IMS DB MCQs and Answers With Explanation – IMS DB (Information Management System Database) is a hierarchical database management system developed by IBM. It is widely used in large organizations for storing and retrieving data. IMS DB offers a variety of features such as high availability, reliability, and scalability. To better understand IMS DB and prepare for interviews and exams, it is important to have a good grasp of its key concepts, components, and commands. And that is exactly where this article about IMS DB Online Quiz will help you in.
IMS DB MCQs
In this regard, the Top 50 IMS Database Multiple Choice Questions and Answers provide a comprehensive overview of the system and cover various aspects such as database segments, search arguments, file systems, and commands. These IMS DB MCQ Questions are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of IMS DB and will help you assess your level of preparation for any IMS DB related exam or interview.
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IMS DB Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
| Name | IMS DB |
| Exam Type | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Category | Technical Quiz |
| Mode of Quiz | Online |
Top 50 IMS DB MCQ Questions | Practice Online Quiz
1. What is the full form of IMS DB?
a) Information Management System Database
b) Integrated Management System Database
c) Internet Management System Database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Information Management System Database
Explanation: IMS DB stands for Information Management System Database. It is a hierarchical database management system used for storing and managing large volumes of data.
2. Which of the following is not a type of IMS DB database?
a) Hierarchical database
b) Network database
c) Relational database
d) Object-oriented database
Answer: c) Relational database
Explanation: IMS DB is a hierarchical database management system, which means that it stores data in a tree-like structure with parent-child relationships. It also supports network databases, which are similar to hierarchical databases but allow for more complex relationships. However, IMS DB does not support relational databases, which store data in tables with columns and rows.
3. What is the purpose of the IMS DB DL/I interface?
a) To provide a way for applications to interact with the IMS DB database
b) To provide a way for IMS DB to interact with other databases
c) To provide a way for IMS DB to interact with the operating system
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To provide a way for applications to interact with the IMS DB database
Explanation: The DL/I interface is a set of programming interfaces that allow applications to access and manipulate data stored in an IMS DB database. It provides a way for applications to issue commands and queries to the database, and to receive data in response.
4. Which of the following is not a component of an IMS DB system?
a) Database management system
b) Transaction manager
c) Message queue manager
d) Application program
Answer: c) Message queue manager
Explanation: While message queue managers are often used in conjunction with IMS DB systems, they are not a component of the IMS DB system itself. The three main components of an IMS DB system are the database management system, the transaction manager, and the application program.
5. What is a segment in an IMS DB database?
a) A group of related data items
b) A record in a table
c) A node in a tree-like structure
d) None of the above
Answer: c) A node in a tree-like structure
Explanation: In an IMS DB database, data is stored in a hierarchical structure with segments as the nodes. A segment can contain one or more data items, and may have child segments linked to it. The hierarchical structure allows for efficient access to data, especially for applications that access data in a particular order.
6. What is a PSB in an IMS DB system?
a) A program specification block
b) A program scheduling block
c) A program storage block
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A program specification block
Explanation: A PSB (program specification block) is a component of an IMS DB system that defines the interface between an application program and the IMS DB database. It specifies the database segments and fields that the program can access, as well as any processing options or rules.
7. What is a PCB in an IMS DB system?
a) A program control block
b) A program communication block
c) A program configuration block
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A program control block
Explanation: A PCB (program control block) is a component of an IMS DB system that represents a particular database segment or group of segments that an application program can access. It contains information about the segment, such as the name, location, and processing options.
8. What is a database record in an IMS DB system?
a) A segment
b) A field
c) A collection of related segments
d) None of the above
Answer: c) A collection of related segments
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a database record is a collection of related segments that are linked together in a hierarchical structure. The record may contain one or more segments, depending on the complexity of the data being stored. The segments in a record may have parent-child relationships, or they may be linked in other ways, such as through pointers.
