PeopleCode Questions
1. What is PIA and
what are its components?
It is n-tier
architecture. We have client, web server, application server and Database
server. We have jolt and tuxedo. We have WSL, WSH, JSL, JSH, QUEUES and
services.
In database server we
have system tables, peopletools tables and application tables.
2. Differentiate
Field edit and Save edit?
In Field edit for
each field change, a transition to the application server to the database is
taken place. In Save edit for all the fields, only one transition to the
application server to the Database is taken place.
3. What are think
time functions?
Think-time functions
suspend processing either until the user has taken some action (such as
clicking a button in a message box), or until an external process has run to
completion.
4. In which events
error & warning are used most extensively.
Field edit, Save
edit, Search save, row delete, row insert.
5. Is there any way
by which you can find out whether the user is in Add mode or Update mode?
%mode---returns
A---for Add mode. Returns U –for Update mode
6. What is the
purpose of the SQLEXEC function? What are its benefits and draw backs?
SQLEXEC is used to
execute the sql statements (select, insert,update,delete).
We can get only one
row at a time.
7. How is the
searchinit event most often used by people soft application?
A) Searchinit fires
before the search dialogue page is displayed to the end user.For this reason
searchinit is often used to enhance roll level security by inserting and
graying out certain values to the search dialogue page.
8. What are the
options for using SQL in people code?
a) Sqlexec
b) Record class
methods (selectbykey, delete, insert, update)
c) Using sql class,
its properties and methods.
9. What is the
difference between component buffer and data buffer?
Component buffer
contains all the data of the active component.
Data buffer contains
the data other than the data in the component buffer (Data of other records)
10. What databuffer
classes are available in people code?
Rowset, Row, Record,
Field, Array, File, Sql, chart, grid and so on.
11. When we select a
component what events will be fired?
If default mode for
component is search mode: only searchinit will fired .If default mode for component
is new mode :field default, field formula, rowinit, searchinit.
12. What are
different variables in people code and their Scope?
System variables and
User defined variables.
Scope --- Global,
Component, Local.
13. What is default
processing?
In default
processing, any blank fields in the component are set to their default value.
You can specify the default value either in the Record Field Properties, or in
FieldDefault PeopleCode
14. What is
difference between field default and Row init?
Field default
specifies only the default value for a field when we are in Add mode.
Row init fires only
when a row of data coming from database to component buffer.
15. What is
difference between saveprechange and savepostchange? Which function directly
interacts with the database?
Saveprechange---last
event that executes before updating the data from component buffer to the
database.
Savepostchange –fires
after the updation of data in the database.
SQLEXEC --- function
directly interacts with the database.
16. What is Getlevel
0()? What is the use of %subrec and %selectall functions?
Getlevel0 ()---used
the get the rowset of the level0.
%subrec--is used only
in Dynamic View SQL where it expands to the columns of a subrecord:
%selectall--%SelectAll
is shorthand for selecting all fields in the specified record, wrapping
date/time fields with %DateOut, %TimeOut.
17. What is an array
in people code? What is maximum dimension of an array? Which function inserts
values into an array? What is “pop”?
An array is a
collection of data storage locations, each of which holds the same type of
data.
The maximum depth of
a PeopleCode array is 15 dimensions.
Push and unshift are
the functions of the array used to add the elements into the array one from the
end of the array and one from the beginning.
Pop is a function of
array used to select and delete an element from the end of the array.
18. What is
difference between Getrowset and Createrowset in people code?
Getrowset –is used to
get rowset for a record in the component buffer.
Createrowset—is used
to create rowset for a record which in database, and is also called a
Standalone rowset
19. Can you save the
component programmatically?
Using Dosave and
Dosavenow functions.
20. What is differed
processing and its advantages?
Postpones some user
actions to reduce the number of trips to the database so that increases the
performance (in system edits, field edit, and field change).
Advantages:
1) Reduces the
network traffic.
2) Increases the performance.
33. Write the syntax
to access third level record field using object oriented peoplecode?
&fld=Getlevel0
()(1).GetRowset(Record..GetRow(1),
GetRowset
(Record.).GetRow(1),
GetRowset
(Record.).GetRow(1),
GetRecord
(Record.).GetFieild(Field.))
21. What are the
built-functions used to control translate values dynamically?
Adddropdownitem ()
Deletedropdownitem ()
22. How to populate
data into grid in online?
&Rs.Select or
Scrollselect ().
SECURITY
Before accessing a
people soft application what levels of security must be passed through.
a) Field level
security
b) Row level security
c) Maintain security
d) Definition
security
e) Portal security.
23.What is the use of
primary permission list in user profile?
Primary permission
list is used for mass change and definition security purposes.
How to authorize the
user to run a process or report?
To authorize a user
to run a process, the process group, which contains the process or report,
should be added to the permission list of that user.
24.How to give access
to the records that are to be used in a query?
To give access to the
records that are to be used in query, we have create a new query security tree
and add the records which we want to give the access and then assign a access
group to the tree. After that we have to add that query tree and query access
group to the permission list.
25.What are the rules
used by the system to determine whether a user is authorized to update an
object?
The user should have
the permission to update the object. This is given by the Definition security.
The group, which holds the object, should be added to the permission list of
the user in update mode.
What are the
different ways we can set up the portal security to access component in portal?
1) Structure &
content
2) Menu import
3) Register component
1. What is
Application Engine?
It is the tool, which
performs, background SQL processing against our application data tables. It is
an alternative for COBOL, SQL or SQR
Programs. Other tools
such as query tool and mass change generate SQL.
2. What are the parts
of Application Engine?
Application Engine
consists of 4 parts.
1. Application: It is
a set of SQL statements.
2. Steps: It is the
smallest unit of work committed in an application.
3. Sections:
Comprises of 1 or more steps
4. Statements: SQL
statements like update, insert, delete or select are issued.
3. What is the
advantage of using Application Engine?
The following are the
advantages of using Application Engine.
