Informatica Interview Questions and Answers

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INFORMATICA INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
INFORMATICA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Informatica Interview Questions And Answers PART-I
Informatica Online Training | Online Informatica Training

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1. What is informatica power cneter?

Informatica power center is an ETL tool, mainly used to build enterprise data
warehouses or data marts. Using this ETL tool you can extract data from multiple
sources, apply business rules on the extracted data and finally inserting data into the
data warehouse. This tool is developed by informatica corporation.
2. What is the use of power center designer tool?

Power center designer tool is one of the informatica power center client tool. Power
center designer tool is used to import or create sources, to import targets or create
targets, to create reusable transformations, mapplets and mappings. Informatica
developers use this tool.
3. What is the use of power center workflow manager?

Power center workflow manager tool is one of the informatica power center client tool.
Power center workflow manager tool is used to create reusable and non-reusable
sessions, worklets, workflows and relational connections. Informatica developers use
this tool.
4. What is the user of power center repository manager?

Power center repository manager tool is one of the informatica power center client
tool. Power center repository manager tool is used to move code from one repository
to another repository, to create folders and check-in check-out operations. This tool is
used by informatica developers and admins.
5. What is the use of variable ports in expression? About Me

Variable ports are used for temporary calculations, those variable ports can be used in
Venkat M
other variable ports and output ports. Variable ports you can't connect directly to
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other transformations, first you need to assign that variable port to output port and
then you can connect output port. View my complete profile
6. What is the difference between $ and $$?

$ represents session parameter/variable, you can declare this in the session level.
$$ represents mapping parameter/variable, you can declare this under mapping Blog Archive
designer tool.
2015 (1)
December (1)
7. What is a mapping?
INFORMATICA INTERVIEW
A mapping is logical representation of data flow from source to target. You can create QUESTIONS
a mapping under mapping designer tool. A mapping contains three components
sources, targets and transformations.
8. What is the use of pmrep command?
http://biinformaticainterviewquestions.blogspot.in/ Page 1 of 25
Use pmrep to perform repository administration tasks such as listing repository

objects, creating and editing groups, and restoring and deleting repositories. This
command enables you to manage the PowerCenter repository from an external
application.
9. What is deployment group?

A Deployment Group is an object, which contains Informatica objects (source, target,
transformations, mapping, session, workflow etc) from one or more Informatica
Folders. By its name, you can use a Deployment Group to move Informatica
PowerCenter code from one repository to another repository.To
create a deployment group,
Login to Repository Manager

Go to Tools -> Deployment -> Groups
Deployment Groups browser will open
Click New to create new Deployment Group
10. What are different types of deployment groups?

Static Deployment Groups
You can manually add the objects to Static type Deployment Group.You can also
configure add dependent objects automatically. For example if one of your mapping is
using a global mapplet in it, the mapplet will automatically be added to the
Deployment Group.
Dynamic Deployment Groups

You can configure the Deployment Group with a Query to enable Informatica
automatically add the objects to Dynamic type of Deployment Group.You can build a
Query while creating the Dynamic Deployment Group, below snapshot will explain a
sample query to add objects to Dynamic Deployment Group.
11. What is aggregator transformation?

Aggregator transformation is an active transformation and its connected, mainly used
to perform calculations on group of rows.
For example in each department we have several employees. In order to know how
much salary we are paying for each department then first we group the rows based on
department number and then we use sum() aggregate function.
For complete aggregator transformation explanation click the below

link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS0-XdluF1Q
12. What is the default behavior of aggregator transformation?

The default behavior of aggregator transformation is last row from each group. If the
data contains 3 different groups then from each group it returns last row, total 3 rows
as output. Once all rows entered into aggregator then it groups the rows.
13. What happens if you don't select group by ports in aggregator?

If you don't select any group by ports in aggregator transformation, by default it
treats all rows as single group and returns last row. For example if you send 1 million
rows as input to aggregator, the output is only 1 row i.e last row. When you double
click on aggregator transformation it opens a dialogue box, select ports tab, under this
tab you can select group by ports.
14. What happens if you select all group by ports in aggregator?

