CICS (Customer Information Control System) is a popular transaction processing software used by large enterprises. It is highly reliable and robust and provides fast and efficient services. CICS has been used in many Fortune 500 companies for over 40 years.
CICS is a great choice for organizations that need to manage large volumes of transactions and data. With its advanced features and reliable performance, it is the perfect choice for businesses that need a powerful, stable, and secure system.
If you’re looking to get started with CICS and want to learn more about it, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we have compiled a comprehensive list of CICS interview questions and answers to help you ace your upcoming CICS interview. Our answers are based on actual CICS interviews and include tips and tricks from CICS experts.
So if you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge and gain valuable insight into the world of CICS, then this is the perfect place to start. We cover all the essential topics, such as CICS architecture, commands, and programming, as well as more advanced topics. So whether you’re just starting out or an experienced CICS user, you’ll find something here to help you out.
Overview of CICS Interview Process
The CICS interview process typically begins with the completion of an online application and/or submitting a resume. After the initial screening for basic qualifications, qualified candidates are invited to participate in an initial screening interview. This interview, conducted over video or phone, helps recruiters identify the credentials that make each candidate stand out and become one of the top applicants.
The next step in the CICS interview process is a technical interview, which focuses on the candidate’s knowledge of CICS technology. During this interview, the interviewer will ask questions related to the candidate’s experience and background in CICS, and will also assess their technical skills in the context of the job. The interviewer may also evaluate the candidate’s problem- solving skills and ability to think on their feet.
Following the technical interview, the candidate may be invited to an onsite interview. This interview is conducted in an office setting and gives the candidate a chance to meet the team they might be working with. During this interview, candidates often have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the role and the company.
Finally, the candidate may be asked to participate in a group interview. This type of interview is often used to assess how candidates work as part of a team. During this interview, the team will assess the candidate’s team- building skills, communication, and collaboration.
At the end of the process, the candidate may be asked to complete a skills assessment or a simulation exercise. This allows the interviewer to evaluate the candidate’s technical proficiency and problem- solving abilities.
Once the CICS interview process is complete, the candidate will be notified of the final decision.
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Top 18 CICS Interview Questions and Answers
Q1. What is CICS?
Answer: CICS (Customer Information Control System) is an IBM transaction server designed to run online transaction applications on IBM mainframe systems. It was designed primarily to support online transaction processing and to provide access to databases and other resources. CICS provides a set of services that allow applications to access and modify data, and provides an interface for user interactions with the system. CICS is a highly scalable transaction server that can support thousands of transactions per second and allows applications to be developed in a variety of languages and development environments.
Q2. What are the components of a CICS system?
Answer: A CICS system consists of several components, including the CICS Transaction Server, CICS Transaction Gateway, CICS System Control Program (SCPC), CICS Transaction Manager (CICS TM), and CICS Data Server. The CICS Transaction Server is the main component and is responsible for managing user transactions. It provides an interface to access databases and other resources, and it also provides an application programming interface (API) for developers to create client applications. The CICS Transaction Gateway provides a secure channel for communication between the CICS system and client applications. The CICS System Control Program (SCPC) is responsible for system administration and provides the central control of the CICS system. The CICS Transaction Manager (CICS TM) is responsible for managing the life cycle of user transactions, including the coordination of resources needed for each transaction. The CICS Data Server provides access to databases, allowing applications to store and retrieve data.
Q3. What are the advantages of using CICS?
Answer: The advantages of using CICS include its scalability, flexibility, reliability, and performance. CICS provides a highly scalable transaction server that can support thousands of transactions per second. This is especially important for applications that need to handle large amounts of data or transactions. CICS also provides an interface for developers to build client applications in a variety of languages and development environments. This makes it possible to develop applications using the most suitable language or development technology for the task. Additionally, CICS is a highly reliable and secure transaction server, which makes it a good choice for applications that require high levels of security and reliability. Finally, CICS provides excellent performance in terms of response times and throughput, allowing applications to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.
Q4. What is a CICS transaction?
Answer: A CICS transaction is a unit of work that is processed by the CICS system. A CICS transaction is started when a user initiates a request and ends when the request is completed. During a CICS transaction, a set of operations is performed, such as accessing and updating databases, performing calculations, and sending messages. CICS transactions are designed to be fast and efficient and are used to process online transactions, such as credit card payments or online banking transactions.
Q5. What is a CICS program?
Answer: A CICS program is a program that runs on the CICS system. CICS programs are written in a variety of languages, including Assembler, COBOL, and C/C++. CICS programs are responsible for performing tasks such as accessing and updating databases and responding to user requests. The CICS system provides the necessary environment for CICS programs to run, including tools for managing transactions, security, and resources.
Q6. What is the role of the CICS Transaction Manager (CICS TM)?
Answer: The CICS Transaction Manager (CICS TM) is responsible for managing the life cycle of user transactions. It coordinates the resources needed for each transaction, such as databases and other resources, and ensures that the resources are available when the transaction needs them. The CICS TM monitors the status of each transaction and provides feedback to the user or application. It also provides the necessary security checks to ensure that only authorized users can access the CICS system.
Q7. What is the purpose of the CICS System Control Program (SCPC)?
Answer: The CICS System Control Program (SCPC) is responsible for system administration and provides the central control of the CICS system. It is responsible for managing resources and providing the necessary security checks to ensure that only authorized users can access the system. The SCPC is also responsible for maintaining the system configuration and for providing the necessary support for system operations.