Encapsulation
Unlike applications
developed using COBOL or SQR, Application Engine applications reside completely
within your database. With Application Engine, there are the programs to
compile, no statements to store, and no need to directly interact with the
operating environment in use. You can build, run and debug your applications
without existing People Tools.
Effective Dating
Application sections
are effective dated-meaning you can activate/deactivate a section as of a
particular date. This enables you to archive sections as you modify them,
instead of destroying them. In the future if you decide to revert to a previous
incarnation of a section you can simply reactivate it.
SQL / Meta-SQL
Support
In addition to
writing your SQL within Application Engine, you can also copy SQL statements
into Application Engine from SQL talk or any other SQL utility with few – if
any changes.
RDBMS platforms have
many differing syntax rules – especially in regard to date, time and other
numeric calculations. For the most part you can work around this problem using
Meta-SQL which Application Engine supports. This language was created to handle
different RDBMS SQL syntax’s by replacing them with a standard syntax, called
Meta-strings.
With in Platform
specific sections
You can also have the
ability to call generic portions of SQL statements by using the & CLAUSE
function. This means you can write your generic SQL portions just once, and
reference them from your different platform versions.
Set Processing
Support
Set processing is a
SQL technique used to process groups (or sets) of rows of one time rather than
one at a time. Application Engine is particularly effective of processing these
types of applications.
Object Orientation
Unless designed to
anticipate changes in field attributes. COBOL applications may need to be
modified when things change. If a developer increases a field’s length, then it
may need to be changed in every instance where the COBOL program uses this
field as a bind or select variable. This can require a good bit of effort. And,
if not handled properly, a change like this can cause confusing errors. For
example, if the length of a field in the COBOL is wrong, it may work fine, or
you may get an error, or the field may get truncated.
One of the corner stones
of People soft functionality is Application Designer. Because of the way it
works, most field attributes (type, length and scale) can be specified once,
globally. If the field is used on more than one record, it has the same
attributes in each of these records.
PORTABILITY
You can use Data
Mover to import/export your applications. This means that you can export an
application(s) into a file, and attach it to an e-mail message. Then, the
recipient can simply use the IMPORT feature of Data Mover, and the application
is ready to run.
4. What is a Cache
Record?
The Cache record (or
cache) is a physical People soft record, keyed by process instance that must be
created and maintained by the Application Engine developer. This record defines
the fields that an application uses to pas values from one SQL statements to
another. You retrieve cache field values by the Application Engine and BIND
function; you assign cache values using & SELECT.
5. What is unique
about panels, which refer to view as opposed to physical tables?
Panels that refer to
views in People soft are not used for insert, update or delete. All fields on
these panels are display only.
6. How search records
are used?
Search records are
used to search, retrieve and filter data. Search records also define the
structure of the dialog box.
7. Where are the
search records assigned?
Search records are
assigned to a panel group in a menu.
8. Does the search
record for a panel has to be the same as the record being
Accessed on the
panel? Why or Why not?
The search record for
the panel does not have to be the same as the record being
Accessed on the panel
because the search record is used to search for and or
Filter the search
key.
9. How can a search
record dialog box be suppressed?
A search record
dialog box can be suppressed by assigning a search record that does not have
search key.
10. What do search
views delivered by People soft do besides displaying the dialog
Box?
Search views
delivered by People soft are used to implement row level security as well as
display a dialog box.
11. What do you need
to do to modify the search views?
To modify a search
view, we need to change the record definition and recreate the underlying SQL
view.
12. When would you
have to alter the tables and modify the panels, in the process
of modifying search
records?
You need to alter
tables and modify panels, when you modify a search record to include a new
field.
13. When will there
be two occurs level records in a panel group?
If you are referring
to two different record definitions that share a same high-level key then
two-level one-scroll bar can be displayed as stacked scroll bars.
14. In what order
does the application processor fill buffer for the panel group?
The application
processor uses occurs level in the panel group to fill the buffer.
15.Differentiate
Error V/s Warning statements in People code?
The error statement
issues a message and the condition causing the error must
Be corrected before
proceeding. The warning statement issues a message and
The user can proceed
without changing any values.
16. Where can you run
Jobs?
The process scheduler
can run jobs on the client or a server machine.
17. What restrictions
are placed on multi-process jobs?
A multi process jobs
can only be scheduled to run on a server.
18. List the three
output destinations available through the Process Scheduler?
You can direct the
output to a printer file and windows screen.
19. Where do you set
up default operator / class options for Process Monitor?
In operator security,
using change, process profile.
20. What are the
advantages of incorporating Table set ids into People soft applications?
Table set Ids allow
you to share sets of values (codes) in the same prompt table.
21. What fields
should be at the tope of every search record definition that use table set Ids?
SET ID is the field
that should be at the top of every record definition that uses table set Ids.
22. What is a Record
Group ID?
A Record group ID is
a group of record definitions that are Sharing the same set control field.
23. What do you
determine using Table set Ids control information?
Table set ID control
information determines how the information should be shared. The Table set ID
control panel defines which Table set Ids set control filed code will use for
each record group.
24. What are the
three types of Maps used by the navigator?
The 3 types of Maps
used by the navigator are..
1. Business Process
Map
2. Activity Map
3. Step Map
25. What are the
types of layers in Crystal reports?
There are 4 types of
layers in Crystal Reports. They are..
1. Report Header - In
this, we will write title, date, and logos of the company.
2. Page Header – Used
to write column headings.
3. Detail – Contains
database column values.
4. Page Footer – Used
to write page numbers and address.
. Define security
administrator?
Security
administrator is used to control and access the various People soft menus.
2. How many types of
security administrator profiles? Define?
There are three types
of Security administrator profiles:
1. Access Profile: It
is an RDBMS ID. It provides the necessary Ids and password for behind-the-scene
process.
2. Class Profile: It
is defined to organize the users into groups with common access rights or
privileges.
3. Operator Profile:
It is commonly referred as a Operator Ids or operator having associated sign on
passwords.
3. What is Set ID or
Table Set?
Set ID shares common
control table values.
4. Define Object
Security?