If you select all ports as group by ports in aggregator, it applies grouping on all ports
and eliminates duplicate records. In grouping it consider all ports, if all ports are same
then it will treat as a single group.
Eg:-
Input:
ENO NAME SAL
100 RAVI 2000
100 RAVI 2000
101 VINAY 3000
Output:
ENO NAME SAL
100 RAVI 2000
101 VINAY 3000
15. What are different types of caches in aggregator transformation?

There are two different types of caches in aggregator transformation. By default the
cache values stored under directory $PMCacheDir
a. Index Cache ==> Contains Group by Ports Information

b. Data Cache ==> Contains Aggregated Calculation Ports Information
Index Cache file has extension .idx

Data Cache file has extension .dat
16. What are different types of aggregate functions in aggregator?

Following are the different types of aggregate functions available in informatica power
center tool.
a. Sum()
b. Max()
c. Min()
d. Avg()
e. First()
f. Last() etc
17. What are conditional statements in aggregator transformation?

The conditional statements you can include in the aggregate function itself. While
performing aggregate calculations, we can use conditional statements with the help of
IIF.
Eg:- SUM(IIF(CITY='HYDERABAD',SAL,0))
The above example calculates only HYDERABAD city employees total.
18. What are nested aggregate functions in aggregator transformation?

If you place one aggregate function in another then it is called nesting of aggregation.
If you want to use incremental aggregation, you should not use nested aggregate
functions.
Eg:- MAX(SUM(SAL))
The above example returns which department is paying highest salaries. Inner
function calculates how much salary we are paying for each department.
19. What happens if group by port contains null values in aggregator?

All rows containing null values will treat as separate group and the aggregator
transformation returns last row from that group.
20. Can you create a variable port in aggregator?

Yes we can create variable ports in aggregator transformation. Generally we define
variable ports for temporary calculations, which are used in other output ports
calculations.
All above information you can see in below video with examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS0-XdluF1Q
21. What are the optimization techniques in aggregator transformaion?
There are two optimization techniques in aggregator transformation to improve the

performance.
a. Sorted Input
b. Incremental Aggregation
22. How to set sorted input option in aggregator transformation?
Sorted Input option available under properties tab of aggregator transformation. When
you select this option you need to send the sorted data to the aggregator. You need
sort group by ports before sending data to the aggregator. For example if you take
DNO is the group by port then you need to sort on DNO.
23. How sorted input helps in increasing performance of aggregator

transformation?
When we sort the data and send to aggregator, then immediately performs aggregate
calculations. It won't wait till all rows entered into aggregator. Informatica can't read
all rows at a time, it will read block by block. If you don't select sorted input,
aggregator will wait till all rows entered into aggregator.
24. What is incremental aggregation?
Incremental aggregation means aggregating values based on existing aggregated

values. Below example clarifies.
First time we received below rows from source.

eno name sal dno
100 ravi 2000 10
101 vinay 3000 10
Ouput :- 10 5000
Next time new employee added in same department
102 raju 4000
this time when you use incremental aggregation it performs 5000+4000 instead of
again adding all employee salaries 2000+3000+4000
25. When cache files deleted for incremental aggregation what happens?
When cache files not available in informatica server, then session won't fail, it will
recreate the cache automatically. But it takes more time compared to normal run,
reason is recreation of cache takes some time.
26. Can we select both sorted input and incremental aggregation at a time?
No, we can't select. Reason is if you select sorted input it performs calculations in
memory. When you select incremental aggregation it performs calculations on existing
cache values.
27. Where cache files stored?
All the cache files by default stored under server/infa_shared/cache directory. You
can change the default directory value also by assigning some other directory.
28. When cache files will be deleted?
Automatically cache files will be deleted after session succeeded. No need of manual
intervention.
29. Cache files will be deleted if session fails?
If session fails, cache files won't delete, we need to manually delete. Connect to
informatica server and then go to the cache directory and then apply rm command in
unix/linux.
30. How to get first and last record using aggregator?
By default you can get last record from aggregator, to get first record use First()
function for each port. Source, SQ, two aggregators, by default one aggregator
returns last row connect to one target isntance, another aggregator select first()
function on each port and connect to other target instances.
31. What is a transformation?
A transformation is a repository object that generates, modifies and produce output.

