3. Check the JCL to make sure the dataset name is spelled correctly.

4. If the job has more than one step and the ABEND is not on the first step, check to see if the dataset on the previous

step was deleted.

5. Fix the problem and resubmit the job.

Q: Does a DD STATEMENT MISSING message normally ABEND the job?

A: A DD statement missing message normally does not ABEND the job, but if not fixed it could later cause problems when

least expected. It is advisable to determine why this message was generated and take action to rectify the problem.

Q: Parameters COND, REGION, AND TIME can be coded on both the JOB and the EXEC statements. What are the

differences between using them on the JOB versus the EXEC statements, and in which statements are they

commonly used?

A: Parameters COND, REGION, AND TIME coded on the JOB statement will be in effect for the entire job. When used onthe EXEC statement, they will be in effect for that job step only. The COND parameter is normally used on the EXEC

statement. The REGION parameter is not normally used unless a particular program requires a lot of storage and it is

necessary to override the installations REGION Default. If the REGION parameter is used on the both JOB

and EXEC statements, then the REGION parameter from the JOB statement will be in effect. The TIME parameter is mos

often used on the JOB statement.

Q: Explain how the virtual storage works in MVS/SP.

A: MVS/SP stands for Multiple Virtual Storage / System Program. A major architectural component of virtual storage MVS

is virtual storage. With virtual storage, storage addresses of the application program are independent of the addresses of

the computers central storage. A Hardware feature, paging supervisor, transfers the users virtual storage addresses to the

computers central storage addresses during execution. With Virtual Storage, a program needs to occupy only a relativelysmall amount of central storage. This allows programs to be run whose size exceeds the central storage available on the

computer.

Q: What are some of the main features of MVS/XA?

A: MVS/XA stands for Multiple Virtual Storage / Extended Architecture. MVS/XA uses 32 bits of addressing. This gives an

address space of approximately 2 billion bytes. The extended architecture also consists of more sophisticated I/O

channels for faster I/O. Also, a separate version of OS is required. One of the difference is that a program for MVS/XA can

go up to 2 billion bytes. Programs running under MVS/SP can go up to

16 million bytes.


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Q: What are the basic architecture features of MVS/ESA?

A: MVS/ESA stands for Multiple Virtual Storage / Enterprises System Architecture. MVS/ESA permits an application to

have multiple 2-gigabyte address spaces. This allows huge applications to be segregated into functional parts. For ESA,

the first address space is called the application space and programs can execute in it. The other address space are called

dataspaces and they contain only data. MVS/ESA also has the facility for hyperspaces, which allows temporary data to be

stored or retrieved in 4-kbyte blocks under program control. Maximum address space is up to 2 trillion bytes in multiple of

2-billion-byte address spaces.

Q: What is the meaning of the line?A: The line indicates the maximum address space that is available for the MVS system. For MVS/SP it is 16 million

bytes, for MVS/XA it is up to 2 billion bytes, and MVS/ESA is up to 2 trillion bytes in multiple of 2-billion-byte address

spaces.

Q: When would a program run below the line?

A: A program would run below the line if it did not exceed the address space available.

Q: When would a program run above the line?

A: A program would run above the line if it required more than 16 megs or if it is competing with other programs which

are using the same address space. Special Parameters must be set for compilation and linkage editing in order for a

program to run above the 16-meg line.


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JCL UTILITIES and ABEND CODES Interview Questions

Some common utilities used:

1 IEBGENER

Copy one sequential file to another

Create datasets with input dataset as DUMMY

2 IEBCOPY Copy the partitioned datasets

Compress the partitioned datasets

Include members of PDS within a copy transaction

Exclude members of PDS with in a copy transaction

3 IEHPROGM

Catalog datasets

Un-catalog datasets

Rename the datasets

Create the index for a generation data groups

Delete the Index for a generation data groups

4 IEBCOMPR

Compare two partitioned datasets

Compare two sequential datasets

5 IEFBR14

Create a empty dataset

6 IEEPROGM

Create generation data groups

ABEND CODES

1 S0C4 Caused by the subscript being out of range2 S0C5 Caused by invalid address specification. i.e. The address points to an instruction, control word or data outside the

available real storage

3 S0C7 Caused by a bad data. i.e. Data exception. When we are moving an alphanumeric field to a numeric

computational field this Abend occurs. The result is an Abend failure

4 S222 Caused by a job being cancelled by the operator, due to a request by the program for an unavailable resource.

5 S237 Caused by end of volume being encountered.

6 S322 Caused when CPU time assigned to the job, job step, or procedure has been exceeded. i.e. Time out error.

7 S413 This abend occurs if the DD statement referenced by UNIT=AFF statement is not closed before the DD statement

that comes before it.

8 S522 Caused when a wait state exceeds an installation-defined time limit.

9 SB37 Caused by lack of sufficient Secondary space10 SD37 Caused by lack of sufficient Primary space

11 SE37 Caused by lack of space for PDS (Partitioned data set)


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What is an Operation Exception error?A: An Operation exception error indicates that an operation code is not assigned or the assigned operations not availableon a particular computer model. The machine does not recognize the instruction or operation used. A possible reasons asubscript error. This error could also be caused by an attempt to read a file that was not opened, a misspelled DDstatement. The system completion code is 0C1.

Q: What is a Protection exception error?A: A protection exception error occurs when the program is attempting to access a memory address that is not within thememory area that the program is authorized to use. Some of the causes may be a subscript or index that is not initializedor has taken on a value outside the bounds of the table with which it is associated, an attempt to read an open end file, or

an incorrect or missing DD statement. The System completion code is 0C4.

Q: What is an addressing exception error?A: An addressing exception error occurs when a program is attempting to access a memory location, which is outside thebounds of a available real storage on the machine.This can be caused by a dataset not being open end at the time an I/O was directed to it, an attempt to close a dataset asecond time, incorrectly called module parameters or coding, improper exit from a performed paragraph, or uninitializedsubscript or index. The system completion code is 0C5.

Q: What is a data exception?A: A data exception error indicates an attempt to perform an arithmetic operation on non-numeric data. It can also occurfrom incorrect input data to a program that is not performing sufficient numeric testing on it before attempting arithmetic.The system completion code is 0C7.

Q: What return code is issued when a operator cancels a job?A: There are two return codes, which can be produced when the operator cancels a job. They are 122 and 222. A 122indicates the operator cancelled the job and requested a dump. A222 indicates the operator has cancelled the job and hasnot requested a dump.It is important to ask the operator why the job was canceled. Some of the reasons this may occur are: the programappeared to be stalled in a wait state; or the program was in an apparent loop.

Q: What return code is issued if a job step exceeded the time limit?A: The system will issue a system code of 322 when a job or job step has exceeded the time limit .If the time parameterwas used on the JOB or EXEC statement. If the time parameter was not used, then it is important to check the programpossible errors.

Q: When the system cannot find enough virtual storage, which system abend is issued?A: When the system cannot find enough virtual storage during a GETMAIN macroinstruction, it generates a system abendof 804 or 80A. Check for program errors that incorrectly modify the storage request. If the REGION parameter has beenused, either on the JOB or EXEC statement, it may need to be increased to satisfy the request.