The Security profile
which is created as an operator security to restrict access to People soft
data.
5. Define Object
Group?
It is a collection of
one or ore objects that form a logical group for security purpose.
6. What are the steps
involved in developing a conversion strategy?
The following are the
steps involved:
1. Setting
Operational Goals.
2. Timing
3. Developing and
testing data load routines
4. Mapping your data
5. Performing
conversion analysis
6. Evaluating source
data
7. Evaluating Target
Table.
7. What operations
can Import Manager perform?
Import Manager
provides a mechanism for converting data from existing files to your People
soft application data tables. Record definitions are foundations for Import
Manager.
1. Field formats and
editing: Import manager is used to upload file data from a designated source
file into your application database. The source file containing data to be
imported must be a fixed length ASCII file (. DAT FILE)
2. SQL Inserts: The
Import manager performs only SQL inserts. This means that new rows of data with
a unique key can be inserted into SQL table. Updates to an existing row of data
cannot be done through import manager.
3. SQL commit: The
SQL commit takes place at the end of each import load. If the import stops before
the end-of-life, none of the new rows of data will be written to the database.
8. Will the import
manager write data values to the target table if it encounters key values in
the source table?
NO – If the utility
encounters key values on the source file, error message is flashed and the rows
will not be written to the database. To overcome this problem, we will have to
enable “by pass key value” control in the Import manager.
9. Options available
to run Import Manager?
The following options
are available to run import manager.
1. Edit: Read through
the rows to imported and processes an edit report of the
Results. No data is
written to the database.
2. Load: Writes rows
of data to the database and automatically prints an edit report
Summarizing the result.
3. Compare: Reserved
for future use. It currently has the same functionality as an
Edit.
10. What is Translate
Table?
A translate table is
a prompt table that serves as data dictionary to store values for fields that
don’t need individual prompt tables of their own.
11. What are the
limitations of Translate table?
1. Field type should
be character
2. Minimum Field
length should be 1 to 4 characters.
3. Field values
should be small (static).
12. What is Effective
Data?
Effective data is
used to store history, Current and Future information.
13. History date Vs
past Date?
Past date - Within 30
days of current date is called Past date.
History date - Above
30 days of current date is called History Date.
14. What is a record?
A Group of
non-repetitive fields is called a record.
15. How many types of
records are there?
There are six types
of records
1. SQL table -
Corresponding physical SQL table in the database we create with build option.
2. SQL View – It is
not a physical SQL table on the database, it gives the replicate of joined
tables. It is used for security and faster access.
3. Dynamic View – It
is actually stored in the form of SQL view text and is executed at runtime. It
uses the built in indexes. Whereas normal view is executed and stored in the
database.
4. Derived/Work
record - It is a temporary workspace to be used during on line panel processing
and is not stored in the database, therefore derived work records are not
built. They cannot be seen in the update/display mode. Once the panel is
cancelled it is removed from the buffer.
5. Sub Records – A
group of fields commonly used in multiple records.
6. Query View – A
Query view is a view constructed using People soft Query tool.
16. How many types of
Displays are there in the tool bar?
1. Field Display - It
shows the filed attributes (fieldname, Type, Len, Format, H, and Shortname,
Long name
2. Use Display - It
shows key related characteristics and default values for the fields
(Field name, type,
direction indicates, search key, list, system indicates, audit, H, default
values)
3. Edit Display - It
shows the auditing options available for the fields (field name, type required
, edit, prompt table, reasonable date, people code)
4. People code
display - It shows the different events and the user can choose required event
to write people code.
1. What is a workflow
processor?
Workflow processor is
a suite of online agents that run and control the workflow in your business
processes. Once you define your business processes, you set up agents to do the
work for you. Workflow processor consists of:
Word lists, which are
ordered lists of the work a person (or group of people) have to do.
Application agents,
which detect when a business rule has been triggered as users enter data into a
People soft application. They evaluate who should action the new work instance
(the role) and routes it to them (the routing)
The message agent,
which processes messages sent to People soft external systems, such as
electronic mail systems, interactive voice response systems, kiosks, other
workflow systems, even the internet. It provides an application-programming
interface (API) that enables third-party systems to integrate with People soft
applications.
Database agents,
which monitor the People soft database to identify items that need to enter
workflow, such as overdue requisitions, scheduled performance reviews;
departments that are over budget-any item you want to be alerted about.
Workflow Administrator gives you the ability to access, monitor, analyze, and
control workflow in your organization, which activities take the longest, which
work lists are overloaded, and you can redesign work when an employee is out
sick
2. What is a Tree?
It is a People soft
object that defines the grouping and hierarchical relationship between the
values of database fields. It also specifies how the system groups together the
values of the fields for the purpose of reporting and security access.
Note: A particular
tree is imported through out People soft system. Only one tree should be active
throughout People soft system at a time.
3. What is a Tree
Node (Unit)?
It represents the
group of detailed values that report to it.
4. What is a Tree
level?
It provides the short
way to refer all nodes that share a single parent.
5. What is a node?
It is an individual
branch of main level.
6. What is a Parent?
A node, which has
other nodes reporting to it.
7. What is a child?
Lower level than its
parent is called a child.
8. What is a sibling?
A node, which is
placed at the same level, is called sibling.
9. What is meant by
category in Tree manager?
High-level grouping
under which you can organize your tree structure and tree definition.
10. Explain the
various options to define a Tree?
There are 2 options
to define a Tree..
1.Detailed Tree: used
to gather information about the various parts of the tree.
2.Summary Tree:
collection of detailed tree nodes.
11. What are the
advantages of Tree Manager?
The following are the
advantages of a Tree Manager..
1. By building a tree
you can make rules centralized and can be used throughout the system.
2. Tree makes it
easier to select the values you want to include in a report, ledger or security
profile.
3. The main advantage
in a tree is that it summarizes the rules visually and you can easily see as to
now the values relate to each other.
12. What is an application
reviewer?
It is a tool, which
is window, based and designed as an aid in debugging People code programs. It
allows us to investigate processing errors and to set a break point in between
programs.