The transformations are generally used to implement different types of business logic.
32. What are different types of transformations?
There are two different types of transformations available in informatica power center
tool.
a) Active: Number of input rows<>Number of output rows
b) Passive: Number of input rows=Number of output rows
33. What is the difference between active and passive transformations?
A transformation is said to be active if the number of rows pass through

that transformation can change. For example if you send 5 rows as input to that
transformation, the output may be less than 5 or more than 5 rows.
Examples for active transformations are: aggregator, filter, router, rank, sorter,
normalizer, joiner, update strategy, source qualifier etc.
A transformation is said to be passive if the number of rows pass through that

transformation can't change. For example if you send 5 rows as input to that
transformation, the output also 5 rows.
Examples for passive transformations are: expression, stored procedure, sequence

generator etc.
34. When we go for expression transformation?
We use expression transformation to perform calculations on each and every row. For
example to calculate tax and net salary for each and every employee.
35. When we go for aggregator transformaion?
We use aggregator to perform calculations on group of rows. For example in order to

find out the total amount of salary paying for each department, then we use sum()
aggregate function. For example if you want to know who is taking highest salary from
each department then we use max() aggregate function.
36. What is the difference between expression and aggregator?
Expression transformation is passive and aggregator transformation is active.

Expression is used to perform calculations on each and every row where as aggregator
is used to perform calculations on group of rows.
37. What is the difference between filter and router?
Filter transformation supports single condition, where as router transformation

supports multiple conditions by creating multiple groups. You cannot capture rejected
records in filter, where as in router you can capture rejected records using default
group.
38. What is ETL?
See the below link you can get more information (definition, tools and different types
of jobs on etl tools) on this question
https://youtu.be/3-kZaJOtcfs
39. How do you justify sorter is an active transformation?
We can eliminate duplicate records using distinct option under properties tab of sorter
transformation. For example if you have 5 rows in source and 2 rows are duplicate
then 4 rows come as output.
40. Can you sort data on more than one port in sorter transformation?
Yes we can sort data more than one port, but the default port order for sorting is top
to bottom. You can select one port ascending and another port descending also. You
can move the ports up and down also if you are expecting different sort order.
41. How do you eliminate duplicate rows using informatica?
There are two ways to eliminate duplicate rows which are coming from the source. If
your source is relational then you can use either first or second option below.
Performance wise first option is the best one. If your source is files then you need to
go for second option only.
i) Using Source Qualifier, under properties tab select distinct option

ii) Using Sorter, under properties tab select distinct option
42. What are different types of caches exist for sorter transformation?
In general transformations that contains caches internally contains two types data
cache and index cache. Sorter transformation has only one cache i.e data cache. This
data cache contains output ports from the sorter transformation.
43. What are different types of joins exist in Joiner transformation?
There are four different types of joins exist in joiner transformation. In order to use
joiner transformation you should have at least two sources. The sources may be tables
or files or combination of both.
1. Normal Join
2. Master Outer Join
3. Detail Outer Join
4. Full Outer Join
44. What is master and what is detail in joiner transformation?
We can join only two sources at a time. One we need to consider it as master and the
other need to consider it as detail. For performance point of view we take less no.of
rows as master and huge no.of rows as detail. Even if you take in reverse direction the
output is same. Internally it builds cache for master source.
43. How many joiner transformations required to join 3 tables?
Two joiner transformations required to join 3 tables. You can join only two tables at a
time. First take two tables and then connect to joiner. The third table and first joiner
output need to connect to second joiner.
44. How many joiner transformations required to join n tables?
(n-1) joiner transformations required to join n tables in informatica power center tool.
45. What is normal join in joiner transformation?
Normal join means, matching rows come as output from both the sources. You should
have at least one common column to join sources.
46. What is master outer join in joiner transformation?
Matching rows from both the sources and non-matching rows from detail source or
normal join + non-matching rows from details source.
47. What is detail outer join in joiner transformation?
Matching rows from both the sources and non-matching rows from master source or
normal join + non-matching rows from master source.
48. What is full outer join in joiner transformation?
Matching rows come as output from both the sources and non-matching rows from
master and detail sources or normal join + non-matching rows from both master and
detail sources.
49. What are different types of caches for joiner transformation?
There are two different types of caches in joiner transformation
1. Data Cache: The file extension is .data

