PeopleSoft Technical- Interview Questions

7/28/2019 PeopleSoft Technical- Interview Questions

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Peoplesoft Interview questions and answers- SQR

1. What are the sections and paragraphs available?

There are five sections and three paragraphs available in SQR programming. The sections include

a. Begin-setup End-setup.

b. Begin-program End-program.

c. Begin-procedure End-procedure.

d. Begin-heading End-heading.

e. Begin-footing End-footing

And the paragraphs include

Begin-select paragraph.

Begin-SQL paragraph.

Begin-document paragraph

2. Is it possible to increase the array size once defined?

No, it is not possible to increase the Array size once defined

3. What is Load-lookup? Give the Syntax for Load-Lookup?

The LOAD-LOOKUP command defines an array containing a set of keys and values and loads it into

memory. With LOAD-LOOKUP, you can reduce the number of tables that are joined in one SELECT. Use

this command in conjunction with one or more LOOKUP commands.

Syntax: begin-setup

load-lookup

name=prods

table=products

key=product code

return value=description

end-setup

4. Can you call a SQR from another SQR? How?

We can call one SQR program from another SQR program using Call.callsystem. But this is possible only

in UNIX Operating system.


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5. Briefly explain Most commonly used SQCs in SQR programs?

: Some of the most commonly used SQC s are

1.STDAPI.sqc : This Is Process Scheduler Interface which is used to initiate and terminate some field

values such as Process_instance & Run_cntl_id

2.SETENV.sqc : This is used to set the Default Environment based on the Database such Printer Type,

Paper Size, Date formats Etc.

3.NUMBER.sqc : This file contains generalized routines to format numbers.

4.DATETIME.sqc : This file contains generalized routines to format dates and times.

6.RESET.sqc : This is an important Footing SQc.

6. What are the commands used in file handling of sqr?

Using File Handling we can Import. Steps are

1. Opening a File Using OPEN FOR-READING command.

1. Reading Data From File Using READ command.

Writing Data into Table Using BEGIN-SQL paragraph & INSERT command

7. What are On-break parameters?

ON-BREAK causes the specified action to perform in a tabular report when the value of a field changes.

The default action prints the field only when its value changes (PRINT=CHANGE).Mainly used for

Redundancy of Printing on a page.

8. How can you Debug SQR programs?

We can Debug SQR using Debugging Commands such as

2. #IF DEBUGxxx

#END-IF

2. DISPLAY and

3. SHOW

9. What is the difference between sqr and sqc?

SQR SQC

1.This is nothing but the Actual 1.This is like a function in SQR.

Source program.


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2. This consists of Program Section. 2. This does not consists of program Section.

3. This can be Compiled & Executed. 3. This cannot be Compiled and Executed.

4. We cannot call one SQR from 4.We can call one SQC from another SQC or another SQR

or SQC. SQR program.

10. What are different types of variables in sqr?

Types of variables in SQR are

1. Column Variables.

2. List Variables.

3. System Variables.

4. Document Variables.

5. Substitution Variables.

User Defined Variables

11. Is there any read-only variable in sqr?

Column Variables & System Variables are Read-Only Variables.

12. How to pass Inputs for sqr program while running from windows?

Using ASK & INPUT Commands.

13. How to pass Inputs to the SQR while running through the Process Scheduler?

Using Procedures & SQCs to access data on Run Control Page (Run Control Fields).

14. What is the purpose of Stdapi.sqc

This is a Process Scheduler Interface sqc which is used to initiate and terminate some field

values such as Process_instance & Run_cntl_id

15. What is the SQT file? What are the advantages of SQT files?

SQT file is nothing but resultant file after the compilation (i.e.) Runtime File. By using this SQT file for

Execution we can increase the Performance of the program by reduciong the Compilation Time.

16. What is the SQC used to read data from translate table?

READXLAT.sqc is the SQC used to read data from Translate Table.


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17. Which section is mandatory in an SQR program?

BEGIN-PROGRAM Section is Mandatory for an SQR program.

18. How will you display an image in SQR?

Using DECLARE-IMAGE , END-DECLARE command.

