as400 analyst Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is AS400 (now IBM i)?

   • Answer: AS400, now known as IBM i, is a family of server computers from IBM that are known for their robustness, reliability, and security. They are widely used in businesses for their strong data management capabilities and backward compatibility.

2. Explain the architecture of IBM i.

   • Answer: IBM i's architecture is based on a single integrated operating system, database, and middleware. It features a robust security model, integrated high-availability features, and a powerful database system (DB2 for i). The architecture is designed for reliability and ease of management.

3. What are the key differences between AS400 and other server platforms like Windows or Linux?

   • Answer: Key differences include its integrated architecture, strong data security features, inherent high availability, and robust database system. It also boasts exceptional backward compatibility, allowing older applications to run on newer hardware. Windows and Linux generally require more complex setups for achieving similar levels of reliability and security.

4. Describe your experience with RPG programming.

   • Answer: [Candidate should detail their experience level, specific RPG versions used (RPG III, RPG IV, ILE RPG), and examples of projects where they used RPG. Mention specific skills like working with data structures, file handling, and subroutines.]

5. What are the different types of RPG files?

   • Answer: Different types include physical files (PFs), logical files (LFs), and display files (DFs). PFs store the actual data, LFs provide different views of the data in PFs, and DFs are used for screen interactions.

6. Explain the concept of data areas in AS400.

   • Answer: Data areas are used to store small amounts of data that can be accessed by multiple programs. They are useful for sharing information between different parts of an application or for passing parameters between programs.

7. What is CL programming, and when would you use it?

   • Answer: CL (Control Language) is used for system-level tasks such as job scheduling, system administration, and managing objects. It's used when you need to interact with the OS directly.

8. What is SQL and how is it used with AS400?

   • Answer: SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to interact with the DB2 for i database. It allows for querying, inserting, updating, and deleting data within the database. It's a powerful tool for data manipulation and retrieval.

9. Explain your experience with DB2 for i.

   • Answer: [Candidate should detail their experience with DB2 for i, including SQL skills, database design, performance tuning, backup and recovery procedures, and any experience with specific DB2 utilities.]

10. How do you troubleshoot performance issues in an AS400 environment?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting involves analyzing system logs, using performance monitoring tools, reviewing SQL queries for optimization, and examining resource utilization. Tools like STRSST, WRKACTJOB, and DB2 performance monitoring tools are crucial.

11. What is the role of Service Programs in ILE RPG?

    • Answer: Service programs are modules that contain reusable code and are crucial for ILE's modularity and code reusability, helping to improve maintainability and reduce redundancy.

12. How do you handle data security in an AS400 environment?

    • Answer: Data security involves using user profiles, authorization lists, encryption, and adhering to security best practices. Understanding object authority, data masking, and audit trails is important.

13. Describe your experience with AS400 backup and recovery procedures.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with backup strategies (full, incremental, differential), recovery procedures, and testing of backup and recovery processes. Mentioning specific tools used would be beneficial.]

14. What is the difference between a Physical File and a Logical File?

    • Answer: A Physical File stores the actual data, while a Logical File provides a customized view of the data from one or more physical files, without physically duplicating the data.

15. Explain your experience with AS400 system administration tasks.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with user management, system monitoring, job scheduling, security administration, and other system-related tasks. Mention specific commands and utilities used.]

16. What are your preferred debugging techniques for RPG programs?

    • Answer: Debugging techniques include using the debugger built into the IDE, adding debug statements to the code (displaying variables), stepping through the code line by line, and utilizing diagnostic tools provided by the AS400.

17. How do you handle errors and exceptions in your RPG programs?

    • Answer: Error handling involves using error-handling routines, checking return codes from API calls, using exception handling features of ILE RPG, and logging errors for debugging and auditing purposes.

18. What is your experience with working in a team environment on AS400 projects?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their teamwork experience, including collaboration tools, code version control (if applicable), and communication methods used during development projects.]

19. Explain your knowledge of the AS400's integrated security model.

    • Answer: The AS400's security model is based on user profiles, authorities, and object security. It's a comprehensive model that controls access to data and system resources.

20. What are some common performance bottlenecks you've encountered on AS400 and how did you resolve them?

    • Answer: [Candidate should list performance bottlenecks like inefficient SQL queries, poorly written code, I/O limitations, and insufficient resources. Provide specific examples of how they identified and resolved such issues.]

21. Describe your experience with AS400 modernization projects.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with upgrading hardware, migrating to newer versions of the OS, modernizing applications, or integrating with other systems. Mention specific technologies used like web services or APIs.]