Note: People code
works in data on the stacks. (Stacks store the internal machine execution
numbers)
13. What are the
important Cross-reference Reports in People soft?
There are three
important Cross-reference reports in People soft..
1. XRF PCFL (Cross
reference people code to field)
2. XRF FLPC (Cross reference
field to People code)
3. XRF PNPC (Cross
reference panel to People code)
14. What is a Query
Tool?
Query tool is a
powerful tool for defining database queries in an easy-to-use graphical
environment. You can extract the precise data you want using visual
representation of People soft database.
15. Enlist the uses
of Query tool?
The following are the
uses of Query tool..
1. It is used to
simplify SQR statements
2. It can be used to
generate one-time adhoc queries or queries used repeatedly.
3. It provides
security for queries.
4. Query tool can be
used to generate Pnvision and Crystal reports.
16. Explain briefly
the types of queries?
There are 3 types of
Queries
Search for records.
Many of the search dialog boxes in People soft applications enable you to open
Query and create a query based on the search record definition. This option
enables you to search for records based on sophisticated search criteria. This
type of query is called a search query.
Determine who to
forward information to. You can write queries that People soft Work flow uses
to determine who to send e-mails, forms, or work list entries to.
This type of query is
called a role query>
User defined queries
(adhoc query) is used to generate reports in the user defined format.
17. Explain briefly
about the Database tab and Query tab?
When you click the
database tab, you see a list of available record definitions (or record
components). You can view these records as either a tree of access groups or as
an alphabetical tree of records to which you operator ID has access.
When you click the
Query tab, you see all the components used in the current query (such as record
components, field components, prompts, expressions, and so on.
18. What is an Access
Group in a Query tool?
Access groups provide
a way for you to logically organize the record components to control security
access within Query. It is not a physical representation of your database. The
record components shown are those that the operator has been granted access to.
19. Explain briefly
about Crystal Reports?
With Crystal Reports
Pro from Seagate software, you can generate attractive reports. Crystal reports
builds directly on queries you create in People soft Query. Crystal reports pro
for windows is a report formatter that helps you to generate clear and easy to
read printed reports containing data from your People soft applications. You
can generate standard reports we have already created and saved in Crystal, or
create your own custom reports.
Generating formatted
output in Crystal involves two steps. First you create and save queries in
People soft Query then you create report definitions in Crystal to format the
fields (columns) used in the queries. Once you have created and saved the
report definitions, you can print reports that are easy to read and understand.
You can generate reports in a variety of different formats, including ASCII
files, Microsoft Word documents and spread sheets.
IBM Interview
Questions and Answers on Peoplesoft
1. What is a set ID
or Table set?
It is going share
common control table values.
2. What is an object
group?
Collection of one or
more objects that form a logical group for security purpose.
3. What is business
Process Map?
It is an alternative
method for accessing panels or it is a graphical representation of a map.
4. What is an
activity?
It is a collection of
logical steps. It represents specific transaction a user might need to perform.
5. What is a business
Process?
It is a collection of
activities and it represents broad area functionality, categorizing the several
activities.
6.What is a Process?
A task involved by
the system.
7. What is a process
instance?
It is a process
number used to request process.
8. What is a process
server agent?
It is going to
initialize, select and parse the program.
9. What is a command
line parameter?
The executable (.EXE)
file is nothing but command line parameter. E.g. C:/SQLbin\SQL.exe.
10. What is Parameter
List?
It defines under what
database, platform will the program. (Nothing but the meta-strings)
11. What is
Application Upgrade?
It is a migration of
object from one database to another and updating other system components such
as application software.
12. What is Mass
change and explain the uses of Mass change?
Mass change is a SQL
generator you can use to develop and perform custom applications. Using mass
change, a developer can set up a series of INSERT, UPDATE, OR DELETE SQL
statements that the end user can execute to perform business functions.
The overall structure
of Mass change is similar to that of People soft Query
Except that Query retrieves
data from the database while mass change actually updates the database.
The uses of Mass
change are as follows.
1. It is used to
perform high volume set oriented transactions.
2. Copy data from
table or table
3. Archive table data
(Archive means that the data does not have backup file and uses to update the
values)
13. Why use Mass
change and why not SQL execute to update a record, which is not attached to the
panel?
The reason why Mass
change is preferred over SQL exec is….
1. Two- Three Mass
change program can work at a single time.
2. Data / information
need not be defined in Mass change
3. Mass change can be
used for file download upload.
14. What are the
steps involved in Mass change?
The following are the
order of steps involved in Mass change.
`1. Define type
2. Assign to template
3. Operator security
4.Mass change
definition
15. What is Mass
change group?
Adding all Mass
change into a group. (i.e., Multiple Mass change definitions can be executed
simultaneously).
16. What is workflow?
To an extent all the
business processes defined using the Application designer involve workflow.
However we usually reserve the term to refer to processes that involve multiple
users and the routing of data between the users. People soft workflow tools help
you build the routings into your computer systems. You use them to tie together
the individual steps so that the system can help coordinate the activities.
17. How Workflow is
controlled?
It is controlled by
Decision Point (it is graphically denoted by a (?)). Where user has to choose
which activity is appropriate towards the next step.
18. What are the key
fields used in Key list?
7 key fields used in
a key list. They are as follows..
1. Busprocname-
(Business Process Name)
2. Activity name
3. Event name
4. Work list name
5. Instance Id
6. Transaction Id
7. Emplid
Note: While defining
the above fields in the record definition, a key has to be assigned in the
record field properties.
19. What is routing
in workflow?
Transfer of roles /
users
20. Why workflow is
used and explains the advantage of workflow in People soft application?
Workflow typically
eliminates the job tasks associated with controlling paper flow, and frees
people the once performed clerical functions to do more meaningful work.
• Tasks that don’t
require user involvement
• Tasks that involve
non People soft users
• Tasks that several
users work on together.
21. Define the
components of workflow?
There are 3
underlying components of workflow i.e., Rules, Roles, Routing.