Q: Which system completion code is issued when a program module cannot be found?A: A system completion code of 806 will be issued when a program module cannot be found. Some of the causes may bemissing the STEPLIB statement from the step or missing the JOBLIB statement from the job stream. Most likely theprogram name was misspelled on the EXEC statement or in a source code CALL.

Q: What are some of the abend generated when not enough disk space is available and what do they mean?A: Some of the abend generated due to a lack of available disk space are:B37 -- Disk volume out of space, cannot write output. The system gave all the primary space and as much secondaryspace as it could.

D37 -- Primary disk space was exceeded and either no secondary space allocation was specified or it was insufficient.One should increase the primary space as well as provide adequate secondary allocation was specified or it wasinsufficient. One should increase the primary space as well as provide adequate secondary space allocation to eliminatethis error.E37 -- There was insufficient space on the volume. One way to solve this problem is to specify more volumes on the JCL.

Q: Which abend is issued when the system cannot find a member on a portioned dataset?A: An S013-18 abend occurs when the specified member on the JCL, is not found on the indicated PDS (PartionedDataset). Determine if the member is spelled correctly on your JCL. If it is not, then fix member name and resubmit job. Ifit is correct, then determine why it is not on the PDS, take the necessary steps to place it on the PDS, and resubmit the

job.


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Q: What normally causes an S013-20 abend?A: An S013-20 is normally caused by the block size not being a multiple of the record length or being incorrect forvariable-length records. Divide your BLKSIZE by the record length to make sure it is a multiple of the BLKSIZE if not,correct it and resubmit job. For variable-length records, it is necessary to have your BLKSIZE be at least 4 bytes greaterthan your record length.

Q: What can be done to eliminate a NOT CATLG 2 for a particular dataset?A: To eliminate a NOT CATLG 2 message, one may take one of the following options.Add a step to the beginning of the JOB, which creates the dataset to first purge the dataset. One may to use utilityIEFBR14 to perform this task.

Setup a job to purge the dataset and run it before the job which creates it purges the dataset before running the job, whichcreates it.

Q: If a job step is in a wait state for 30 minutes or more with no activity, which abend does one receive?A: If a job step is in a wait for 30 minutes or more with no activity, the job abend with an s522 indicating the time wasexceeded for the wait state. This type of cancellation is unusual and is often caused by a program error or unavailabledatasets / resources.

Q: A system completion code of 813-04 is generated when a dataset name and volume serial number for a tape isnot consistent with the information contained in the tape dataset label. What can be done to fix this problem?A: When a system completion code of 813-04 is received, one must check the spelling of the dataset name in the JCL andthe volume serial number specified. If possible, dump the dataset label to see the actual dataset name on the tape. Oncethe problem has been identified, correct it and resubmit the job.

Q: How does one fix a PROCEDURE NOT FOUND ERROR?A: If one receives a procedure not found message, it indicates that it could not find the procedure on the procedurelibrary specified on the JCL. Check the spelling of the procedure library specified on the JCL.Check the spelling of the procedure name on the EXEC statement to make sure it is correct .if it is not correct, fix it andresubmit the job.If the JCL is correct, then check to make sure the procedure has been cataloged into the procedure library. If not, have itcataloged and resubmit the job.


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Q: What is the purpose of the Data Definition (DD) Statement?

A: Data Definition statements describe each dataset (a file on a direct-access storage device, tape or printed output) and

request the allocation of I/O devices.

Q: Describe what the DISP parameter does?

A: The DISP parameter describes the current status of the dataset and directs the system

on the disposition of the dataset either at the end of the job or when the step abnormally terminates . DISP always

required unless the dataset is created and deleted in the same step

Q: How many subparameters does the DISP parameter consist of and what is the meaning of each?A: The DISP parameter consists of three subparameters: start-status, end-status-normal and end-status-abend. Start-

status indicates the status of a dataset at the beginning of the job step. End-status-normal tells MVS what needs to be

done with the dataset when the job step ends. End-status-abend indicates the desired disposition of the dataset if the job

step abend. It is also known as the conditional disposition.

Q: What are the meanings of the parameters used (within) the DISP parameter at the beginning of the job step?

A: The status NEW, MOD, OLD, or SHR is the status of the dataset at the beginning of the step. If the dataset is NEW, the

system creates a dataset label; if it is OLD, the system locates the dataset. The system gives a program exclusive control

of a database except when SHR is used.

Q: What are the normal disposition of the DISP parameter?

A: The normal disposition indicates the disposition of the dataset when the dataset is closed or when the job terminates

normally. Normal dispositions are KEEP, DELETE, PASS, CATLG, and UNCATLG.

Q: What is the abnormal disposition of the DISP parameter?

A: The abnormal disposition would be effected only if the step abnormally terminates. They are the same normal

disposition as except that PASS is not allowed KEEP, CATLG, UNCATLG and DELETE are all permitted.

Q: When should DISP=SHR be used?

A: DISP=SHR must be used only when it is necessary to share the dataset.

SHR should b used for input dataset.

Q: When should DISP=MOD be used?A: DISP=MOD is used to either to extend an existing sequential dataset or to create a dataset if it does not exist. If the

dataset exists the records are appended at the end of the existing dataset. If the dataset does not exist the system treats

mod as if it were NEW, provided that the volume parameter has not been used. If the volume parameter is used, the

system terminates the job and does not create the new dataset. MOD can be used to add to the dataset that extends to

several volumes. Always specify a disposition of CTLG with the MOD for cataloged dataset, even if they are already

cataloged, so that any additional volume serial number will be recorded in the catalog.

Q: When should DISP = OLD be used?

A: DISP = OLD should be used for an existing dataset. It can be used with an input dataset to read or an output dataset to

rewrite. The step which uses DISP=OLD will have exclusive control of the dataset. If an OLD dataset is cataloged, the

DSN parameter is usually the only other parameter needed. If an LD dataset is not cataloged, UNIT and VOL parameterare required.

Q: When should DISP = NEW be used?

A: DISP=NEW should be used when it is desired to create a dew dataset. The UNIT parameter is usually required for

dataset on direct access volumes.

Q: How is a dataset passed from one step to another?

A: A dataset is passed from one step to another based on what is coded on the DISP parameter. The dataset can only be

passed to subsequent steps if PASS is used on the disposition parameter.


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Q: If a dataset is passed and the subsequent steps do not use it, what happen to the dataset at the end of the

job?

A: If a dataset is passed to subsequent steps and it is not used, at the end of the job the dataset is deleted, since DELETE

is assumed for all NEW datasets, temporary or non temporary.

Q: What is the default for the disposition parameter if its not coded on the DD statement for a dataset?

A: The default disposition used on a dataset, which was coded without a disposition parameter, is NEW. The disposition

of NEW implies exclusive control of the dataset.

Q: How are dataset concatenated?

A: Datasets are concatenated by writing a normal DD statement for the first dataset and the adding a DD statement

without a DDNAME for each dataset to be concatenated in the order they are to be read. The following is an example of

three datasets concatenated:

//INSMP DD DSN=JAN.DATA, DISP=SHR

// DD DSN=FEB.DATA, DISP=SHR

// DD DSN=MAR.DATA, DISP=SHR

Q: Can datasets of a different record length (LRECL) be concatenated?

A: Datasets with different LRECLs can be concatenated as long as the dataset with the largest block size appears first.