2. Index Cache: The file extension is .idx
50. What data cache and index cache contains in joiner?
Index Cache contains join condition columns. The join conditions might be on single
column or multiple columns.Data Cache contains output ports from joiner
transformation.
Informatica Interview Questions And Answers PART-II
51. Can you assign more than one port as rank port in rank transformation?
No, we can assign only one port as rank port in the rank transformation. Double click
on rank transformation, select ports tab, under this you can select rank port. If you try
to select more than one port, the last port you selected is only checked remaining all
unchecked.
52. How many maximum number of ranks you can give in rank
transformation?
The maximum number of ranks allowed in rank transformation is 2147483647. If you
try to give more than this number, then it will throw an error.
53. What is the execution sequence of port orders in a transformation?
Below is the order of execution of ports from top to bottom.
Input/output ports
Input Ports
Variable Ports
Output Ports
54. What are different types of constants available in update strategy

transformation?
Update strategy transformation allows us to provide either character constants or

numeric constants. The default value of update strategy expression is 0. Zero means
flagging rows for insert, 1 means flagging rows for update, 2 means flagging rows for
delete and 3 means flagging rows for reject.
Character Constant OR Numeric Constant

DD_INSERT OR 0
DD_UPDATE OR 1
DD_DELETE OR 2
DD_REJECT OR 3
55. Can you update target table data without using update strategy
transformation?
Yes we can update target table data without using update strategy transformation in
two ways.
1. Use update override option, available at target side. Double Click on target
instance.
2. In the session level you can select update as update option and you need to set
treat source as update. For this key column should be defined in the target.
56. What is SCD?
SCD means slowly changing dimensions, whenever there is a change in the source,
what we need to do in our DWH tables. All dimension tables use SCD in data
warehousing projects.
57. What are different types of SCDs?
There are three different types of SCDs.
SCD-I: Only maintains current information, If a new record is coming from the source
we will insert otherwise we will update.
SCD-II: Maintains complete history. If a new record is coming from the source or a
source row with changes exist then we will insert the record. Old record just we will
update flag or version or record_end_dt columns.
SCD-III: Only Maintains partial history (current and previous only). We maintain two
columns for this. Curr_Sal and Previous_Sal. For a new employee we assign value to
Curr_Sal column and Previous_Sal column to null.
58. What is the difference between connected lookup and unconnected

lookup?
a. Connected lookup participates in a mapping flow, unconnected lookup doesn't

participate in the mapping flow
b. Connected lookup returns multiple ports, unconnected lookup can return only one
return port
c. Connected lookup supports user defined default values, unconnected lookup doesn't
support user defined default values
d. Connected lookup supports dynamic cache, unconnected lookup doesn't support

dynamic cache
59. When we go for connected lookup and when we go for unconnected

lookup?
If you want return multiple ports, you can choose connected lookup. If you want to
return only one port you can choose either connected lookup or unconnected lookup.
If you want to call the same lookup multiple times with different inputs for a single
row, then we choose unconnected lookup.
60. What are different types of caches in lookup?
There are different types of caches available in look up transformation. By default it

will take Static Cache.
Static Cache : The cache values won't change during session run
Dynamic Cache
Persistent Cache
61. What is dynamic cache?
A dynamic cache is a cache where you can modify the data in your cache while loading
data in to your target table. Generally we go for dynamic cache to filer out one record
randomly from the source, if the source has duplicates and target has key columns. To
over come the failure on target side, we can use dynamic cache and we load only one
record into the target.
62. What is persistent cache?
Persistent cache is a fixed cache, once you build, you can use same cache in multiple
mappings. Generally persistent cache we use, if the same lookup data using in
multiple mappings, instead of building same cache multiple times we build only one
time and reuse. For first lookup we assign a name, this name we use for all other
lookup caches.
63. What is newlookuprow port?
The newlookuprow port comes into picture when we use dynamic cache. This port
automatically adds when you select dynamic cache option in lookup transformation. It
returns following values.
newlookuprowport=0 ==>No changes to Cache

newlookuprowport=1 ==>Data inserted in the Cache
newlookuprowport=2 ==>Data updated in the Cache
64. What is associated port?
The associated port comes automatically into picture when we select dynamic cache in
lookup transformation. It represents with what value need to update the data in the
cache.
65. What is the use of stored procedure transformation?
To call a pl/sql procedure from informatica, we use stored procedure transformation.