Rules
Rules are your
company’s business practices captured in software. Rules determine what
activities are required to process your business data. The rules are contained
in policies and procedures documents.
Roles
Roles describe how
people fit into the workflow. A role is a class of users who perform the same
type of work, such as clerks or managers. Your business rules typically specify
what user role needs to do an activity.
Roles direct the work
to types of people rather than to individuals. Identifying roes instead of
individual users makes your workflow more flexible and easier to maintain.
Roles remain stable even as people change jobs.
Routings
Routings connect the
activities in the workflow. They are the systems means of moving information
from one place to another, from one step to the next. Routings bring the flow
into workflow. The network of routings creates a business process from what
used to be isolated activities. Routings make it possible to deploy
applications throughout the enterprise. They work through the levels and
departments of an enterprise to bring together the role that are necessary to
complete complex tasks.
1. Define Data Move?
Data Mover is People
Tool that provides a convenient way to:
0. Transfer
application data between People soft data tables
0. Move People soft
database across Operating systems and database plat forms.
0. Create release
specific archives of People soft database or individual People soft records.
0. Execute SQL
statements against any People soft database, regardless of the underlying
operating systems or database plat form.
0. Control database
security and access.
2. What is the usage
of Data mover?
Data mover is used to
create edit and run scripts. These scripts may include any combination of SQL
commands and Data mover commands for exporting and importing database contents.
3. What is Trace SQL?
Trace SQL logs a
variety of information about SQL activity called from People tools and from
batch COBOL on a client or server.
OR
SQL Trace records
information about the actual API (Application Process Interface)
Calls both our GUI
(Graphic User Interface) and COBOL Programs send to the
Database. This tool
is useful for debugging SQL
Note: While operating
with the Data Mover utility, the trace option should be disabled.
Use SET NO TRACE
statement to disable the SQL Trace.
4. What is BOOTSTRAP
MODE?
When the Data Mover
is launched using the Database Access ID and Password, it is called BOOTSTRAP
MODE.
Typically, using
Bootstrap mode is necessary for database loading, because there are no People
soft security tables established yet. It is also helpful for accomplishing
other security-related tasks, such as running Grant_Users and Encrypt_password
scripts.
In Bootstrap mode the
following commands are not valid export, rename and replace
View.
5. Explain the types
of commands in the Data Mover?
A Data Mover script
can contain two types of commands.
0. Data Mover
commands: Used to export and import database information and to otherwise modify
database. Also, used to control script execution, call other Data Mover files
and to enter commands.
0. SQL commands:
These include both standard and non-standard SQL commands and are used to
modify the database.
6. What is SQR?
Features of SQR?
*SQR (Structured
Query Reports) is a programming language used in data processing and data
reporting. SQR program can execute multiple queries.*
Features:
0. More flexible
0. Scalability for
Client and Server architecture.
0. Multiple platform
portability
0. Multiple RDBMS
portability
7. What is a FLAG?
It is an attribute
given to programming for processing and generating output destination file.
8. What is difference
between .LIS and .SPF file?
. LIS (list file) is
used for line printer execution. Normally it is used for printing cheques.
.SPF file is portable
format, this is used for all window-based applications with any printer.
Normally it is used for MSPAINT, Image, and Graphics.
9. How many types of
SQR files are there?
There are 5 types of
SQR files….
5. SQC: SQC program
files contain commonly included procedures that are called by other SQR
programs.
5. . LIS when an SQR
reports generate output it is sent to a file with an. LIS extension.
5. . LOG: SQR.LOG
file is the output file used by People soft. This file contains all information
such as errors and displays statements. That is output to the terminal during
the execution of SQR.
5. . MAX: SQR does
not dynamically allocate memory. The default program allocations (which were
coded for lower DOS memory) usually have to be increased for complex SQR
programs.
Note: People soft
uses a .MAX file to increase any SQR parameter where default is not adequate
for the program. There is one main .MAX file for processing under SQR W
(windows) called ALLMAXES.MAX
5. SQT: These program
files are precompiled SQR programs. As a People soft 5+ there are no delivered
precompiled SQR programs.
10. Explain briefly
about flags?
The SQR command
supports several flags. Each flag begins with a dash (-). Flags with arguments
must be followed directly by the argument with no intervening space.
2.
3. SQR Command-Line
Flags
Flag Description
-A Causes the report
output to be appended to an existing file of the user name
-Bnn (Oracle,SYBASE
CT-Lib) indicates how many rows to buffer each time data
is retrieved from the
database. The default is 10 rows.
-C Specifies that the
cancel dialog box appear while the program.
-CB (Callable SQR)
forces the communication box to be used.
-DEBUG (xxx) (Sybase)
Causes lines preceded by #DEBUG to be compared. Without this
flag, these lines are
ignored.
-E(file) Causes error
messages to be directed to the named file, or to the default file
report errs. If no
errors occur, no file is created.
-F (file) (Directory)
overrides the default output file name program .lis
-KEEP In addition to
.LIS files, creates an .SPF file for each report that your
program generates.
-
LOCK(RR]CS]RO]RL]XX] (SQL Base) Defines the types of locking (isolation level
for the session.
-NR (SQL Base)
specifies that the No Recovery mode is used when connecting to the database.
-XCB Do not use the
communication box.
-XL Prevents SQR from
logging on to the database. Programs run in this
mode cannot contain
any SQL statements.
-XMB Disables the
error message display so that a program can be run without
interruption by error
message boxes.
-XP (SYBASE DB-Lib)
Prevents SQR from creating temporary stored pro-
cedures.
-XTB Preserves the
trailing blanks in an LIS file.
-ZIV Invokes the SPF
viewer after generating program .spf file. Using this flag
implicitly invokes
the –KEEP flag to create program .spf file.
-ZMF(File) specifies
the full path and name of the SQR Error Message file. The Sqr
err.dat located in
the directory indicated by the SQR DIR environment
Variable is the
default.
1. How SQR Programs
are evaluated and executed at different times?