Q: Can Partitioned Datasets (PDSs) be concatenated?

A: Partitioned Datasets can be concatenated. This is often done for program libraries so that the system can search

several libraries fro a member.

Q: What is a Data Control Block (DCB)?

A: The Data Control Block is a table of data, in storage, that describes each dataset used by the program.

Q: What are two different places from which DCB information can be obtained and in what order?

A: Data information can be obtained from three places in the following order:

The data control block, from application program, is used first.

Information supplied on the DD statement is used second.Dataset label information for the DCB is used third.

Q: What is the purpose of using a dataset referback?

A: A dataset referback is used to copy a dataset name from a prior job step.

Q: What are the disadvantages of using a dataset referback?

A: The disadvantages of using dataset referback is that they tend to make JCL more difficult to maintain because close

attention, scrutiny and manual examination of preceding steps is needed to understand what a given job-stream is doing.

They also complicate the restart of a job if a failure or interruption occurs.

Q: Under which circumstances is the disposition parameter not performed?A: Disposition is not performed under the following circumstances:

The step does not start because of JCL errors.

The step is bypassed because of the COND parameter in the JOB or EXEC statement

The step abnormally terminates because it could not find enough space to satisfy the request.

DUMMY or DSN=NULLFILE is coded on the DD statement.


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Q: How are in-stream procedures (procs) built?A: In-stream procedures are built by coding a set of statements and placing them after the JOB statement and before theEXEC statement. In-stream procedures begin with a PROC statement and end with a PEND statement. Up to 15 in-stream procedures can be included in a single job.Each in-stream procedures may be invoked several times within the job. In-stream procedures can use symbolicparameters in the same way as catalogued procedures.

Q: What is the difference between an in-stream procedure and a catalogued procedure?A: An In-stream procedure is basically same as a catalogued procedure. The difference is that to execute an in-streamprocedure one places it after the JOB statement and before the EXEC statement and must end it with a PEND statement.

A catalogued procedure is catalogued on a procedure library and is called by specifying the procedure name on the EXECstatement. An in-stream procedure is useful to test the procedure before making it a catalogued procedure.

Q: Name some of the JCL statements that are not allowed in the procs.A: Some of the JCL statements that are not allowed in the procs are:1. JOB Delimiter (/*) or Null (//) statements2. JOBLIB or JOBCAT DD statements3. DD * or DATA statements4. Any JES2 or JES3 control statements

Q: What parameters are good candidates to make symbolic parameters?A: Any parameter, sub parameter, or value in a procedure that may vary each time the procedure is called is a goodcandidate to be coded as a symbolic parameter.

Q: Which type of override parameter requires that one know the parameters that can be overridden?A: Regular parameters require that one know the parameters that can be overridden, such as step names within theprocedure, the DDnames of the statements overridden, and the order of the DD statements.

Q: How is a symbolic parameter coded?A: A symbolic parameter is preceded by an ampersand (&) and followed by a name (&FIRST). The first character must bealphabetic. Symbolic parameters can be coded only in the operand field of the JCL statements; they cannot appear in thename or operation field of the JCL statements. If more than one value is assigned to the symbolic parameters on a PROCor EXEC statement, only the first one is used. Symbolic parameters may be coded in any order on the PROC or EXECstatement.

Q: How are values assigned to symbolic parameter?A: Values can be assigned to symbolic parameter on the PROC statement, on the EXEC statement, or on a SETcommand. Values containing special characters other than blank must be enclosed in apostrophes. The Values assignedto symbolic parameter can be of any length, but it cannot be continued onto another line.

Q: Can symbolic parameter concatenated?A: Symbolic parameter can be concatenated with other symbolic parameters, regular parameter or with the portions of theregular parameters as followsSymbolic/symbolic PARM-&FIRST&LASTSymbolic/regular SPACE-&SPACESSymbolic/portion SPACE-CTRK, &PRIMARY

Q: What are some of the rules involved in overriding parameters on the EXEC statements in a procedure?A: To override EXEC parameter one should follow these rules1. A PGM parameter cannot be overridden.

2. The parameter for each step do not need to be coded in the same order as they appear on the procedure EXECstatement3. To add or override a parameter on an EXEC statement, code it as follows parameter.procstepname=value.4. If a parameter which does not exist is coded on the EXEC statement, the parameter will be added5. All parameters in each step must be coded in order: the first step must be coded first, second step second, third stepthird, etc.

Q: What are some of the rules involved in overriding DD statements in procs?A: The following rules apply when overriding a DD statement:1. DD statement overrides precede the DDname with procstepname2. The JCL parameter is replaced unless it does not exist on the original statement, in which case it is added. For the DCBeach sub parameter can be overridden3. DD statement overrides should carry DDnames that already exist in the step they are to effect


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4. DD statement overrides must be coded preceding any added DD statement for the proc step5. DD override statement must be listed in the order in which they are shown in the proc6. DD override statement are only in effect for the duration of the run

Q: How are concatenated DD statements in the proc overridden?A: Overriding concatenated DD statements requires the following:1. To override only the first DD statement in a concatenation, code only one overriding DD statement2. To override all DD statements in a concatenation, code an overriding DD fo each concatenated DD statement3. The overriding concatenated DD statements must be in the same order as the concatenated DD statement4. Code a DDname on the first overriding DD statements only. Leave the DDname blank on the following DD statements.5. To leave a concatenated statements unchanged, code its corresponding, overriding DD statement with a blank operand

field


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Mainframe JCL Compiling, Link Editing and Execution Interview Questions,JCL Interview FAQs and Answers

Q: What does a mainframe compiler output in the object deck and what does the linkage editor do with it?A: The compiler outputs the source code into the object deck in a form to be read by the linkage editor. The linkage editorcombines the object dataset (object deck) from the compiler with machine language code for input/output and other tasksto create an executable load module.

Q: If a program executed attempts to divide a number by zero, do arithmetic on a field that does not containnumeric data, or has some other serious logic error, an abend will occur. What is the normal response that MVSwould issue?

A: MVS would issue a system completion code that would indicate the nature of the problem, dump the programsmemory area, and flush the job from the system. The dump may be used for problem analysis. The dump is printed orstored in a dataset as specified in the //SYSUDUMP DD statement. If //SYSUDUMP is omitted, MVS will provide thecompletion code value, but not the dump.

Q: Where must load module(s) reside?A: Load module(s) must reside on a Partitioned DataSet (PDS).

Q What are some of the common linkage editor options and what do they mean?A: Some of the commonly used linkage editor options are1. LIST Lists the linkage editor control statements and is usually specified. Omit the parameter if no linking is declared.2. MAP Produces a storage map showing the length and relative locations of all control sections. Default is NOMAP.3. XREF Includes MAP plus a cross-reference table of the load module (MAP and XREF are mutually exclusive)

4. NOCALL - Cancels the automatic library call mechanism. NOCALL is used for creating subroutine libraries so that theload module contains a single subroutine. CALL is the default.5. LET Marks load modules as executable even if minor errors are found. NOLET is the default.6. PRINT Allows the messages to be written to a SYSOUT DD statement and it is the default. NOPRINT suppresses themessage.7. AMODE Specifies whether the program uses 24 or 31- bit addressing. AMODE ANY specifies both 24 and 31 bitaddressing. AMODE 24 requires the program to run below the 16-meg line. The default is established by the compiler andis usually AMODE 24.8. RMODE Indicates where the program can reside in virtual storage. RMODE ANY allows the program to reside abovethe 16-meg line and requires AMODE 31 or AMODE ANY. RMODE 24 requires the program to reside below the 16-megline. The default is established by the compiler and is usually RMODE 24.9. TERM Causes linkage editor diagnostic message to be written to a SYSTERM DD statement. NOTERM is thedefault.