9. Which of the following is not a type of IMS DB program?
a) BMP program
b) BMP transaction program
c) DL/I program
d) Batch program
Answer: b) BMP transaction program
Explanation: While BMP (batch message processing) programs and DL/I (data language/interface) programs are types of programs that can be used in an IMS DB system, BMP transaction programs are not a type of program. BMP programs are used to process large batches of data, while DL/I programs are used to access and manipulate data in the IMS DB database.
10. Which of the following is not a type of IMS DB data set?
a) HDAM data set
b) HIDAM data set
c) HISAM data set
d) HIRAM data set
Answer: d) HIRAM data set
Explanation: While HDAM (hierarchical direct access method), HIDAM (hierarchical indexed direct access method), and HISAM (hierarchical indexed sequential access method) are all types of IMS DB data sets, HIRAM data sets do not exist. Each type of data set has its own characteristics and is used for different types of data and applications.
11. Which of the following is not a type of IMS DB command?
a) READ command
b) WRITE command
c) DELETE command
d) ADD command
Answer: b) WRITE command
Explanation: While the READ, DELETE, and ADD commands are all commands that can be used to manipulate data in an IMS DB database, there is no WRITE command. Instead, the UPDATE command is used to modify existing data in a database record.
12. What is the purpose of the IMS DB secondary index?
a) To improve the performance of database searches
b) To store backup copies of database records
c) To provide additional security for the database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To improve the performance of database searches
Explanation: A secondary index is a data structure that is created to improve the performance of database searches by providing an alternative access path to the data. It is based on one or more fields in the database record, and is used to quickly locate records that match a particular search criteria.
13. What is a PSBGEN utility in an IMS DB system?
a) A program that generates PSB definitions from COBOL source code
b) A program that generates JCL to run IMS DB programs
c) A program that generates PCB definitions from PSB definitions
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A program that generates PSB definitions from COBOL source code
Explanation: The PSBGEN utility is a tool that is used to generate program specification block (PSB) definitions from COBOL source code. It analyzes the source code and creates a PSB definition that specifies the database segments and fields that the program accesses.
14. What is a DLI (Data Language Interface) call in an IMS DB system?
a) A request by an application program to access or manipulate data in the database
b) A request by the database management system to the operating system for resources
c) A request by the operating system to the database management system for information
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A request by an application program to access or manipulate data in the database
Explanation: A DLI (Data Language Interface) call is a request made by an application program to access or manipulate data in an IMS DB database. The call is used to request data from the database, update existing data, or delete data from the database. The DLI interface provides a standard set of calls that can be used by application programs to interact with the database.
15. What is the purpose of the PCB (Program Communication Block) in an IMS DB system?
a) To describe the format of database records
b) To specify the database segments and fields that an application program accesses
c) To provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system
d) None of the above
Answer: c) To provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system
Explanation: The PCB (Program Communication Block) is used in an IMS DB system to provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system. It contains information about the location of the database and the type of access that is required, as well as information about the program’s communication requirements.
16. What is the purpose of a PSB (Program Specification Block) in an IMS DB system?
a) To specify the database segments and fields that an application program accesses
b) To describe the format of database records
c) To provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To specify the database segments and fields that an application program accesses
Explanation: A PSB (Program Specification Block) is used in an IMS DB system to specify the database segments and fields that an application program accesses. It contains information about the structure of the database and the location of the data, and is used by the system to verify that the program is authorized to access the data.
17. What is the purpose of a DBD (Database Descriptor) in an IMS DB system?
a) To specify the database segments and fields that an application program accesses
b) To describe the format of database records
c) To provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To describe the format of database records
Explanation: A DBD (Database Descriptor) is used in an IMS DB system to describe the format of database records. It contains information about the structure of the data, including the names and types of fields, as well as information about the relationships between different segments in the database.
18. Which of the following is not a type of database segment in an IMS DB system?
a) Root segment
b) Parent segment
c) Child segment
d) Sibling segment
Answer: d) Sibling segment
Explanation: While root segments, parent segments, and child segments are all types of database segments that can be used in an IMS DB system, there is no such thing as a sibling segment. The hierarchical structure of the database is created by linking segments together in a parent-child relationship, with the root segment at the top of the hierarchy.