FIRST PASS: Or
Compile stage. SQR processes the following components of the program.
1. All # include
external source files (SQCs) are inserted into the source program.
2. All # commands are
evaluated.
3. The setup section
is processes including allocation and population of memory arrays created by
the load-look up command.
4. Optimization of
the SQL data access path is determined.
5. Checks syntax of
SQR source program.
SECOND PASS: Actual
execution of the program source occurs starting at the begin
Report stopping at
the end-report.
1. Process data for
the body section.
2. Senses page
overflow or response to new-page command in code.
3. Process heading
section
4. Process footing
section
5. Writes entire page
buffer to file.
2. How many types of
SQR data elements are there?
Columns, variables,
Literal
3. What does SQR
report structure(program) consists of or Types of sections in SQR Program?
Report or Program –
Determines where SQR will begin and end execution of your report. People soft
uses this section to control the flow of processing by calling procedures using
the do command, thereby utilizing modular programming.
Setup Section –
Contains commands, which describe the general report characteristics (Note: the
setup section is preprocessed and is automatically run before the program
begins execution. This section can only include SQR commands.
Programming section –
A – Begin – SQL: The
SQL paragraph allows you to execute any non-select SQL
Statement.
B. Begin-Document-:
Allows you to mix background text. With the data retrieved from the database.
C. Begin-Select:
Select paragraph is the heart of the SQR program. For each row of data
retrieved from the query, acting as an implicit while loop may also process a
set of commands there. Here you specify what columns of data to retrieve from
the database. Other procedures may be referenced within a select paragraph,
which in turn may contain other select paragraphs.
Note: In begin select
SQR requires that columns names be flesh to the left margin and SQR commands be
indented.
Heading Section
Footing Section
Procedure Section : A
procedure is a list of commands or paragraphs, which are processed when
referenced by a corresponding, do command. Procedure names must be unique.
Procedures can contain regular SQR commands as well as three special kinds of
paragraphs: A. SQL B. Document C. Select
4. Explain Print
Function?
The print command, is
both explicit and implicit, is the focal point for formatting and processing.
Explicit print is
used to print database column referenced by its pseudonym (&column name) or
a user defined variable.
The Implicit print is
only valid for database columns as they are retrieved in the select para.
5. What are
positional co-ordinates?
Printing in SQR is
placing output on the page grid. Position syntax is used to define where to
place data on the page within a given section.
6. Explain briefly
about On-break processing?
On-break option on
columns will cause each column to break independently from each other. When a
break occurs the following happens, After procedure are processed in descending
sequence from the highest level to the level of the current break filed.
7. Difference between
ASK V/S INPUT?
ASK : It is requests
the user for the value and substitutes the value during compilation. It is used
only in the setup section.
INPUT : It requests
the user for the value at runtime. (i.e., at execution stage). It can be used
anywhere in the programming section.
Note: INPUT is mere
efficient than ASK.
8. Define an Array?
An Array can be
defined to store intermediate results or data retrieved from the database.
9. Define Process
Scheduler?
It is an centralized
tool that enables application developers, system administrators and application
users to manage People soft batch process. Process Scheduler enables you to
schedule running process and create job.
10.Difference between
Process and Job?
Process: A process is
a single task, program or routine (such as SQR reports or Batch Cobol) that
runs either on client or server.
Job: It is one or
more process of the same or different type, which can run either in series or
Parallel. (A group of process can be combined and run as process job)
1. What is
Application Upgrade?
It is a migration of
object from one database to another and updating other system components such
as application software.
2. What is Mass
change and explain the uses of Mass change?
Mass change is a SQL
generator you can use to develop and perform custom applications. Using mass
change, a developer can set up a series of INSERT, UPDATE, OR DELETE SQL
statements that the end user can execute to perform business functions.
The overall structure
of Mass change is similar to that of People soft Query
Except that Query
retrieves data from the database while mass change actually updates the
database.
The uses of Mass
change are as follows.
1. It is used to
perform high volume set oriented transactions.
2. Copy data from
table or table
3. Archive table data
(Archive means that the data does not have backup file and uses to update the
values)
3. Why use Mass
change and why not SQL execute to update a record, which is not attached to the
panel?
The reason why Mass
change is preferred over SQL exec is….
1. Two- Three Mass
change program can work at a single time.
2. Data / information
need not be defined in Mass change
3. Mass change can be
used for file download upload.
4. What are the steps
involved in Mass change?
The following are the
order of steps involved in Mass change.
1. Define type
2. Assign to template
3. Operator security
4.Mass change
definition
5. What is Mass
change group?
Adding all Mass
change into a group. (i.e., Multiple Mass change definitions can be executed
simultaneously).
6. What is workflow?
To an extent all the
business processes defined using the Application designer involve workflow.
However we usually reserve the term to refer to processes that involve multiple
users and the routing of data between the users. People soft workflow tools help
you build the routings into your computer systems. You use them to tie together
the individual steps so that the system can help coordinate the activities.
7. How Workflow is
controlled?
It is controlled by
Decision Point (it is graphically denoted by a (?)). Where user has to choose
which activity is appropriate towards the next step.
8. What are the key
fields used in Key list?
7 key fields used in
a key list. They are as follows..
1. Busprocname-
(Business Process Name)
2. Activity name
3. Event name
4. Work list name
5. Instance Id
6. Transaction Id
7. Emplid
Note: While defining
the above fields in the record definition, a key has to be assigned in the
record field properties.
9. What is routing in
workflow?
Transfer of roles /
users
10. Why workflow is
used and explains the advantage of workflow in People soft application?
Workflow typically
eliminates the job tasks associated with controlling paper flow, and frees
people the once performed clerical functions to do more meaningful work.
• Tasks that don’t
require user involvement
• Tasks that involve
non People soft users
• Tasks that several
users work on together.
11. Define the
components of workflow?
There are 3
underlying components of workflow i.e., Rules, Roles, Routing.
Rules
Rules are your
company’s business practices captured in software. Rules determine what
activities are required to process your business data. The rules are contained
in policies and procedures documents.