Q: What causes the message MODULE HAS BEEN MARKED NOTEXECUTABLE?A: An unresolved external reference often causes the message MODULE HAS BEEN MARKED NOT EXECUTABLE.Although the module is not executable, one may be able to recover by link-editing the control section causing the problemand replacing it in the load module.

Q: Why would the linkage editor add a member to a load library under the name TEMPNAME?A: The linkage editor will add a member to the load library under the name of TEMPNAME when a member of the samename already exist on the library and the disposition on the SYSLMOD statement was coded as DISP = MOD. Thisindicates a problem and need s to be resolved.

JCL UTILITIESQ: What is an IEBGENER used for?

A: IEBGENER is a dataset utility used to copy sequential datasets, produce a partitioned dataset or member from asequential dataset, produce an edited sequential or partitioned dataset, and reblock / change the logical record length of adataset.

Q: What is an IEBCOPY used for?A: IEBCOPY is a dataset utility used to copy one or more partitioned datasets or to merge partitioned datasets. Apartitioned dataset that is copied to a sequential dataset is said to be unloaded. When one or more dataset created by anunload operation are used to recreate a partitioned dataset, it is called a load operation. Specific members of a partitionedor unloaded dataset can be selected for, or excluded from, a copy, unload or load process.

Q: What is an IEFBR14 used for?A: IEFBR14 is used to delete datasets, find dataset, catalog, and uncatalog datasets.


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Q: What is an IEHLIST used for?A: IEHLIST is a system utility used to list entries in an OS CVOL, entries in the directory of one or more partitioneddatasets, or entries in an indexed or nonindexed volume table of contents (VTOC).

Q: What is an IEHINIT used for?A: IEHINIT is a system utility used to write an IBM volume label onto any number of magnetic tapes mounted on one ormore tape units. Each volume label set created by this program contains a standard volume label, and 80-byte dummyheader and a tapemark.

Q: What is an IEBPTPCH used for?A: IEBPTPCH is a dataset utility used to print or punch all or selected, portions of a sequential or partitioned dataset.

Records can be printed or punched to meet either standard specifications or user specification.

Q: What is an IEBUPDTE used for?A: IEBUPDTE is a dataset utility used to create and update dataset libraries, modify existing partitioned members orsequential dataset and change the organization of dataset from sequential to partitioned or Vice Versa.

Q: What utility can be both used for VSAM and NON VSAM files?A: IDCAMS utility is used to handle VSAM and NON VSAM files.

Q: Which parameter is required to copy the dataset using IEBCOPY?A: The parameter COPY is required to indicate one or more IEBCOPY copy, unload or load operations. Any number ofoperations can follow a single COPY statement and any number of COPY statements can appear within a single job step.

Q: What is the parameter GENERATE used for on utility IEBGENER?A: The parameter GENERATE for the utility IEBGENER is used when output is to be partitioned, editing is to beperformed or user routines are provided and / or label processing is specified.

Q: What is the parameter MEMBER used for an utility IEBGENER?A: The parameter MEMBER for the utility IEBGENR is used when the output is to be partitioned. One member statementmust be included for each member to be created by IEBGENER. ALL RECORD statements following a MEMBERstatement pertain to the number named in that MEMBER statement.

Q: What is the parameter RECORD used for on utility IEBGENER?A: The parameter RECORD for the utility IEBGENER is used to define a record group and to supply editing information.A record group consists of records that are to be processed identically.

Q: Which utility uses the REPRO command and what function does it perform?

A: The utility IDCAMS uses the REPRO command. The REPRO command copies sequential datasets. It performs muchthe same function as IEBGENER.

Q: How does one verify that a utility has ended normally?A: To verify if a utility has ended normally, one must check the JCL for a return code of zero. Various utilities generatereturn codes of 0004, 0008, 0012 and higher, in increments of 4, when problems or unusual conditions have beenencountered.

Q: When a utility ends with a nonzero return code, what must be done to resolve the problem?A: When a utility ends with a nonzero return code, it is necessary to determine what caused the error. One may start bychecking for error message generated by the utility and look them upon on a utility messages manual. Also, the JCLstatements and / or control statements should be checked to make sure they were properly coded. Once the error hasbeen identified, it should be fixed and the job resubmitted.

Q: What are the kinds of job control statements?A: The JOB, EXEC and DD statement.

Q: What is the meaning of keyword in JCL? What is its opposite?A: A keyword in a JCL statement may appear in different places and is recognized by its name, e.g. MSGCLASS in theJOB statement. The opposite is positional words, where their meaning is based on their position in the statement, e.g. inthe DISP keyword the =(NEW, CATLG, DELETE) meanings are based on first, second and third position.

Q: Describe the JOB statement, its meaning, syntax and significant keywords.A: The JOB statement is the first in a JCL stream. Its format is // jobname, keyword JOB, accounting information inbrackets and keywords, MSGCLASS, MSGLEVEL, NOTIFIY, CLASS, etc.


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Q: Describe the EXEC statement, its meaning, syntax and keywords.A: The EXEC statement identifies the program to be executed via a PGM=program name keyword. Its format is //jobnameEXEC PGM=program name. The PARM= keyword can be used to pass external values to the executing program.

Q: Describe the DD statement, its meaning, syntax and keywords.A: The DD statement links the external dataset name (DSN) to the DDNAME coded within the executing program. It linksthe file names within the program code to the file names know to the MVS operating system.The syntax is // DDname DD DSN=dataset name. Other keywords after DSN are DISP, DCB, SPACE, etc.

Q: What is a PROC? What is the difference between an instream and a catalogued PROC?A: PROC stands for procedure. It is 'canned' JCL invoked by a PROC statement. An instream PROC is presented within

the JCL; a catalogued PROC is referenced from a proclib partitioned dataset.

Q: What is the difference between a symbolic and an override in executing a PROC?A: A symbolic is a PROC placeholder; the value for the symbolic is supplied when the PROC is invoked, eg.&symbol=value. An override replaces the PROC's statement with another one; it substitutes for the entire statement.

Q: What is RESTART? How is it invoked?A: RESTART is a JOB statement keyword. It is used to restart the job at a specified step rather than at the beginning.

Q: What is a GDG? How is it referenced? How is it defined? What is a MODELDSCB?A: GDG stands for generation data group. It is a dataset with versions that can be referenced absolutely or relatively. It isdefined by an IDCAMS define generation datagroup execution.

Q: Explain concatenating datasets.A: Datasets can be grouped in a DD statement one after another, eg. in a JOBLIB statement where the load module canexist in one of many datasets.

Q: What is the difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?A: DISP=OLD denotes exclusive control of the dataset; DISP=SHR means there is no exclusivity.