19. What is use of SETENV.SQC?

This is used to set the Default Environment based on the Database such Printer Type, Paper Size, Date

formats Etc.

20. How will you perform ERROR handling in SQR?

We can do Error handling in SQR using some command line flags such as O, -L,-ZMF,-XMB and using

Error handling commands such as

ON-ERROR = Skip/Warn/Stop (for Compile time errors)

ON-ERROR = Procedure Name (for execution stage errors).

21. How many ways of performance tuning are there in SQR?

1. Using LOADF-LOOKUP & LOOKUP.

2. Using ARRAYS.

3. Using MULTIPE REPORTS.

4. Using SQT Files.

5. UsingBnn Command line Flag.

6. Running on BATCH SERVER.

7. Using Proper Programming Logic in SQR such as Using BREAK statement in EVALUATE Command.

8. Proper SQL tuning such as using Sub queries instead of Joins.

22. Can you call procedure in oracle from Sqr? How?

To call a database procedure using Begin-select paragraph, the syntax is as follows:

Begin-select

[(report arguments)]

from Dual

End-select


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To call from Begin-sql, the syntax will be

Begin-SQL

;;

End-SQL

23. Can you connect more than one database using one Sqr? How?

Yes.

24. What are the differences between Load lookup and Array

ARRAYS LOAD-LOOKUP

1. Arrays can be declared in any section. 1. Load-Lookup is declared in only in

SETUP section only.

2. Number of rows are not automatically 2. Numbers of rows are automatically added. gives a error if the

number of added.

Exceeds the specified number.

3. We should insert data in to Array by 3. Rows are automatically inserted in to

programming. Load-Lookup.

4. We can retrieve any number of fields. 4. We can retrieve only Two fields from

from a table. a table.

5. We have Length & Data type. 5. We dont have Length & Data type.

6. We cannot directly print from Array. 6. We can directly print from

Load-Lookup.

25. What are the steps required to run the SQR from PeopleSoft environment?

Three steps we have to fallow to run the SQR program from the PeopleSoft environment (Process

Scheduler). These steps include

a. making the SQR program API aware by calling two procedures (stdapi-init, stdapi-term) from the Begin-

program section and including the Stdapi.sqc in the bottom of the program.

b. Create new run control table or using existing run control table and creating run control page,

component and register the component. Creating new run control SQC if we create a new run control

table.

c. Giving the permission to the user by giving process groups.


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26. How to pass command line flags to a sqr report running through process scheduler?

Using override options in the process definition in the Process Scheduler in the People Tools.

27. What are On-break parameters?

ON-BREAK causes the specified action to perform in a tabular report when the value of a field changes .

The default action prints the field only when its value changes (PRINT=CHANGE).Mainly used for

Redundancy of Printing on a page.

28 .How does peoplesoft Process monitor knows that the process (Say sqr report) is at what stage

such as initiated, in process, completed etc

From the Field Value of RUNSTATUSDESCRfield from PS_PMN_PRCSLIST table.

29. How can u Debugging SQR programs?

We can Debug SQR using Debugging Commands such as

3. #IF DEBUGxxx

#END-IF

2. DISPLAY and

3. SHOW

30. How to refer a global variable in local procedure?

After special character (ex.#,&) we use underscore(_) after that variable name.

31. What is -Bnn flag?

This is used to specify the number of rows that are to be taken from Dbase to the Buffer because default

the system takes 10 rows at a time.

32. What is -Tnn flag?

This is mainly used for testing purpose. We can restrict the system to generate only a specific number of

pages instead of generating all pages for testing. This is used in Windows Environment.

33. What is -RS & -RT Flags?


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RS is used to generate SPF file ie; stopping the program after the comilation. _RT is used to run the SPF

file .This is also one kind of Performance increasing technique by saving the compilation time.

34. What are the sections in Sqr? Which one is necessary?

Setup, Heading, Footing, Program & Procedure Sections. Program section is the Mandatory section.

35. What is -debug command line flag?

This is used for Debugging in SQR.