Roles
Roles describe how
people fit into the workflow. A role is a class of users who perform the same
type of work, such as clerks or managers. Your business rules typically specify
what user role needs to do an activity.
Roles direct the work
to types of people rather than to individuals. Identifying roes instead of
individual users makes your workflow more flexible and easier to maintain.
Roles remain stable even as people change jobs.
Routings
Routings connect the
activities in the workflow. They are the systems means of moving information
from one place to another, from one step to the next. Routings bring the flow
into workflow. The network of routings creates a business process from what
used to be isolated activities. Routings make it possible to deploy
applications throughout the enterprise. They work through the levels and
departments of an enterprise to bring together the role that are necessary to
complete complex tasks.
1.What conditions are
required to establish parent child relationship between two records? What are
the advantages with that?
Conditions are:
1) The child record
should have all the key fields of parent record and at least one more key field
other than the key fields of parent record.
2) We should mention
the parent record in the record properties of child record.
3) We can not go for
more than three levels of parent/child relationships.
Advantages are:
1) To have
referential integrity.
2) No need to enter
information again and again
2. Which effective
dated rows can be retrieved in update/display mode, update/display all and correction
mode?
Update/display – can
view current and future rows. Can update only future rows.
Update/display all –
can view history, current and future rows. Can update only future rows.
Correction – can view
and update history, current and future rows.
3. What types of
audits are supported by people soft? In case of record level audit what is the
structure of table?
We have field level
audit and record level audit. The structure of the table in record level audit
is: AUDIT_OPRID, AUDIT_STAMP, AUDIT_ACTN, AUDIT_RECNAME and can add fields from
record.
4. What are Table
Edits?
We have prompt table
edit, yes/no table edit, translate table edit as the table edits.
5. What is the
difference between Key and alternate search Key?
KEY-It is the primary
key of the record. Can be used as search key or need not be. Alternate search
key-it is used for searching purposes.
6. Can you place Sub
page into Grid? If yes How?
Yes we can insert
subpage using insert subpage. After insert subpage into main page, drag the
subpage into the grid. When we save the page we are successfully able to save
the page showing that we can insert a subpage into a grid.
7. Can you hide a
primary page in a component? Reason?
No, we can not hide
the primary page of a component. If the component had only one page then by
making this page also invisible we won’t have any component existing so we are
not allowed to hide the primary page.
8. What is an Expert
Entry?
Expert entry enables
a user to change from interactive to deferred mode at runtime for appropriate
transactions.
9. What is Auto
Update?
This record field
property is used to update the date field of particular record with the
server's current date and time whenever a user creates or updates a row. Even
the user enter the data into that field, the data which the user enters will be
updated by the system’s current date and time.
10.How can a component
have more than one search record? Give a situation.
You might want to
reuse the same component multiple times with different search records. You can
accomplish this by overriding the component search record at runtime when the
component is opened from a menu item without creating separate copies of the
component. The component override is temporary, and occurs only when the
component is opened from the menu item in which the override is set. It does
not change the component definition.
11. How can you improve
the security and usability of a Prompt table edit.?
Prompt table view
12. What are the
different ways to setup row level security?
We can setup
row-level security using a SQL view that joins the data table with an
authorization table. And By having Query search for data using a query security
record definition. The query security record definition adds a security check
to the search.
13. How does
peoplesoft use views? Which are online functions?
A) People soft uses
views for search records, summary pages, prompt views, reports.
Search records and
summary pages are online functions.
14. Why do PeopleSoft
often use views as search records?
A) Search views are
used for three main reasons.
1. Adding criteria to
the search dialogue page
2. Providing row
level security.
3. Implementing
search page processing.
15. What is Record
Group? Which records can be included into a record group?
Record group consists
of records with similar functionality. To setup a record in record group we
should enter a set control field value in record properties
1. Explain briefly
about record properties?
KEY: the record knows
a field, which uniquely identifies each row, as a key.
1. According, to the
key field, we will search and retrieve data from the database.
2. This will not
allow duplicate and not null values.
3. It is a primary
key
4. It allows multiple
keys
5. Maximum keys
allowed in a record is 15
6. It should be
placed at the top of the record definition.
Duplicate Order Key:
1. It provides a way
of ordering data in the table when the duplicate values are allowed.
2. It will create
index for the column. However the index can be disabled.
Alternate Search key:
1. It identifies the
field as a key that provides an alternative path into table data.
2. Due to alternate
search key the system becomes slow, because database index will be created when
SQL creates the tables, so it will consume the disk space.
3. It allows
duplicate values.
4. Alternate search
will be seen in the search dialog box when update/display mode is selected.
Descending order key:
It is used to
retrieve data in the form of 3-2-1 or C-B-A and normally it is
used in Effective
date.
2. What is ordering
key?
The following way we
have to arrange the fields
1. Field with primary
key and search box.
2. Field with primary
key
3. Field with
duplicate order key.
3. Define Scroll? How
many types of scrolls are there?
A Scroll is used to
enter multiple rows and retrieve multiple row data. There are two types of
scrolls:
1. Nested scrolls –
For each repeating data and for each entry with other set of repeating set of
data is called a nested scroll. Maximum 3 nested levels are allowed. The nested
scrolls share same high-level keys.
2. Independent
scrolls – At each scroll level a maximum of 15 screen be included.
4. Define Occurs
Level?
Occurs level
specifies the level of a scroll bar relative to any other scroll bars on a
panel. The following are the occurs level at each nested scroll bar.
The primary scroll
bar in a set of nested scroll bars has an occur level 1 A Secondary scroll bar
has an occurs level of 2, which means it is subordinate to scroll bar 1.The
third scroll bar has an occurs level of 3, which means it is subordinate to
scroll bar 2.
5. What are the types
of controls that can be placed on the panel?
There are three types
of controls:
1. Aesthetic Control:
It is used to organize the information on the panel and it is not associated
with the database. There are 4 types of aesthetic contents. A) Text B)Frame C)
Group box D) Static image.