Q: What is MOD and when would you use it?A: DISP=MOD is used when the dataset can be extended, ie, you can add records at the end of an existing dataset.

Q: What are the keywords associated with DCB? How can you specify DCB information?What is the OSprecedence for obtaining that DCB information, ie. where does the system look for it first?A: The keywords associated with the DCB parameter are LRECL, RECFM, BLKSIZE and DSORG.The DCB information can be supplied in the DD statement. The sysem looks for DCB information in the program code

first.

Q: How do you designate a comment in JCL?A: The comment statement is //* followed by the comments.

Q: What is the meaning of the EXEC statement keyword, COND? What is its syntax?A: COND specifies the conditions for executing the subsequent job step. The value after the COND= is compared to thereturn codes of the preceding steps and if the comparison is true, the step is bypassed.

Q: What is the improvement to COND= in the latest version of MVS?A: MVS now allows for an IF bracketed by an END IF around any job step to replace the COND= syntax. Again, if the IFstatement is true, the step is bypassed.

Q: What is the purpose of the PARM keyword in the EXEC statement?A: The value after the PARM= specifies control information to be passed to the executing program of the job step.

Q: What is the purpose and meaning of the REGION keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?A: REGION specifies the maximum CPU memory allocated for a particular job or job step. If REGION is in the JOB card, irelates to the entire job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.

Q: What is the purpose and meaning of the TIME keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?A: TIME specifies the maximum CPU time allocated for a particular job or job step. If TIME is in the JOB card, it relates tothe entire job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.


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Q: What is the meaning of data definition name (ddname) and dataset name (dsname) in the DD statement?A: Data definition name is the eight character designation after the // of the DD statement. It matches the internal namespecified in the steps executing program. In COBOL that's the name specified after the ASSIGN in the SELECT ASSIGNstatement. Dataset name is the operating system (MVS) name for the file.

Q: How is the keyword DUMMY used in JCL?A: For an output file DUMMY specifies that the output is to be discarded. For input it specifies that the file is empty.

Q: What does the keyword DCB mean and what are some of the keywords associated with it?A: DCB stands for data control block; it is a keyword for the DD statement used to describe datasets. Keywords

associated with it are BLKSIZE, DEN, LRECL and RECFM.

Q: What is the difference between BLKSIZE and LRECL?A: BLKSIZE specifies the number of bytes.


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COLLECTION OF INTERVIEW Qs AND As

Overview:Mainframe JCL Technical Interview Questions Answers ,Explanations,FAQs,Solutions

Q: What do you mean by INCLUDE statement in JCL?

A: An INCLUDE statement identifies a member of a PDS that contains this set of JCL statements is called an INCLUDE

group. The system replaces the INCLUDE statement with the statements in the INCLUDE group.

Q: What are S0C1, S0C4, S0C5, S0C7 ABENDs??A:S0C1 (Operation Exception Error) - May be due to

Missing or misspelled DD name ,Read/Write to unopened dataset ,Reading a dataset opened output mode ,Writing into a

dataset opened input mode ,Called subprogram not found

S0C4 may be due to

Missing Select statement (during compile) ,Bad Subscript/index ,Protection Exception

,Missing parameters on called subprogram ,Read/Write to unopened file ,Move data from/to unopened file;

S0C5 May be due to

Bad Subscript/index ,Close an unopened dataset ,Bad exit from a perform ,Access to I/O area (FD) before read;

S0C7 may be due to

Numeric operation on non-numeric data ,Un-initialized working storage ,Coding past the maximum allowed subscriptS0CB might be due to 1.Division by Zero

Q: Why do you use a CONTROL CARD?

A: A CONTROL CARD can be a member of a PDS or a sequential dataset and is used for storing the date fields,

definitions of VSAM files etc., We use CONTROL CARD because we cannot use an in-stream procedure in a procedure.

Generally you will be calling a PROC from your JCL and you cannot code instream procedure in the PROC and so you

will point to the dataset, which is called controlcard.

Q: How do you submit JCL via a Cobol program?

A: In your JCL define as: //JOBA JOB 1111,JOB1 //STEP01 EXEC PGM=PROG1 //ddname DDSYSOUT=(*,INTRDR)....and your COBOL (PROG1) should look like this: SELECT JCL-FILE ASSIGN TO ddname. Open

this file and write the JCL statements into this file. Example: MOVE '//TESTJOB JOB 1111,VISVEISH' TO JCL-

REC.MOVE '//STEP01 EXEC PGM=IEFBR14' TO JCL-REC.and close this file. Then TESTJOB will be submitted.

Q: How do you submit a JCL under CICS environment?

A: Pass all the JCL codes to a COBOL variable (should be declared using OCCURS clause) and then write the line one

by one to the spool using CICS commands like SPOOLClose, SPOOLOpen and SPOOLWrite. For more help refer CECI

of CICS or CICS manual.

Q: What is the parameter to be passed in the job card for the unlimited time, irrespective of the job class

A: TIME=1440

Q: Define COND parameter in JCL?

A: COND is a condition parameter, consists of 2 subparameters, 1st - return code from the previous step, 2nd - condition.

If COND is true, the step on which COND is coded will be BYPASSED. It is compared with system return code of previous

step //STEP1 EXEC PGM=ABCD //STEP2 EXEC PGM=XYZ, cond=(4,lt) STEP 2 will be executed when system return

code of step1 is less than 4.


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Q: What is meant by S0C-07 system ABEND codes

A: S0C7 - Data exception error - you will get it whenever you are trying to move the low values or spaces into the numeric

field, or compare the numeric fields with low values, or try to do some arithmetic operations on the low values. To avoid

this you have to always initialize the numeric fields otherwise they will contain the low values.

Q: How to pass the temp dataset form one JOB step to another?

A: By specifying the DISP as PASS for the temp dataset

Q: Write a JCL to execute a Job by 7:00 AM on Jan 20,1986?

A: The code is: //*MAIN DEADLINE=(0700,B,012086)

Q: How many types of libraries are there in JCL?

A: Libraries are of three types: System Libraries:- such as SYS1.LINKLIB Private Libraries:- Specified in a JOBLIB or

STEPLIB DD STATEMENTS. Temporary Libraries:- Created in a previous step of the Job.


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Tags:IBM JCL Interview Questions and Answers,IBM JCL Interview,JCL Technical Interview Questions,JCL

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between JES2 & JES3 ?

JES3 allocates Data Sets for all the steps before the job is scheduled. In JES2, allocation of Data Sets Required by a step

are done only just before the step executes. JOB /EXEC/DD ALL PARAMETERS JOBLIB/STEPLIB PROCEDURES,

PARAMETERS PASSING CONDITION VARIABLES ABEND CODES.

What are the kinds of job control statements?The JOB, EXEC and DD statement

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

A keyword in a JCL statement may appear in different places and is recognized by its name, eg MSGCLASS in the JOB

statement The opposite is positional words, where their meaning is based on their position in the statement, eg in the

DISP keyword the =(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) meaning are based on first, second and third position.

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

The JOB statement is the first in a JCL stream Its format is // jobname, keyword JOB, accounting information in brackets

and keywords, MSGCLASS, MSGLEVEL, NOTIFIY, CLASS, etc .

Describe the EXEC statement, its meaning, syntax and keywords.?

