CICS Realtime (Scenario based) Interview Questions (51 - 60)

51. How do you execute a background CICS transaction?

To execute a background transaction in CICS, use the START command with the INTERVAL or TIME parameter to schedule it for asynchronous processing.

52. Which is the command used for terminating a browse operation?

To terminate a browse operation in CICS, use the ENDBR (End Browse) command.

53. Which transient data queue supports ATI?

Only intra-partition TDQs can trigger Automatic Task Initiation (ATI) when data is written to the queue.

54. Which type of TDQ is read destructive?

Intrapartition Transient Data Queues (TDQs) are read-destructive, meaning each record is automatically deleted after being read via a READQ TD command.

55. Reading a record from a TSQ will logically delete the record from the Queue? True False?

False. Reading from a Temporary Storage Queue (TSQ) does not delete the record. You must explicitly delete the TSQ using DELETEQ TS if needed.

56. Name and explain some common CICS abend codes?

  • AEY9 – Program not authorized: Occurs when the program tries to access a resource it is not authorized to use.
  • ASRA – Program check abend: Caused by COBOL errors like division by zero, invalid data, or addressing exception.
  • AEI0 – Resource not available: Usually due to a file being disabled or not open.
  • AEIP – Protection exception: Occurs when a program tries to access unauthorized memory.
  • AEXx - Abend (User-Defined): Programmer-initiated abend via ABEND command.
  • AEYC - Abend (Program Check): Logic errors (e.g., division by zero, illegal opcode).
  • AEZ1 – Terminal not available: Happens when a terminal is unavailable or disconnected.

57. What is an AEY9 abend?

AEY9 abend means unauthorized access to a CICS resource—typically a security or permission issue.

58. What is an AICA abend?

AICA abend occurs when a task uses too much CPU time, usually due to a loop or unresponsive logic.

59. How can you solve the issue of ASRA ABEND?

ASRA abend occurs due to a program check, such as:

  • Division by zero
  • Invalid address reference
  • Data exception (e.g., invalid MOVE)

60. What is error code AEIY?

The CICS error code AEIY indicates a "File Not Open" condition. It occurs when a program attempts to access a file (e.g., VSAM, TSQ, TDQ) that is either:

  • Not defined in the FCT (File Control Table), or
  • Defined but not opened (status=CLOSED in FCT).