19. What is the purpose of the RECON (Recovery Control) data set in an IMS DB system?
a) To store backup copies of the database
b) To provide a record of system activity for recovery purposes
c) To provide additional security for the database
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To provide a record of system activity for recovery purposes
Explanation: The RECON (Recovery Control) data set is used in an IMS DB system to provide a record of system activity for recovery purposes. It contains information about database updates and other system activity, and is used to help recover the system in the event of a failure.
20. What is the purpose of the LOG (Logging) data set in an IMS DB system?
a) To store backup copies of the database
b) To provide a record of system activity for recovery purposes
c) To provide additional security for the database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To store backup copies of the database
Explanation: The LOG (Logging) data set is used in an IMS DB system to store backup copies of the database. It is used to ensure that changes made to the database are not lost in the event of a system failure, and can be used to restore the database to a previous state if necessary.
21. Which of the following is not a type of database record in an IMS DB system?
a) Root record
b) Parent record
c) Child record
d) Sibling record
Answer: d) Sibling record
Explanation: While root records, parent records, and child records are all types of database records that can be used in an IMS DB system, there is no such thing as a sibling record. The hierarchical structure of the database is created by linking records together in a parent-child relationship, with the root record at the top of the hierarchy.
22. What is a secondary index in an IMS DB system?
a) An index that is created automatically by the database management system
b) An index that is created by the application program to improve access to the database
c) An index that is used to improve the performance of database searches
d) None of the above
Answer: b) An index that is created by the application program to improve access to the database
Explanation: A secondary index in an IMS DB system is an index that is created by the application program to improve access to the database. It provides a way for the program to locate specific records in the database more quickly and efficiently than by searching through the entire database.
23. Which of the following is not a valid IMS DB command code?
a) DLI
b) SSA
c) SSAQB
d) PCB
Answer: c) SSAQB
Explanation: While DLI (Data Language Interface), SSA (Segment Search Argument), and PCB (Program Communication Block) are all valid IMS DB command codes, SSAQB is not a valid code.
24. What is the purpose of the SSA (Segment Search Argument) in an IMS DB system?
a) To specify the search criteria for a database query
b) To specify the format of database records
c) To provide a communication link between an application program and the database management system
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To specify the search criteria for a database query
Explanation: The SSA (Segment Search Argument) is used in an IMS DB system to specify the search criteria for a database query. It contains information about the segments and fields that should be searched, as well as the search criteria that should be used.
25. Which of the following is not a valid type of IMS DB database structure?
a) Hierarchical
b) Relational
c) Network
d) Flat
Answer: b) Relational
Explanation: While hierarchical, network, and flat are all valid types of IMS DB database structures, relational is not a valid type. IMS DB is a hierarchical database management system, which means that data is organized in a tree-like structure, with parent and child relationships between records.
26. What is the purpose of the GU (Get Unique) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria
c) To update a record in the database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
Explanation: The GU (Get Unique) command is used in an IMS DB system to retrieve a specific record from the database. It is used when the application program knows the exact key value of the record that it wants to retrieve.
27. What is the purpose of the GN (Get Next) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria
c) To update a record in the database
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria
Explanation: The GN (Get Next) command is used in an IMS DB system to retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria. It is used when the application program needs to retrieve multiple records that match a particular search condition.
28. What is a PCB (Program Communication Block) in an IMS DB system?
a) A data structure used to describe the fields of a database record
b) A data structure used to communicate between an application program and the database management system
c) A data structure used to store information about the system’s performance
d) None of the above
Answer: b) A data structure used to communicate between an application program and the database management system
Explanation: A PCB (Program Communication Block) is a data structure used in an IMS DB system to communicate between an application program and the database management system. It contains information about the program’s requirements for accessing the database, such as the name of the database and the search criteria to be used.