The EXEC statement identifies the program to be executed via a PGM=program name keyword Its format is //jobname

EXEC PGM=program name The PARM= keyword can be used to pass external values to the executing program.

Describe the DD statement, its meaning, syntax and keywords.?

The DD statement links the external Data Set name (DSN) to the DDNAME coded within the executing program It links

the File names within the program code to the File names know to the MVS operating system The syntax is // ddname DD

DSN=Data Set name Other keywords after DSN are DISP, DCB, SPACE, etc .

What is a PROC?What is the difference between an instream and a catalogued PROC?

PROC stands for procedure It is 'canned' JCL invoked by a PROC statement An instream PROC is presented within the

JCL; a catalogued PROC is referenced from a proclib partitioned Data Set.

What is the difference between a symbolic and an override in executing a PROC?

A symbolic is a PROC placeholder; the value for the symbolic is supplied when the PROC is invoked, eg &symbol=value

An override replaces the PROC's statement with another one; it substitutes for the entire statement

What is RESTART? How is it invoked?

A RESTART is a JOB statement keyword It is used to restart the job at a specified s step rather than at the beginning

What is a GDG? How is it referenced?How is it defined? What is a MODELDSCB?

GDG stands for generation data group It is a Data Set with versions that can be referenced absolutely or relatively It is

defined by an IDCAMS define generation datagroup execution

Explain concatenating Data Sets ?

Data Sets can be grouped in a DD statement one after another, eg in a JOBLIB statement where the load module can

exist in one of many Data Sets.


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What is the difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a Data Set?

A DISP=OLD denotes exclusive control of the Data Set; DISP=SHR means there is no exclusivity .

What is MOD and when would you use it?

DISP=MOD is used when the Data Set can be extended, ie, you can add records at the end of an existing Data Set

What are the keywords associated with DCB? How can you specify DCB information? What is the OS precedence

for obtaining that DCB information, ie where does the system look for it first?The keywords associated with the DCB parameter are LRECL, RECFM, BLKSIZE and DSORG The DCB information can

be supplied in the DD statement The system looks for DCB information in the program code first

How do you designate a comment in JCL?

The comment statement is //* followed by the comments.

What is the meaning of the EXEC statement keyword, COND? What is its syntax?

COND specifies the conditions for executing the subsequent job step The value after the COND= is compared to the

return codes of the preceding steps and if the comparison is true, the step is bypassed (If this answer confuses you,

welcome to the club - memorize it and don't ask questions!).

What is the improvement to COND= in the latest version of MVS?

MVS now allows for an IF bracketed by an END IF around any job step to replace the COND= syntax Again, if the IF

statement is true, the step is bypassed.

What is the purpose of the PARM keyword in the EXEC statement?

The value after the PARM= specifies control information to be passed to the executing program of the job step

What is the purpose and meaning of the REGION keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?

REGION specifies the maximum CPU memory allocated for a particular job or job step If REGION is in the JOB card, it

relates to the entire job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step .

What is the purpose and meaning of the TIME keyword and what JCL statement is it associated with?

TIME specifies the maximum CPU time allocated for a particular job or job step If TIME is in the JOB card, it relates to the

entire job; if in the EXEC statement, it relates to the job step.

What is the meaning of data definition name (DD name) and Data Set name (DSN name) in the DD statement?

Data definition name is the eight character designation after the // of the DD statement It matches the internal name

specified in the steps executing program In COBOL that's the name specified after the ASSIGN in the SELECT ASSIGN

statement Data Set name is the operating system (MVS) name for the File.

How is the keyword DUMMY used in JCL?

For an output File DUMMY specifies that the output is to be discarded For input it specifies that the File is empty.


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Mainframe JCL Interview Questions and Answers Collection that would help the job seeker to clear upcomingMainframe Interview.

Q: What are the Maximum number of In-stream procedures you can code in any JCL?A: 15.

Q: What you mean by skeleton JCL?A: JCL, which changes during run time,that is the values for the JCL such as program name, dd name will change. Thesame JCL can be used for various jobs, equivalent to dynamic SQL;

Q: What is JCLA: It is an interface between operating system (MVS) & the application program. When two related programs arecombined together on control statements, it is called job control language

Q: What is the maximum blocksize for a Tape file?A: It is 32,760. Based on that we can calculate efficient number of Records in a Block

Q: What are the basic JCL Statements for a Job?A: The basic JCL statements for any job are: JOB : Identifies a job and supplies accounting info EXEC : Identifies a jobstep by indicating the name of the program to be executed. DD : Identifies a data set to be allocated for the job stepDelimiter (/*) : Marks the end of an in-stream dataset Null (//) : Marks the end of a job Comments (//*) : ProvidesComments PROC : Marks the beginning of a procedure PEND : Marks the end of a procedure OUTPUT : Suppliesoptions for SYSOUT processing.

Q: What does the statements: TYPRUN=SCAN and TYPRUN=HOLD do in a JCL statement?A TYPRUN= SCAN checks the JCL for errors, TYPRUN= HOLD holds the job until further notice.

Q: What is QSAM error usually when it occurs?A: Usually it occurs at the time of job submission.

Q: What is the purpose of INCLUDE statement in a JCL?A: It is used as an alternative for STEPLIB. When we specify the dataset name in INCLUDE , it will search in all thedatasets specified in the INCLUDE dataset.

Q: Is it possible to know the remaining free space in a Control Interval/Control Area once an insertion has beenmadeA: No. It is not possible.

Q: What is a GDG?A: GDG - group of dataset that are logically or chronologically related, referred by name and a relative generation number- an integer which identifies the generation of a dataset and is coded in parentheses after dataset name. Absolute GDGname - GxxxxVyy, where xxxx-absolute generation number, yy-version number. GDGs can be sequential, direct,partitioned. (VSAM - no). They must always be cataloged. Advantages - all datasets have the same name and systemkeeps track of adding new and retaining previous generations and deleting oldest successive generation. To create aGDG we create a GDG index in the system catalog with IDCAMS utility and then a model (prototype, DSCB) on the samevolume to supply DCB information. Empty - when limit is reached all members are removed from the index, otherwise onlyoldest. Scratch-removed members are uncataloged & deleted, otherwise - removed & uncataloged, but remain in thesystem (not members of GDG any more). GDG number is updated at the end of the job. If number is not specified allgenerations will be processed from the beginning

Q: What do you mean by spooling?A: This is managed by JES. This is used for Queuing the Outputs that are intended for Printing and are first stored inSPOOLDASD.

Q: How many Instream-Procedures (PROCs) can be coded in a single Job?A: 15

Q: What does SOC-04 error mean?A: This error is faced when we execute the Cobol program. The main reason for this error is that a variable is defined withfewer characters and we are trying to move data, which is larger than the actual storage space.

Q: In which table PLAN is registered in?A: RCT


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Q: For how long a Job can be executed continuously on a Mainframe?A: 248 DAYS

Q: How may divisions are there in JCL-COBOL?A: SIX

Q: What is the Maximum number of DD Statements to be coded in a single JCLA: 3273

Q: How much space OS allocates when you create a PS or PDS?

