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Q: What is the difference between COND and IF/THEN/ELSE in JCL?

Answer:

COND Parameter:

  • Tests return codes from previous steps
  • Bypasses step if condition is TRUE
  • Works opposite to programming logic!
  • COND=(4,LT) means: Skip if 4 < any previous RC

IF/THEN/ELSE:

  • More intuitive programming-like syntax
  • Executes steps when condition is TRUE
  • Supports AND, OR operators
  • Can check ABEND conditions

Example:

// Using COND (skip if RC < 4)
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2,COND=(4,LT)

// Using IF/THEN/ELSE
//    IF STEP1.RC = 0 THEN
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2
//    ELSE
//ERROR EXEC PGM=ERRPROC
//    ENDIF
COND IF THEN ELSE return code conditional
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Q: What is the difference between PARM and SYSIN for passing parameters?

Answer:

PARM (EXEC statement):

  • Limited to 100 characters
  • Passed in memory to program
  • Accessed via LINKAGE SECTION
  • Good for small, simple parameters

SYSIN (DD statement):

  • No practical size limit
  • Read as a file by program
  • Can contain multiple records
  • Good for control cards, complex input
// PARM example
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=MYPROG,PARM='PARAM1,PARAM2'

// SYSIN example
//SYSIN DD *
CONTROL OPTION1
DATE=20231215
LIMIT=1000
/*
experienced interview
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Q: Explain PARM parameter

Answer:
PARM passes data to program. EXEC PGM=PROG,PARM='value'. Max 100 characters. Program receives length prefix. PARM='abc,xyz' passes as one string. Program parses. Special chars need quotes. Alternative: SYSIN for larger data.
parm parameter program
JCL
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Q: What is EXEC PGM vs PROC?

Answer:
EXEC PGM=name executes program directly. EXEC procname or EXEC PROC=procname invokes cataloged procedure. EXEC name where 'name' exists as PROC takes precedence. Procedures can be overridden with PROC.STEP.DD syntax.
exec pgm proc
JCL
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Q: What is IEFBR14?

Answer:
IEFBR14 is null program (Branch to Register 14 = return). Returns immediately. Used for dataset management: create, delete, catalog datasets. //DELETE EXEC PGM=IEFBR14 //DD DD DSN=name,DISP=(MOD,DELETE). Common for housekeeping.
iefbr14 null utility
JCL
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Q: How does IEFBR14 delete work?

Answer:
//DEL EXEC PGM=IEFBR14 //DD DD DSN=file,DISP=(MOD,DELETE). If file exists, DISP=(MOD,DELETE) deletes. If not exists, MOD creates then deletes (empty). Or DISP=(OLD,DELETE) fails if not exists. Common pattern for cleanup.
iefbr14 delete disp
CICS
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Q: What is CEDA?

Answer:
CEDA defines CICS resources online. CEDA DEFINE PROGRAM(pgm) GROUP(grp). Resources: TRANSACTION, PROGRAM, FILE, etc. CEDA INSTALL activates. CEDA VIEW displays. RDO (Resource Definition Online).
ceda define rdo
CICS
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Q: What is PGMIDERR?

Answer:
PGMIDERR is program not found. LINK/XCTL to undefined program. Check RDO PROGRAM definition. Or spelling. Must be defined and installed.
pgmiderr program error