36. How to place an corporate logo in sqr?

Using Declare Image command

37. what are the debugging commands in sqr?

Show & Display are debugging commands

38. what is the difference between them?

Show is used to display more than one variable at a time.

Display is used to display only one variable at a time.

PeopleSoft SQR Interview Questions,SQR Interview Questions asked in MNCs given below

What are the Important SQC are need to be attached?

How do you do Performance tuning of SQR?

Did you worked with functions, procedures in SQR?

Can we call two Procedures in On-Break? If yes Then How?

How can you send emails using SQR

What are the compulsory SQC's that should be used in SQR Program?

How do you generate two output files from one SQR.

What is hierarchy in Arrays in SQR?

What is the difference in using inner join and outer joins?

Did you worked with functions, procedures in SQR?

Can we include SETENV.SQC at the end of the SQR program? If "NO" then why?

How do you include SQCs in middle of the program? Is it possible ?

We wish to print the EMPLID in the BARCODE Format. What are the commands we have to be


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used in SQR?

What are the compulsary SQC's that should be used in SQR Program?

What is Calculated,Dependent and Conditional Marter Inspection Characteristic?

Explain Normalization in oracle?

What is difference between Load Look up and Array

What is search Record?

What is the program flow of SQR?

What are the validation is done in SQR program before loading in to the database?

How to create SQC?

How to connect other application in component interface?

What is the main difference between SQR and APP ENGINE?

How do you decide between appeng/Ci and SQR while conversion?

What is Outer join, inner join in sql?

Explain the difference between Translate & Prompt tables. What are the occasions when to use

Translate values instead of Prompt table? What is the advantage of one over the other?

What is the difference between BI,CI and IB?

Tell me your experience with CI?

Peoplesoft Interview Questions - Component Interface Builder

1) what are the main elements in the component Interface?

Main elements of component Interface

Component interface name

Keys

Properties and collections

Methods


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2) Difference between Get keys, find keys and Create Keys ?

Get keys: - These are mapped to the fields marked as scrh in the components search record.

Automatically Search key fields in search record become Get keys.

We cannot change it.

Find keys: - These are mapped to fields marked as Alt or Srch in the component search record. You may

remove Find keys that you do not wish to make available for searching.

Create Keys: - It is generated from the key fields for the search record. If Add search record is present

then its key fields are taken. We cannot change it.

3) How do you provide security for the component interface?

Open the Permission list

On the Component Interface tab

Add row and select the newly created Component Interface

Edit the permissions to give permission for the standard methods

Get, Create, Save, cancel, find.

4) What the steps that you need to do in people code to invoke Component Interface?

Establish a user section

Get the component interface definition

Populate the create keys

Create an instance ofthe component interface

Populate the required fields

Save the component Interface.

&Session = GetSession();

&CI = &Session.GetcompIntfc(CompIntfc.INTERFACE_NAME)

&CI.KEY_FILED_NAME = NEW

If not &CI.Create () Then

Else


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Populate other fields

End-if;

Populate the other fields

If not &CI.Save () Then

Else

End-if;

5) How do you test Component Interface?

Using the Component Interface tester

Give values in the tester for options

Get Existing, Create new, Find and perform the operation from the CI Tester

6) Catching error message in the component Interface? Or

Use of PSMessages in the CI?

This function needs to be called when ever methods like Find, Save, Create methods return false.

Error text and Error type can be printed in the log message for any other action in to the log messge.

Function CheckErrorCodes()

&PSMessages = &Session.PSMessages;

&ErrorCount = &PSMessages.Count;

For &i = 1 To &ErrorCount

&ErrorText = &PSMessages.Item(&i).Text;

&ErrorType = &PSMessages.Item(&i).Type;

End-For;

End-Function;

7) What is method? What are the different types of method?

Methods: - A method is an object that performs a very specific function on a component interface at run-

time.


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Standard methods and user-defined methods.

Standard methods: - Automatically generated upon the creation of a new component Interface in

Application.

Apart from the Standard methods there are Standard methods available for the use with any collection.