A: 56 KB

Q: What is the minimum number of Dataset names (PDS) in one Directory Block?A: SIX

Q: What is the maximum number of steps in a Job?A: 255

Q: How much is memory space involved, when we code BLOCKSIZE, TRK & CYLA: One block constitutes 32KB of formatted memory/ 42KB of Unformatted memory; 6 blocks makes one Track & 15Tracks makes one cylinder.

Q: What is DSNDB06?A: This is the Place where DB2 Catalog resides;

Q: What is the use of DSNDB07?A: This is the area where sorting takes place in DB2

Q: What is DATACOM DB?A: It is a Database used with VSE.

Q: What is a Dummy Utility and what it does?A: IEFBR14 is a Dummy utility and it is used for the sakeof EXEC PGM= .... statement in JCL [when used it wouldntperform any task]. e.g. While Allocating a dataset you don't have to run any utility [this could be done by giving disp=newin DD statment]. But for a PGM name must be given in EXEC statment, it is used.

Q: What 3 guidelines do we have to follow when concatenating DD statements?

A: The three guidelines for concatenating DD Statements are:- Datasets must be of the same type (disk or tape) Alldatasets must have the same logical record length (LRECL) The dataset with the largest blocksize must be listed first.

Q: On a DD statement, what is the main difference between creating a new sequential flat file and a partitioneddataset?A: SPACE= (n,m) for a sequential file, SPACE= (n,m,p) for a PDS where n, m, and p are numbers. The p designates howmany directory blocks to allocate.

Q: What is the difference between IEBGENER, IEBCOPY and REPRO in IDCAMS utility?A: They are the utility programs used in JCLs: IEBGENER : This utility is used for copying sequential datasets whichproduces a PDS or a member from a sequential dataset. IEBCOPY : This utility is used for copying one PDS to another orto merge PDSs. REPRO : This is for copying sequential datasets. More or less same as the IEBGENER

Q: What is the difference between STATIC CALL & DYNAMIC CALLA: In the case of STATIC CALL, the called program is stand-alone and an executable. During run time we can call it in ourcalled program. In a DYNAMIC CALL, the called program is not an executable program and it can executed through thecalled program

Q: What is the difference between CATALOGED PROCEDURE and IN-STREAM PROCEDURE?A: INSTREAM PROCEDURES are set of JCL statements written between JOB and EXEC statements, start with PROCand end with PEND statement. Mainly used to test cataloged procedures. CATALOGED PROCEDURES are cataloged onthe procedure library (PROCLIB) and is called by specifying the procedure name on the EXEC statement.

Q: Can we browse or edit the GDG dataset if it is a tape entry?A: No


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

Q: How many parameters are there to a DISP statement and what are their uses. ?A: There are three (3) parameters: Parameter 1: Current data set disposition (NEW, SHR,OLD,MOD) Parameter 2:Normal close action for data set (CATLG, KEEP, DELETE) Parameter 3: Abend action for data set (CATLG, KEEP,DELETE)

Q: What is COMP?A: COMP - HALF WORD BINARY

Q: What is a PROCEDURE?A: A set of precoded JCL that can be modified through the use of parameters or override cards. Note: Procedures can becatalogued or instream.

Q: What is the difference between specifying DISP=OLD and DISP=SHR for a dataset?A: OLD specifies exclusive use of a dataset, SHR allows multiple jobs to concurrently access the dataset. [Note: Whenupdating a dataset, you would normally use OLD]

Q: What are the three basic types of statements in a jobstream?A: The three basic types of statements in a jobstream are: JOB : We can code one per jobstream EXEC : It can be one ormore per job DD : one or more per jobstep); JOB It indicates start of jobstream to the operating system and throughparms coded on it, it contains certain details about the job (like time, region, message level, job accounting data). EXEC It indicates the start of execution of a particular job step, be that step a program or a proc. DD It is a data definitionstatement, which is used to describe the attributes of a dataset (like name, unit, type, space, disposition etc.,).

Q: What does SYSIN * indicate?A: Instream data follows this card and is terminated when followed by a card containing // or /* in columns 1 and 2.


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Tags:Mainframe JCL Interview Questions and Answers ,JCL Concepts Explanation,JCL Technical InterviewQuestions,JCL Frequently Asked Questions

What does the keyword DCB mean and what are some of the keywords ?associated IT DCB stands for data control block; it is a keyword for the DD statement used to describe Data SetsKeywords associated with it are BLKSIZE, DEN, LRECL and RECFM.

What is the difference between BLKSIZE and LRECL?BLKSIZE specifies the number of bytes

What are all the JCL statements used in JCL? & What are the JCL statements you have coded so far?//JOB marks the beginning of a job, contains job information //EXEC marks the beginning of a job step, identifies program,cataloged procedure to be executed //DD (data definition), identifies a data set and its attributes //OUTPUT (specifiesprocessing options for system output(sysout) data sets) //(null) (end of job) /* (end of data placed in input stream) //PROC(procedure) //PEND (procedure end) //* (comment)

What is the difference between the positional parameters & keyword parameters, give examples where they areused?Positional Parameters are:- a).Sequence predetermined b) Parameters separated by commas c) Omitted parametersmust be indicated by two consecutive commas. d) Installation dependent EX: //JOBNAME JOB (DIS,TRG.TRGGLO.NL.BATCH), PGM1) //SETP01 EXEC PGM=MYPROG Keyword parameters are Predetermined words arereferred to as key word Parameters. Any sequence is permitted, separated by commas. Follow positional parameters.Format is = EX: //JOBNAME JOB (DIS, TRG, N1, BATCH), MSGLEVEL=(1,1), // MSGCLASS=X, NOTIFY=QZ6P03T,

TYPRUN=SCAN

What are the operands coded in a JOB statement?All the Positional and Key word parameters in the JOB statement. Accounting Information, MSGCLASS, CLASS,MSGLEVEL, NOTIFY, USERID, PASSWD, COND, REGION, RESTART.

How many characters can be coded for a job name? What were you coding as a job name?8 Characters, Usually JOBNAME will be like User-id + 1 Char

What is the difference between the Comment statement and the Comments?How they were coded in a JCL?//* is the comment statement and it starts from column number 1 Anything that is written after 71st column is taken as acomment.

How will you check the syntax of the JOB without executing it?Can use JSCAN.Code TYPRUN=SCAN and submit the JCL for syntactical errors.

What are all the parameters needed in a DD statement to create a data set thru JCL? How a Partitioned data set iscreated thru JCL?DISP (Disposition): The DISP parameter describes the status of a data set to the system, what is to be done with the dataset at the end of the job step, and what to do with the data set if the step terminates abnormally DCB (Data control black) DCB=(LRECL=NN, BLKZIZE=YY,RECFM=Z,DSORG=MM) Z can be F, FB, V, VB MM Can be PS (physical sequence)PO (partitioned) DSN (Data set name) : UNIT : Identifies device of data set Space :

How is the Catalog procedure called from a JCL, if it is lying in your own data sets ?STEP1 EXEC PROC=PROC1 The library in which PROC1 is present should be mentioned in PROCLIB.

What is the difference between the In-stream Procedure & Catalog Procedure?