2. Data entry
control: It is used to offer different way to enter and maintain the
information. There are 7 types of Data entry controls. A) Edit box B) Drop down
list box C) Long edit box D) Check box E) Radio button F) Sub-panel image.
3. Function and data
processing control: It adds command and maintains level of information on the
command. There are 6 types of data processing controls
A) Command push
button B) Process push button C) Secondary panel D)Scroll bar E) Grid control
F) Tree.
6.Define Sub-panel
and Secondary panel?
Sub-panel : It is a
predefined, preside group control, which will appear in more than one panel.
(Utility: if you have group of controls, such as address coasts, which you use
on multiple panel definition, you can save those panel control groups on sub-
panel)
Secondary Panel: An
invisible control that associates a secondary panel with a primary panel.
(Utility: Secondary panels are used to gather or display supplemental
information related to the object that appears in a primary panel)
7. Explain about
display control field and related display control field?
Display control
field: It is controlling the field in some other record.
Related control
field: display control field controls it.
8. What is panel
group? Explain in brief about panel group?
Panel group is the
bridge between panel and menu. A panel group is a set of panels
That should be
processed as if it is one panel. The panel group represents a complete business
transaction because all the Information goes together. The group must be stored
in the database as a single Unit of work. At runtime, we are opening and saving
panel group not individual Panels.
9.Define a Menu? How
many types of Menus exist?
Menus are used to
navigate the application (Menu is a window to the application)
There are two types
of menus:
1. Standard menu: It
appears in the menu bar of a Peoplesoft application.
2. Popup menu: Allows
the user to navigate related information in other areas of application by right
clicking on a panel or panel control.
39. How many types of
securities are available in People soft?
There are 6 types of
securities:
1. RDBMS Security 2.
Network security 3.Operator security 4. Object security 5.Tree level security
6. Query security (row level security)
2. Interview
Questions on PeopleSoft ,FAQs and Answers
1.What are the
physicals attributes Applications designer screen?
The following are the
attributes of Application Designer
1. Title bar
2. Menus
3. Toolbar
4. Project Workspace
– it arranges Peoplesoft objects in Windows explorer format
5. Object Workspace –
Open Multiple Object and store in main window.
6. Output Window –
Deals about the output generated by using project development or Up gradation.
7. View tabs –
Development tools / Upgrade
2. What is MDI?
Multiple Document
Interface – having an option to open multiple windows at the same time. But
only one window can be activated at a time.
3. What is Morphing?
The Application
designer uses an approach of morphing, or dynamically transforming the menus
and toolbars to edit the definition in the active window.
4. How is data
stored, retrieved, manipulated and processed in People soft applications?
People soft is a
table-based system. A database for a people tools application contains three
major sets of tables…
1. System catalog
tables; it stores physical attributes of tables and views. (e.g. Sys, Columns,
Sys tables)
2. People Tools
tables; it contains information that you define using People Tools (e.g.
PSRECDEFN, PSPNLDEFN,
PSMENUDEFN)
3. Application Data
Tables; Store the actual data users enter and access through People Soft
application windows and panels. (E.g. PS_ <>)
5. What is SQL Talk?
SQL Talk is an
interface to Peoplesoft database.
6. How many types of
RDBMS support Peoplesoft?
The following are the
list of RDBMS supporting Peoplesoft application..
1. DB2 2. DB2/AS400
3. DB2/MVS 4. SQL Base 5.Oracle 6. MSSQI.Server 7. Informix
7. Define a Field?
Fields are basic
building blocks in People soft and can be used in application when they are
added to atleast one record. Fields are globally defined.
8. What are the
various Field attributes?
The commons filed
attributes are:
1. Data type 2. Field
name 3. Long name 4. Short name 5. Formatting 6. Help context number 7.
Translate values – stored in separate table (XLATTABLE).
9. Define Field
properties?
Fields are
1.Globally defined
2.Reusable components
and can be shared across multiple record definitions
3.A change to the
Field properties affects all the records that include the field.
Peoplesoft Interview
Questions and Answers listed below.
1. What is an ERP?
It is a process of
integrated flow of Information, which binds on the organization together.
2. What is an ERP
system?
It is an integrated
application software module providing operational, managerial and strategic
Information for improving productivity, quality and quantity to improve
competence.
3. Describe the Life
Cycle of a Project (ERP Implementation)?
The Project passes
through the following stages.
1. Analysis
2. Designing
3. Coding
4. Testing
5. Implementation
6. Maintenance.
4. Define People
Tools?
A Collection of
software programs, utility scripts and (reports, messages, Cobol SQL
statements, database tables and data that provide the frame work for creating,
using and modifying people soft applications. People tools provide built in
business functionally and maintains the capability that directly increase
productivity and simplify system design.
5. What does
Application Designer mean?
It is an integrated
development environment that is used to develop People soft applications.
6. Functionality of
Application Designer?
The following are the
uses of Application Designer.
1. Design and create
database tables.
2. Design on-line
panels
3. Controlling
on-line processing flow.
4. Create application
windows and menus
5. Providing security
for the database.
7. Difference between
Two-tier and Three-tier architecture?
Incase of three-tier
architecture an application server is connected between the database server
(Back end) and the client (front end).
Incase of two-tier
architecture the server is directly connected to the client.
8. Advantages of
three-tier architecture?
The advantages of
three-tier configuration are…
1. Reduce the LAN
traffic.
2. Built-in
functionality
3. Increase the
productivity.
4. No SQL at the
client level.
5. Improved
performance over WAN.
6. Increased
Scalability. (regardless of the number of users connected you can maintain
constant performance level)
9. What is a project?
User defined
collection of related definitions (fields, records, panels, panelgroups and
menus).
10. What are the
steps for building an application?
The following are the
steps to create application designer.
1. Defining an
application.
2. Create field
definition.
3. Create Record
definition using the fields.
4. Create SQL table.
5. Create Panel.
6. Add panel to the
panel group.
7. Add panel group to
the Menu.
8. Authorize
operators to access Pan.
9. Test.
