as400 programmer analyst Interview Questions and Answers

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AS400 Programmer Analyst Interview Questions

  1. What is the difference between CL and RPG programming languages in the AS400 environment?

    • Answer: CL (Control Language) is used for system control tasks, job scheduling, and managing system resources. RPG (Report Program Generator) is primarily used for creating business applications, handling data processing, and generating reports. CL is more command-oriented, while RPG is more record-oriented and offers procedural programming capabilities. RPG is generally preferred for complex business logic, while CL is better suited for simpler system-level tasks.

  2. Explain the concept of Data Queues in AS400.

    • Answer: Data queues are asynchronous communication mechanisms in AS400. They allow programs to send and receive data without direct coupling. One program can write data to a queue, and another program can read from it later, enabling decoupled, asynchronous processing. This is crucial for handling large volumes of data or when programs need to operate independently.

  3. What are database files in AS400 and how are they different from regular files?

    • Answer: Database files in AS400 are structured files specifically designed for efficient data storage and retrieval. They are managed by the DB2 database system and provide features like indexing, data integrity, and concurrency control. Regular files are less structured, lack these database features, and are typically used for storing non-database related data, such as program code or configuration files.

  4. Describe your experience with SQL in the context of AS400.

    • Answer: [Replace with your actual experience. Example: "I have extensive experience using SQL on AS400 to query DB2 databases. I'm proficient in writing SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, along with joins, subqueries, and using various functions to manipulate data. I've used SQL to develop reports, analyze data, and integrate with other systems."]

  5. How do you handle errors and exceptions in your AS400 programs?

    • Answer: [Replace with your actual approach. Example: "I typically use exception handling mechanisms within RPG or CL programs. This involves using monitoring tools and built-in functions to trap errors, log details (including timestamps and error codes), and take appropriate actions like sending alerts, rolling back transactions, or gracefully exiting the program. I strive to write robust code that anticipates potential issues."]

  6. Explain your understanding of the AS400's integrated security features.

    • Answer: The AS400 boasts robust security features including user profiles, authority lists, object authorization, and auditing capabilities. User profiles control access to system resources, while authority lists determine specific permissions. Object authorization refines access control at the file and field levels. Auditing provides a trail of user activities for security monitoring and compliance.

  7. What are your experiences with performance tuning AS400 applications?

    • Answer: [Replace with your actual experience. Example: "I have experience profiling AS400 applications to identify performance bottlenecks. This often involves analyzing I/O operations, database queries, and program logic. My techniques include optimizing SQL queries, creating indexes, improving program efficiency (e.g., using efficient data structures), and using tools to monitor resource utilization."]

  8. How do you manage source code in an AS400 environment?

    • Answer: [Replace with your actual experience. Example: "Typically, source code is managed using the integrated source management tools provided by the AS400 operating system or through external source control systems like Git, integrated via tools or scripting. Version control is essential to track changes, collaborate with other developers, and manage different versions of the code."]

  9. What is your experience with AS400 batch processing?

    • Answer: [Replace with your actual experience. Example: "I have experience designing, developing, and scheduling batch jobs using CL commands and job scheduling tools. My experience includes handling large datasets, optimizing job performance, and monitoring job execution using various system tools."]

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