In-stream Procedures begin with a PROC stmt and must be terminated by a PEND stmt. (PEND can also be coded for acataloged Procedure, but it isnt required) The PENC stmt coded as : //Option-name PEND comments The In-streamProcedure is placed following the JOB statement of the JOB. Up to 15 In-stream Procedures can be included in a single

job. Each In-stream Procedure may be invoked several times with in the job. //QZ5P13TD JOB (18636), HARISH,CLASS=A //RUN PROC In-stream procedure starts from here //GO EXEC PGM=ONE //SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=A //PEND//STEP1 EXEC RUN procedure is used like .. A set of JCL stmts consisting of a PROC stmt and one or more EXEC andDD stmt (steps), which is placed in a procedure library. It executed by an EXEC (procedure) stmt in another data set(called the execution JCL). Advantages : Saves time, prevents errors.

What is the Symbolic parameter?What for it is needed? Where it is most commonly used?Any parameter that can vary with each execution is a good candidate for definition of a symbolic parameter. Use ofsymbolic parameter make the procedure more flexible. This prevents the procedure to be modified each and every time a


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small and recurring change is needed at a place. //DD1 DD DSNAME=&SYSUID..PROFILE,DISP=(NEW,KEEP),

Can you explain the DISP Parameter in detail? What are the default DISP Parameters?a. Current Status NEW Default OLD exclusive SHR Simultaneously MOD b. Normal Disposition KEEP Default ifDISP = SHR, OLD, MOD DELETE Default if DISP = NEW CATLG c. Abnormal Termination same as NormalDisposition

What is the difference between the Refer-back & Overriding parameters?How are they coded in a JCL?Refer back option is a reference to an earlier DD statement in the job or in cataloged or in in-stream procedure called by a

job step. KEYWORD = reference. //JOB1 JOB .. //STEPA EXEC .. //DD1 DD DSN=REPORT ... // DD4 DD DSN=*.DD1//JOB2 JOB .. //SETP1 EXEC .. //DDA DD DSN=D578.POL.PUBS01 .. //STEP2 EXEC .. //DDB DD DSN=*.STEP1.DDA

Over riding parameters. In an In-stream or Cataloged procedures, the DD names mentioned in the JCL will override theones in the procedures. //JOB1 JOB .. //STEPA EXEC PROC1 //PS1.DD1 DD DSN=SAMPLE.PUB,DISP=SHR//PS2.DD2 DD DSN=SAMPLE.PUB1,DISP=SHR Proc PROC1 contains... //PS1 EXEC PGM=ABC //* //DD1 DDDSN=DUMMY //SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=* // //PS2 EXEC PGM=DEF //* //DD1 DDDSN=SAMP.PROG.DATA,DISP=SHR //DD2 DD DSN=SAMP.PROG.DATA1,DISP=SHR // SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=*

How do you pass parameters to a program coded in an EXEC statement?Through PARM Clause coded on the EXEC statement. The parameters have to be defined in the Linkage Section ofCOBOL program.

What is a GDG?A GDG is Generation Data Group. GDGS allow users to create multiple data sets with the same base name distinguishedby a logical number. History files can be referenced by using a negative generation number. GDG base can be createdusing a utility (IEBPROGM or IDCAMS) With (+1) we will be creating. EX: //OUTDD DDDSN=QZ6P03T.ARUN.MASTER(+1) (Create new data set) //INDD DD DSN=QZ6P03T.ARUN.MASTER(+0) (Referencemost current data set). Yes - GDG can be sequential, direct, or partitioned Organization and can be reside on tape ordirect-access volumes GDG must always be cataloged

What are the parameters used in creating a GDG? Explain in detail? Can you alter the parameters for the existingGDG?If yes, How? Creating a Model Data Set Label (or control block, DSCB)This label is a data set which contains DCB attributes and is usually referred to in the DCB parameter when creating newGDG data sets. Most shops create the model DSCB with no DCB attributes.

What for the Model data set used for a GDG? How much space will you give to the Model Data set ?The system needs an existing data set to serve as a model supplying the DCB parameters for the GDG to you want tocreate. The system uses the data set label to obtain the DCB sub-parameters, and the model is called the DSCB forreasons lost to history. Need not specify any space while creating a model data set.

How many Maximum generations can be created for a GDG?> How will you create a Generation data set ?The maximum number of GDG versions that can be created is 255. A GDG data set is created with (+1) appended to thename of the GDG base.

What is the E37 error?How will you resolve it with out losing a single byte of data?(Hint: This Error comes when you save the data set after editing it) Insufficient Space.

What is SOC7 abend ?How do you resolve it?Data Exception. Eliminate the bad data by debugging the program.


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This article provides IBM Mainframe Interview Questions covering JCL questions with answers and solutions,IBMMainframe JCL Codes

1. What is primary allocation for a Data Set?The space allocated when the Data Set is first created .

2. What is the difference between primary and secondary allocations for a Data Set?Secondary allocation is done when more space is required than what has already been allocated

3. How many extents are possible for a Sequential File ? For a VSAM File ?

16 extents on a volume for a Sequential File and 123 for a VSAM File

4. What does a disposition of (NEW,CATLG,DELETE) mean?- That this is a new Data Set and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the Data Set if the step is successful and to delete theData Set if the step abends.

5. What does a disposition of (NEW,CATLG,KEEP) mean?- That this is a new Data Set and needs to be allocated, to CATLG the Data Set if the step is successful and to KEEP butnot CATLG the Data Set if the step abends Thus if the step abends, the Data Set would not be catalogued and we wouldneed to supply the Vol ser the next time we refer to it

6. How do you access a File that had a disposition of KEEP?

- Need to supply volume serial no VOL=SER=xxxx MOD,DELETE

7. What does a disposition of (,DELETE) mean ?The MOD will cause the Data Set to be created (if it does not exist), and then the two DELETE will cause the Data Set tobe deleted whether the step abends or not This disposition is used to clear out a Data Set at the beginning of a job

8. What is the DD statement for a output File?Unless allocated earlier, will have the following parameters: DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE), UNIT , SPACE & DCB

9. What do you do if you do not want to keep all the space allocated to a Data Set?Specify the parameter RLSE ( release ) in the SPACE. Eg: SPACE=(CYL,(50,50),RLSE)

10. What is DISP=(NEW,PASS,DELETE)?This is a new File and create it, if the step terminates normally, pass it to the subsequent steps and if step abends, deleteit This Data Set will not exist beyond the JCL

11. How do you create a temporary Data Set? Where will you use them?Temporary Data Sets can be created either by not specifying any DSNAME or by specifying the temporary File indicatoras in DSN=&&TEMP We use them to carry the output of one step to another step in the same job The Data Set will not beretained once the job completes

12. How do you restart a proc from a particular step?In job card, specify RESTART=proc step step name where procstep = name of the jcl step that invoked the proc andstepname = name of the proc step where you want execution to start

13. How do you skip a particular step in a proc/JOB?Can use either condition codes or use the jcl control statement IF (only in ESA JCL)

14. A PROC has five steps Step 3 has a condition code How can you override/nullify this condition code?Provide the override on the EXEC stmt in the JCL as follows: //STEP001 EXEC procname,CONDstepname=value Allparameters on an EXEC stmt in the proc such as COND, PARM have to be overridden like this

. How do you override a specific DDNAME/SYSIN in PROC from a JCL?// DSN=

16. What is NOTCAT 2?This is an MVS message indicating that a duplicate catalog entry exists Eg, if you already have a D

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