22. What is your experience with using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) with AS400?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with different types of APIs (e.g., RPG-based, Java-based, web services) and how they've used them to integrate AS400 systems with other systems.]

23. What are your skills in using IBM Navigator for i?

    • Answer: [Candidate should detail their proficiency in using IBM Navigator for i for tasks like system administration, database management, and application development.]

24. Explain your experience with using RDi (Rational Developer for i).

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience using RDi for RPG, CL, and SQL development, highlighting specific features used, like debugging, source control, and code analysis tools.]

25. How familiar are you with the different types of AS400 storage options?

    • Answer: [Candidate should mention various storage options available for AS400, including DASD, SSD, and network attached storage, and the considerations when choosing among them.]

26. How would you approach optimizing an AS400 database for performance?

    • Answer: Database optimization involves analyzing query execution plans, creating indexes, optimizing table structures, and tuning database parameters. Tools like RUNSQLSTM are useful for analyzing query performance.

27. What is your understanding of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) in the AS400 environment?

    • Answer: HA ensures continuous availability, while DR ensures recovery in case of a disaster. This can involve clustering, mirroring, and backup/recovery strategies.

28. Explain your experience with using integrated file systems on AS400.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience using integrated file systems for managing files and directories on the AS400, including accessing them from different platforms.]

29. Describe your knowledge of AS400's journaling capabilities.

    • Answer: Journaling provides a mechanism for tracking changes to database files, enabling point-in-time recovery and auditing capabilities.

30. What are your experiences with AS400 output queues and spooling?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience working with output queues, managing spooled files, and troubleshooting printing issues.]

31. How familiar are you with using different types of AS400 displays (5250, etc.)?

    • Answer: [Candidate should explain their experience with different types of displays, including emulation software, and working with different screen sizes and resolutions.]

32. What is your understanding of the AS400's object-oriented architecture?

    • Answer: The AS400 uses an object-oriented approach to managing system resources. Everything is treated as an object, providing a consistent and modular structure.

33. How do you approach problem-solving in a complex AS400 environment?

    • Answer: Problem-solving involves using a systematic approach, gathering information, isolating the problem, and implementing a solution. This involves utilizing diagnostic tools, logging, and methodical debugging.

34. Describe your experience with working with different AS400 network configurations.

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience working with different network configurations, including TCP/IP, SNA, and other network protocols used on AS400.]

35. How familiar are you with using the AS400 command line interface?

    • Answer: [Candidate should demonstrate their knowledge of common AS400 commands, including navigation, file management, and system administration commands.]

36. Explain your understanding of AS400's licensed programs.

    • Answer: Licensed programs are additional software packages from IBM or third-party vendors that extend the functionality of the AS400 system.

37. What is your experience with AS400 security audits?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with performing or assisting in security audits, including reviewing user access rights, verifying security settings, and identifying vulnerabilities.]

38. How would you handle a situation where a critical AS400 system fails?

    • Answer: Handling a system failure involves following established disaster recovery procedures, including checking system logs, initiating backups, and contacting support personnel. The goal is to restore system functionality as quickly as possible.

39. Describe your experience with AS400 capacity planning.

    • Answer: [Candidate should explain their experience with assessing current and future resource needs, including CPU, memory, and storage, and recommending appropriate hardware upgrades or changes.]

40. What are your skills in troubleshooting AS400 network connectivity issues?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting network issues involves using network diagnostic tools, checking network configurations, verifying cable connections, and checking for network outages.

41. What is your experience with integrating AS400 with other enterprise systems?

    • Answer: [Candidate should describe their experience with integrating AS400 with other systems using various methods, such as file transfers, APIs, middleware, and database connectivity.]

42. Explain your understanding of AS400's job scheduling capabilities.

    • Answer: AS400 provides job scheduling capabilities to automate tasks, such as batch processing and report generation, ensuring timely execution.

43. What is your experience with working with different AS400 communication protocols?

    • Answer: [Candidate should mention various communication protocols used with AS400, including TCP/IP, SNA, and others, and their experiences with setting them up and troubleshooting connectivity issues.]

44. Describe your experience with using third-party tools for AS400 development and administration.

    • Answer: [Candidate should mention any third-party tools they've worked with, specifying their purpose and how they enhanced their work with AS400.]

45. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the AS400 world?

    • Answer: [Candidate should mention resources like IBM's website, developer communities, conferences, and professional training programs.]

46. What are your salary expectations?

    • Answer: [Candidate should provide a salary range based on their experience and research of industry standards.]

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