29. What is the purpose of the GNP (Get Next with Positioning) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria
c) To update a record in the database
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria
Explanation: The GNP (Get Next with Positioning) command is used in an IMS DB system to retrieve the next record that matches a search criteria. It is similar to the GN (Get Next) command, but also provides a way for the application program to specify the position in the database where the search should start.
30. What is a root segment in an IMS DB system?
a) The top-level segment in a hierarchical database structure
b) A segment that has no parent segment
c) A segment that contains only one occurrence of a particular record type
d) None of the above
Answer: a) The top-level segment in a hierarchical database structure
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a root segment is the top-level segment in a hierarchical database structure. It has no parent segment, and all other segments in the structure are descended from it through a series of parent-child relationships.
31. What is a child segment in an IMS DB system?
a) A segment that has no parent segment
b) A segment that contains only one occurrence of a particular record type
c) A segment that is descended from another segment through a parent-child relationship
d) None of the above
Answer: c) A segment that is descended from another segment through a parent-child relationship
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a child segment is a segment that is descended from another segment through a parent-child relationship. It contains information that is related to the information in the parent segment, and may have one or more descendant segments of its own.
32. What is a segment occurrence in an IMS DB system?
a) A single instance of a segment in a database record
b) A type of database record that contains multiple segments
c) A database record that is used to define the structure of a segment
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A single instance of a segment in a database record
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a segment occurrence is a single instance of a segment in a database record. A database record may contain multiple occurrences of the same segment or different segments.
33. What is the purpose of the SSA (Segment Search Argument) in an IMS DB system?
a) To specify the search criteria for a database record
b) To specify the structure of a database record
c) To specify the key fields for a database record
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To specify the search criteria for a database record
Explanation: The SSA (Segment Search Argument) is used in an IMS DB system to specify the search criteria for a database record. It contains information about the segments and fields that should be used to search for the record, as well as the values that those fields should contain.
34. What is the purpose of the ISRT (Insert) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To insert a new record into the database
c) To update a record in the database
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To insert a new record into the database
Explanation: The ISRT (Insert) command is used in an IMS DB system to insert a new record into the database. It is used when the application program needs to add new information to the database.
35. What is the purpose of the REPL (Replace) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To insert a new record into the database
c) To update a record in the database
d) None of the above
Answer: c) To update a record in the database
Explanation: The REPL (Replace) command is used in an IMS DB system to update a record in the database. It is used when the application program needs to change information that is already in the database.
36. What is the purpose of the DLET (Delete) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To insert a new record into the database
c) To delete a record from the database
d) None of the above
Answer: c) To delete a record from the database
Explanation: The DLET (Delete) command is used in an IMS DB system to delete a record from the database. It is used when the application program no longer needs the information in the record and wants to remove it from the database.
37. What is a PSB (Program Specification Block) in an IMS DB system?
a) A database record that contains information about a program
b) A program that is used to retrieve information from a database
c) A program that is used to update information in a database
d) A block of code that specifies the structure of a database record
Answer: a) A database record that contains information about a program
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a PSB (Program Specification Block) is a database record that contains information about a program. It specifies which database segments the program needs to access and how they should be accessed.
38. What is a PCB (Program Communication Block) in an IMS DB system?
a) A database record that contains information about a program
b) A program that is used to retrieve information from a database
c) A program that is used to update information in a database
d) A block of code that specifies the structure of a database record
Answer: d) A block of code that specifies the structure of a database record
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a PCB (Program Communication Block) is a block of code that specifies the structure of a database record. It is used to map the fields in the database record to variables in the program.
39. What is a PSBGEN in an IMS DB system?
a) A tool used to generate a PSB from a program
b) A tool used to generate a program from a PSB
c) A tool used to generate a database schema
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A tool used to generate a PSB from a program
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a PSBGEN is a tool used to generate a PSB (Program Specification Block) from a program. It reads the program code and generates a PSB that specifies which database segments the program needs to access and how they should be accessed.