There are two types of stored procedure transformations connected and unconnected.
66. How to convert columns to rows?
Using Normalizer transformation, you can convert columns to rows. After you add the
ports into normalizer tab, then you need select occurs clause. If you want to convert 4
columns to 4 rows then you need to select occurs clause with value 4.
67. When normalizer acts as source qualifier transformation?
When you drag cobol source into the mapping designer tool from navigation bar,
normalizer comes as source qualifier automatically.
68. What is the difference between GC_ID and GK_ID in normalizer when you
define ID with occurs clause?
GC_ID and GK_ID comes automatically for ports, when you select occurs clause for
that port. GC_ID means Generated Character ID, it gives repetition of values to rows
based on occurs clause. If we give occurs 3, then it repeats the sequence 1,2,3 again
1,2,3 etc
GK_ID means Generated Key Value, it gives continuous sequence 1,2,3,4,5,6 etc
69. What is the priority in source qualifier if we give filter condition (dno=10)
and also sql override (dno=20)?
If you double click on source qualifier, you can see both the properties filter condition
and sql override. The highest priority is sql override, it takes the condition dno=20. If
you don't provide sql override then it will take value from the filter condition.
70. Can we connect more than one source to a single source qualifier?
yes, we can connect more than one source to a single source qualifier. When you drag
multiple sources, for each source you can see one source qualifier, you need manually
delete all source qualifier except one and then all other sources ports you can connect
to one source qualifier.
71. What is the difference you observed between source and source
qualifier?
Source contains source DB data types, where as source qualifier contains informatica
data types. Informatica cannot understand source data types so automatically
converts to informatica data types. For example if you drag oracle source, number is
converted to integer, varchar is converted to string etc
72. What are different types of stored procedures?
There are two different types of stored procedures.
a) Connected Stored Procedure: It is linked to other transformations in a mapping

b) Unconnected Stored Procedure: It is not linked to any other transformations in a
mapping. We can call this using expression transformation.
73. What is the difference between top down and bottom up approach?
see the below video
74. What is target load plan?
If a mapping contains multiple flows, which flow target table should load first decides
target load plan. Generally we use this, if one flow target becomes source for another
flow. This option is available under mappings menu.
75. How do you create a reusable transformation?
We can create reusable transformations using transformation developer tool. Once you
create reusable transformation you can see in the navigation bar under
transformations folder.
76. What is the use of reusable transformation?
If there is a change in the logic, you need not touch all the mapping where ever you
used reusable transformation, just change at only one place i.e
at transformation developer tool, automatically that change will reflect to all of the
mappings.
77. What is a mapplet?
A mapplet is a reusable logic, which is built based on multiple transformations. You

can create mapplets under mapplet designer tool. The same mapplet you can us in n
number of mappings, in future if there is any change in logic you need not touch all
the mappings, just you need to change at only one place i.e in the mapplet.
78. What are different types of mapplets?
There are two different types of mapplets.
a) Active Mapplets
b) Passive Mapplets
79. What is active mapplet?
If a mapplet contains atleast one active transformation then it is called active mapplet.
Every mapplet contains one mapplet input and mapplet out transformation.
80. What is passive mapplet?
If a mapplet contains all passive transformations then it is called passive mapplet.

Passive mapplets give more performance than active mapplets.
81. What are different types of restrictions while creating mapplets?
a) You can't use XML sources

b) You can't use targets
c) If you want to use sequence generator that should be reusable
d) If you want to use stored procedure that should be normal
e) You can't use normalizer transformation
f) Nesting of mapplets not allowed
82. What are the optimization techniques for joiner transformation?
a) Take less no.of rows as master and huge number of rows as detail
b) Sorted Input, which is available under properties tab of joiner transformation
83. When you select sorted input option in joiner what ports you need to
sort?
The join condition columns in both the sources need to be sorted. You can sort those
ports using sorter transformations before joiner or in the source qualifier itself. We can
sort the port either in ascending or descending order.
84. What happens if you don't sort the data and you selected sorted input
option?
If you select the sorted input option and don't sort the sources data, then the session
will fail.
85. What are the optimization techniques for lookup?
a) Use lookup override
b) Join condition order =, >, >=, <, <=, !=
c) Persistent Cache
86. What are different types of power center client tools?
a) Power Center Designer

b) Power Center Workflow Manager
c) Power Center Workflow Monitor
d) Power Center Repository Manager
87. How to copy the code from one repository to another?
Export the code as xml from one repository and import that xml into another
repository or you can create a deployment group in one repository and copy that
deployment group to another repository.
88. What is impacted mapping?
If any of the components in the mapping changed, example sources or targets or