User-Defined methods: - User-defined methods are those that you can create to meet the requirements

of an individual component interface.

8) What are properties?

The Fields in the level 0 in the component are the properties of the component.

Standard properties User-Defined properties

Createkeyinfocollection Developer can further control the exposed Getkeyinfocollection field properties.

Findkeyinfocollection

Property Info collection

GetHistoryItems (Update/Display mode or Correction mode)

EditHistory Items

InteractiveMode.

9) Traversing the Collections in the Component Interface?

COLL_JOB Collection

Coll_JOBItm Row in the collection.

&COLL_JOBCol = &CI_JOB_DATA.COLL_JOB;

For &i = 1 to &COLL_JOBCol.Count

&COLL_JOBItm = &COLL_JOBCol.Item (&i);

&COLL_JOB_JRCol = &COLL_JOBItm.COLL_JOB_JR;

For &J = 1 to &COLL_JOB_JRCol.Count

&COLL_JOB_JRItm = &COLL_JOB_JRCol.Item (&j);

&COLL_JOB_JRItm.KEYPROP_EFFDT =;

10) How do you login in correction mode in the Component Interface?

Get History Items and Edit History items property to should be set to true.

Get History Items alone: - Update display all - modes will be used.


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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)


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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).


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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 dont require user involvement


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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 companys 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. Explain about the work you have one on People soft?

2. How do you use select data in People code (A) Fetch value (Record, record name, field name,

taeget_row ) OR Fetch value (record, record name, field name, current row number (123)?

3. What is a scroll select?

4. Limitations of SQLEXEC?


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5. Work record Vs Derived Record?

6. What is the complicated code you have written in People code and why do you think it is

complicated?

7. What is the complicated code you have written in SQR and why do you think it is complicated?

8. How do you Debug (Application Reviewer)?

9. Levels in Panel Designer?

10. How do you link crystal reports?

11. Ordinary record Vs Work record?

12. What is a record in PS?

13. Record Vs Table?

14. How many types of records are there in PS?

15. PS database management?

16. Arrays in SQR?

17. How do you arrange fields in SCROLL area?

18. How do you sort the data in SQR in being select (Using ORDER BY clause)?

19. Where do you write People code?

20. How do you modify table/record?


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21. Limitations of Scroll select?

22. Nested select in SQR?

23. Inner join / outer join?

24. Show / display in sqr?

25. Ask / Input in sqr?

26. How do you audit in PS (In Menu designer)?

27. How do you rename panel / field / record and what are the consequences / effects?

28. What is ENCODE in oracle?

29. Explain about Operator and Object security and differentiate operator security is at min level

Object security for object level?

30. Add / Update display / Update display all / correction with respect to EFFDT?

31. EFFDT Vs EFFSEQ?

32. Translate table Vs Prompt table?

33. Your strong and weak points?

34. What is your role in the project?

35. What are the modifications or customizations you have done in PS?

36. Project team size and your role?


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37. What are the modifications or customizations you have done in existing SQR?

38. Batch process in HRMS?

39. Audit tables?

40. Import manager Vs SQR?

41. What are the important tables that you use in Personal Administration?

42. What are the important tables that you use in Benefits?

43. What are the important tables that you use in Pay roll?

44. Explain about your experience?

45. What are new developments you have done in PS?

46. What are the new reports you developed in SQR (Interface, Conversion, Formatted)?

47. Advantages of People Tools?

48. Advantages of People Code?

49. Why SQR is used and advantages of SQR?

50. How are you running your HRMS systems either by JOBCODE or by POSITION_NBR?

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.


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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.


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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 procedures 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


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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. 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?


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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?


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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.

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


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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 theKEEP 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.

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?


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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).


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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.

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 Ufor 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).


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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.


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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.

Savepostchangefires after the updating 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 People Code 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?

Getrowsetis used to get rowset for a record in the component buffer.

Createrowsetis 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


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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..Get Row(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


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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

Interview questions on peoplesoft.

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.


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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 screens 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


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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?


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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)

Documents

PeopleSoft Technical- Interview Questions