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In large-scale batch processing systems, Job Control Language (JCL) is used to manage the execution of programs on IBM mainframes. To avoid writing repetitive code and to make JCL more modular, procedures (PROCs) are used reducing redundancy and improving maintainability. Here are some commoly asked questions in interviews

  • What is the main benefit of using a JCL procedure in batch processing?
  • Differentiate between in-stream and cataloged procedures.
  • What is the purpose of the PEND statement in an in-stream PROC?
  • How do you pass symbolic parameters to a PROC, and what is their significance?
  • What happens when both a SET statement and a default parameter exist in a PROC?
  • Can a cataloged procedure include nested procedures? Explain.
  • What keyword must be used in JCL to refer to a library containing cataloged procedures?
  • How can you override a DD statement defined inside a procedure?
  • What does the following override do? //STEP1.INPUT DD DUMMY
  • Explain how REFERBACK is used in the context of procedures.