reusable transformations or mapplets then mapping becomes impacted. It gives in
yellow color triangle symbol. We have to validate the mapping to disappear impacted
symbol.
89. When mapping becomes invalid?
Invalid mapping shows is red color ball symbol. In order to execute the mapping it
should be valid state. For example if you use joiner transformation in a mapping and
don't give any join condition then mapping becomes invalid.
90. What is mapping parameter?
A mapping parameter represents constant value, generally we use mapping

parameters if the values are changing frequently. Mapping parameter starts with $$
symbol.
91. Where the parameter values stored?
The mapping parameter values stored in a parameter file. A parameter file is a text
file that contains parameter header followed by parameters and values.
92. What are different types of parameter headers?
[GLOBAL]
[session_name]
[workflow name]
[folder_name.wf:workflowname.st:session_name] etc
93. What happens if a parameter not defined in a parameter file?
The session won't fail, it uses default value. In the session log we can verify whether
the parameter has taken value or not.
94. Where to declare a parameter?
In power center designer tool, menu bar select mappings and then parameters and
variables. You can declare multiple parameters with in a mapping.
95. What is a mapping variable?
A mapping variable is a variable, the value is stored in informatica repository at the

end of successful session run. Both parameters and variables starts with $$ symbol.
96. What is the difference between mapping parameter and variable?
Parameter values stored in a file, where as variable values stored in a repository.
Parameter values can't change during session run, variable values can change during
session run.
97. How do you change the value of variable?
The value of a variable we can change using below functions
SetVariable()
SetMaxVariable()
SetMinVariable() etc
98. How do you know the current value of the variable?
In workflow manager tool, select workflow designer tool, select the session right click
and select view persistent values option.
99. Can you reset the value of a variable?
Yes we can reset the value of a variable. In workflow manager tool, select workflow
designer tool, select the session right click and select view persistent values option.
Here you can see reset option.
100. How do you override the present value of variable?
By using parameter file, we can override the current value of a variable. We need to
give parameter file path in the session level or workflow level.
Informatica Interview Questions And Answers PART-III
101. What is a tracing level?
Tracing level represents the amount of information written into the session log. You
can set tracing level option in the transformation level or session level. If you want to
set at transformation level, double click on the transformation and select properties
tab. Under properties tab you can select tracing level. If you want to set at session
level, double click on the session and select config object and then select override
tracing option.
102. What are different types of tracing levels?
Terse: Lowest amount of information compared to all other tracing levels, logs just
status information and errors.
Normal: Logs initialization Information, Status information and rows skipped due to
transformation errors.
Verbose Initialization: Normal tracing information and logs names of data and index
file names.
Verbose Data: All information you can get here, status initialization, errors, column by
column and row by row values
We use verbose data, if we want debug our code. Verbose data gives more
information compared to all other tracing levels.
103. What is line sequential buffer length option?
This option is available at session level under config object. The default value for this
option is 1024 bytes. We need to alter the value for this option when the length of the
record in the flat file exceeds 1024 characters. If the length of the row in a flat file is
2000 characters then we need to set line sequential buffer length as 2000.
104. What are different types of flat files?
There are two different types of flat files. A flat file is a notepad file or text file that
contains organised data.
a) Fixed Width: In this file each and every field is defined with fixed length. If the
value of the filed exceeds the field length, the exceeded value moved to next field
value.
b) Delimited: In this file each and every field is separated by some symbol. In real
time most of the times we see comma and pipe delimited flat files.
105. Can informatica handle multiple delimited flat files?
Informatica can handle multiple delimited flat files. We can specify list of delimiters
one after another.
Eg:- Row Contains Multiple Delimiters
100|ravi,2000|New York
Here we need to specify two delimiters to handle this data , and | symbols.
106. How to load the flat file name into a table?
When you drag flat file source into a mapping, along with source, source qualifier
comes automatically. In the source qualifier properties tab you need to select
"Currently Processed File Name" option. Then you can connect this port to target
table.
107. How to skip header from a flat file?
You need to set the property number of initial rows to skip to 1. This option you can
set in the session level or under source analyzer tool.
108. How to skip top 3 rows from a flat file?
You need to set the property number of initial rows to skip to 3. This option you can
set in the session level or under source analyzer tool.
109. How to skip footer from a flat file?
Read the footer value into the first port and use filter transformation and then you can
skip the footer.
110. What are the characteristics of data warehouse?
see the below video
111. How to you load multiple flat file data at the same time?
Use file indirect or file list method. In the session level you need to set source file type
as Indirect. The source file name you need to give the file that contains list of all other
files
112. What are the prerequisites to use file list or file indirect method?
a) All files should have same no.of columns
b) All files have same delimiter
c) All files may or may not have header
d) All files should have same data types for the columns
113. What is the most frequently used row delimiter in a flat file?
/r/n ==>Carriage Return followed by new line character.
114. What is the disadvantage of fixed width flat file?
If the value of the field exceeds the length of the field, then that value read into the
next field.
115. How many ways you can get the source structure of a flat file?
If file is already available, we can directly select the option import from file under
source analyzer tool. If file not exists then we need to select the create option under
source analyzer.
116. How many ways you can get the target structure of a flat file?
If file is already available, we can directly select the option import from file under
target designer tool. If file not exists then we need to select the create option under
target designer.
117. How can you eliminate duplicate records from a flat file?
You need to user sorter transformation. Under properties tab need to select distinct
option.
118. What is the default value of Stop On Errors?
The default value of Stop On Errors is zero. If any error comes it will by default write
into the session log and session will succeed.
119. How to fail a session when any error comes?
You need to set Stop On Errors to 1. This property is available under session config
object.
120. How to fail a session after 5 errors?
You need to set Stop On Errors to 5. This property is available under session config
object.
121. What are different tools available under workflow manager?
Task Developer
Worklet Designer
Worflow Designer
122. How can you create a reusable session?
If we create a session under task developer tool i.e automatically reusable and it is
available in the navigation bar under sessions folder.
123. How can you create a non-reusable session?
If we create a session under workflow designer tool i.e automatically non-reusable.