Q8. What is the CICS Transaction Gateway?
Answer: The CICS Transaction Gateway is a secure communications channel between the CICS system and client applications. It provides a secure channel for communication between the CICS system and client applications, allowing client applications to access the system safely and securely. The CICS Transaction Gateway also provides the necessary encryption and authentication services to ensure the security of the communication between the CICS system and client applications.
Q9. What is the purpose of the CICS Data Server?
Answer: The CICS Data Server provides access to databases, allowing applications to store and retrieve data. It is responsible for managing data access, ensuring that data is only accessed by authorized users. The CICS Data Server also ensures the integrity of the data by providing the necessary locking and logging mechanisms.
Q10. What are the types of CICS applications?
Answer: There are two main types of CICS applications: batch and interactive. Batch applications are programs that are run periodically and require large amounts of data processing. Interactive applications are programs that are triggered by user commands and are used for online transactions, such as online banking or credit card payments.
Q11. What is the purpose of the CICS API?
Answer: The CICS API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of programming interfaces that allow developers to access the CICS system and create client applications. The CICS API provides a way for developers to access the CICS system and to create client applications in a variety of languages and development environments. The CICS API also provides services such as transaction monitoring, security, and resource management that can be used by applications.
Q12. What are the CICS languages?
Answer: CICS supports a variety of languages, including Assembler, COBOL, and C/C++. These languages can be used to develop client applications that access and use the CICS system. Additionally, the CICS API provides a way for developers to access the CICS system and create client applications in a variety of languages and development environments.
Q13. What is the purpose of CICS transactions?
Answer: CICS transactions are used to process online transactions, such as credit card payments or online banking transactions. They are responsible for performing tasks such as accessing and updating databases, performing calculations, and sending messages. The CICS system provides an environment for these transactions to be processed quickly and efficiently.
Q14. What is BMS?
Answer: BMS (Basic Mapping Support) is a programming interface that allows developers to create screen-oriented applications for use on a CICS system. BMS provides a means to create applications that can access and modify data stored in databases, and it also provides an interface for user interactions with the application. BMS is a powerful tool for creating interactive applications that can be used on a CICS system.
Q15. What are the benefits of using CICS?
Answer: The benefits of using CICS include its scalability, flexibility, reliability, and performance. CICS provides a highly scalable transaction server that can support thousands of transactions per second. This is especially important for applications that need to handle large amounts of data or transactions. CICS also provides an interface for developers to build client applications in a variety of languages and development environments. This makes it possible to develop applications using the most suitable language or development technology for the task. Additionally, CICS is a highly reliable and secure transaction server, which makes it a good choice for applications that require high levels of security and reliability. Finally, CICS provides excellent performance in terms of response times and throughput, allowing applications to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.
16. What are the services provided by CICS?
CICS offers many services to its users. These services include: transaction management, resource locking, database access, communication management, data sharing, and application support. Transaction management allows CICS to manage the life-cycle of online transactions. Resource locking provides ways to ensure data integrity in a multi-user environment. Database access allows CICS to read and write data from DB2, IMS, and VSAM databases. Communication management allows CICS to communicate with other systems and applications. Data sharing allows CICS to share data across multiple applications and systems. Finally, application support provides access to programming languages and libraries for developing applications.
17. What are the features of CICS?
CICS includes several features that make it a powerful and reliable system. These features include: transaction management, resource locking, database access, communication management, data sharing, application support, and security. Transaction management allows CICS to manage the life-cycle of online transactions. Resource locking provides ways to ensure data integrity in a multi-user environment. Database access allows CICS to read and write data from DB2, IMS, and VSAM databases. Communication management allows CICS to communicate with other systems and applications. Data sharing allows CICS to share data across multiple applications and systems. Application support provides access to programming languages and libraries for developing applications. Finally, security provides access control, encryption, and other security features.
18. What are the advantages of CICS over other systems?
CICS offers several advantages over other systems. First, CICS is a mature and reliable system that has been used in the industry for decades. Second, CICS is highly scalable and can support hundreds of thousands of transactions. Third, CICS provides excellent performance, allowing for high throughput of transactions. Finally, CICS is very flexible, providing access to a variety of programming languages, libraries, and databases. All of these features make CICS an excellent choice for organizations that need to support large-scale, mission-critical applications.
Tips on Preparing for a CICS Interview
- Research the company thoroughly. Become familiar with their services, products, and goals.
- Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask during the interview.
- Practice your responses to commonly asked CICS interview questions.
- Prepare a portfolio of your past work and accomplishments.
- Make sure to dress appropriately for the interview and arrive 10 minutes early.
- Bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, and references to the interview.
- Be prepared to discuss the CICS system and your experience with it.
- Know the job requirements and show that you are a good fit for the position.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for CICS and the company.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer and ask clarification questions when necessary.
- Showcase your strengths and point out ways you can be a valuable asset to the company.
- Be honest and open about your experience, skills, and abilities.
- Be courteous and professional in your interactions with the interviewer.
- Follow up with a thank you note after the interview.
- Be confident in your abilities and stay positive throughout the interview process.
Conclusion
Overall, CICS interview questions are a great way to get a better understanding of the CICS platform and its various components. By researching and studying the various questions and answers, you can better prepare yourself for any CICS- related interview. Having a good knowledge of CICS will help you to stand out in an interview and give you the confidence to answer questions on the spot. With the right preparation and research, you can expect to have a successful and rewarding interview.