ABC Companies Technical Consultant Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Functions return a value while procedures do not.

• Functions return a value while procedures do not.

• Functions can be used in expressions while procedures cannot.

• Functions can have parameters passed by value or reference while procedures can only have parameters passed by reference.

Packed decimal and zoned decimal are two common data formats used in mainframe systems.

• Packed decimal is a binary-coded decimal format that stores two digits in each byte, with the last nibble used for sign.

• Zoned decimal is a format that uses one byte to store each digit, with the last byte used for sign.

• Packed decimal is more space-efficient than zoned decimal, but requires more processing power to convert to and from...read more

Fields can be added to a physical file without compiling using SQL ALTER TABLE statement.

• Use ALTER TABLE statement to add fields to physical file.

• Syntax: ALTER TABLE library/file ADD COLUMN fieldname datatype

• Example: ALTER TABLE MYLIB/EMPLOYEE ADD COLUMN EMAIL VARCHAR(50)

To declare a file in CL program, use the DCLF command followed by the file name.

• Use the DCLF command followed by the file name to declare a file in CL program.

• The file name should be enclosed in parentheses.

• The file must be defined in the program's file description.

• Example: DCLF FILE(MYFILE)

• The file can then be used in the program using its declared name.

Binding programs in RPGILE involves specifying the program name and library in the binding directory.

• Create a binding directory using CRTBNDDIR command

• Add the program to the binding directory using ADDLIBLE command

• Specify the program name and library in the binding directory using the BNDDIR parameter in the CRTPGM command

• Use the CALL statement to call the program

A subsystem is a smaller system within a larger system that performs a specific function.

• Subsystems are often used in complex engineering systems such as airplanes and automobiles.

• They can be thought of as modules that work together to achieve a larger goal.

• Subsystems can be hardware or software-based.

• Examples of subsystems include the engine subsystem in a car and the navigation subsystem in an airplane.

OVRDBF is a command in IBM i (AS/400) that allows a program to override the file it is accessing.

• OVRDBF is used to temporarily redirect a program's file input/output to a different file.

• It can be used to redirect output to a printer or a spool file.

• The command can also be used to change the record format of a file.

• OVRDBF can be used in CL programs or in RPG programs using the OVRDBF opcode.

Errors in RPG programs can be checked using various tools and techniques.

• Compile the program with the appropriate compiler options to check for syntax errors

• Use debuggers and tracing tools to identify runtime errors

• Analyze job logs and dump files to diagnose program errors

• Use third-party tools like X-Analysis and Hawkeye to identify and fix errors

There are mainly two types of arrays: Single-dimensional and Multi-dimensional. I have used both in various projects.

• Single-dimensional arrays are used to store a list of values of the same data type.

• Multi-dimensional arrays are used to store values in a matrix format with rows and columns.

• I have used single-dimensional arrays to store user input data and multi-dimensional arrays to store data in a tabular format.

• For e...read more

runqry is a command used in IBM iSeries to run a query on a database file.

• runqry is used to retrieve data from a database file in IBM iSeries.

• It allows users to specify selection criteria and sort order for the retrieved data.

• The output of runqry can be displayed on the screen, printed, or saved to a file.

• It is commonly used by technical consultants to extract data for analysis or reporting purposes.

Compile command in RPG program is used to convert source code into executable code.

• Compile command is used to check for syntax errors and generate object code

• The command is usually RUNCL or CRTRPGMOD

• The compiled program can be executed using CALL or CALLB

• Example: RUNCLPGM PGM(MYLIB/MYPROG) SRCFILE(MYLIB/MYSRC)

• Example: CRTRPGMOD MODULE(MYLIB/MYPROG) SRCFILE(MYLIB/MYSRC)

There is no limit to the number of tables that can be declared in an RPG program.

• Tables can be declared using the DCL-TBL statement.

• The number of tables that can be declared is limited only by the available memory.

• Each table can have its own unique name and structure.

• Tables can be used to store and manipulate data within the RPG program.

Programs can be installed on an I series system using various methods.

• Use the Install Program (INZPRM) command to install a program from a save file

• Use the Program Temporary Fix (PTF) process to install fixes and updates

• Use the Portable Application Solutions Environment (PASE) to install Linux-based programs

• Use the Integrated Web Application Server (IAS) to install web-based applications

XFOOT is a command used in SAS software to display the contents of a SAS data set.

• XFOOT command is used to display the contents of a SAS data set in the SAS log.

• It displays the number of observations and variables in the data set.

• It also displays the size of the data set in bytes.

• XFOOT command can be used in conjunction with other SAS commands like PROC PRINT and PROC SORT.

• Example: XFOOT; PROC PRINT data=dataset; RUN;

Yes, I am familiar with BRMS and its functions.

• BRMS stands for Business Rules Management System

• It is used to manage and automate business rules

• BRMS allows for easy modification and management of rules

• Examples of BRMS include IBM Operational Decision Manager and Red Hat Decision Manager