40. What is a DBD (Database Description) in an IMS DB system?
a) A database record that contains information about a program
b) A program that is used to retrieve information from a database
c) A file that contains the structure of the database
d) A block of code that specifies the structure of a database record
Answer: c) A file that contains the structure of the database
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a DBD (Database Description) is a file that contains the structure of the database. It specifies the layout of the database records, including the segments, fields, and relationships between them.
41. What is a SSA (Segment Search Argument) in an IMS DB system?
a) A program that is used to retrieve information from a database
b) A block of code that specifies the structure of a database record
c) A specification of the fields to be used to search for a particular segment
d) None of the above
Answer: c) A specification of the fields to be used to search for a particular segment
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a SSA (Segment Search Argument) is a specification of the fields to be used to search for a particular segment. It is used by the IMS system to locate the segment in the database.
42. Which of the following is NOT a type of database segment in an IMS DB system?
a) Root segment
b) Secondary index segment
c) Repeating group segment
d) None of the above
Answer: d) None of the above
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, the types of database segments include root segment, secondary index segment, and repeating group segment.
43. Which of the following is a type of root segment in an IMS DB system?
a) Database root segment
b) Secondary index root segment
c) Hierarchical root segment
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Hierarchical root segment
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a hierarchical root segment is a type of root segment that forms the top level of a hierarchical database structure. It contains other segments, which in turn may contain other segments, forming a tree-like structure.
44. Which of the following is a type of secondary index segment in an IMS DB system?
a) Hierarchical index segment
b) Bitmap index segment
c) Partitioned index segment
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, the types of secondary index segments include hierarchical index segment, bitmap index segment, and partitioned index segment.
45. Which of the following is NOT a type of database relationship in an IMS DB system?
a) Parent-child relationship
b) Sibling relationship
c) Owner-member relationship
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Sibling relationship
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, the types of database relationships include parent-child relationship and owner-member relationship.
46. What is a VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) dataset in an IMS DB system?
a) A file that contains the database records
b) A program that is used to retrieve information from the database
c) A file that contains the structure of the database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A file that contains the database records
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) dataset is a file that contains the database records. It is used to store the data for the database.
47. What is the purpose of the ISRT (Insert) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To insert a new record into the database
c) To delete a record from the database
d) None of the above
Answer: b) To insert a new record into the database
Explanation: The ISRT (Insert) command is used in an IMS DB system to insert a new record into the database. It is used when the application program needs to add new information to the database.
48. What is a GNP (Get Next Pointer) in an IMS DB system?
a) A pointer that indicates the next record in a sequential file
b) A pointer that indicates the next record in a VSAM dataset
c) A pointer that indicates the next segment in a hierarchical database
d) None of the above
Answer: c) A pointer that indicates the next segment in a hierarchical database
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, a GNP (Get Next Pointer) is a pointer that indicates the next segment in a hierarchical database. It is used to navigate through the database and retrieve the next segment in a sequence.
49. What is the purpose of the GU (Get Unique) command in an IMS DB system?
a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
b) To insert a new record into the database
c) To delete a record from the database
d) None of the above
Answer: a) To retrieve a specific record from the database
Explanation: The GU (Get Unique) command is used in an IMS DB system to retrieve a specific record from the database. It is used when the application program needs to retrieve a specific record based on a search argument.
50. Which of the following is NOT a component of an IMS DB system?
a) IMS Control Region (ICR)
b) IMS Database Manager (DBM)
c) IMS Transaction Manager (TM)
d) IMS File System (IFS)
Answer: d) IMS File System (IFS)
Explanation: In an IMS DB system, the components include IMS Control Region (ICR), IMS Database Manager (DBM), and IMS Transaction Manager (TM). IMS File System (IFS) is not a component of an IMS DB system.
IMS DB is a powerful hierarchical database management system widely used in various industries. Understanding its key concepts, components, and commands is essential for anyone working with or planning to work with the system. The above set of 50 IMS DB MCQ Questions provides a comprehensive overview of the system and serves as a valuable resource for testing one’s knowledge and understanding of the subject. Follow Freshersnow for more updates on the technical quizzes for which you are looking.