You cannot use this session in another workflow and is restricted to that workflow
only.
124. What is the difference between reusable and non-reusable tasks?
If you create any task under task developer i.e reusable, you can use that task in n
number of workflows. If you create any task under workflow manager i.e non-reusable
i.e restricted to that workflow only
125. What are different reusable tasks?
Session
Email
Command
126. What are different non-reusable tasks?
Event Wait
Event Raise
Timer
Decision
Assignment
Control
127. What is the use of e-mail task?
Generally E-mail task is used at the end of the workflow, to send a mail to business
about today's data loads status
128. What is the use of command task?
Command task is used to execute any unix commands or to call a shell script
129. What is the use of event wait task?
Event wait task is used to wait for a file and check that file exists at particular path
frequently at regular intervals. Generally this is used as the first task in the workflow,
to check the source system is ready or not
130. What is the use of timer task?
The timer task is used to wait the process particular time. At that time the timer task
will execute. For example you have two sessions, after one session succeeds you need
to wait 1 min and then you need to start another session. In this scenario we can use
timer for 1 min
131. What is the use of decision task?
The decision task is used to avoid multiple link conditions. For example after 10
sessions succeeds then you want to run another task then we can use single decision
task after 10 sessions
132. What is the use of assignment task?
Assignment task is used to assign values to workflow variables
133. What is the use of control task?
Control task is used to fail the parent i.e workflow or worklet
134. When session fails will workflow also fail?
No by default when session fails workflow succeeds
135. When session fails how can you fail workflow also?
You need to check the property, Fail Parent If this Task Fails.
136. How to disable the task?
Double click on that task and check the property Disable the task
137. Can you convert non-reusable task to reusable task?
Yes we can convert from non-reusable task to reusable task, double click on the task
and top corner you need to select check box reusable.
138. Can you convert reusable task to non-reusable task?
We can't convert reusable task to non-reusable task.
139. How many ways you can create workflows?
We can create workflows in two ways.
Parallel: From start icon in the workflow, we can connect multiple tasks, all these will
run at the same time.
Sequential: From start icon in the workflow, we can connect one task after another
task sequentially.
140. Where do you set parameter file?
You can give parameter file and path name either in the session level or workflow
level. Some times we can directly use parameter file name along with pmcmd
command.
141. What is the default commit interval?
The default commit interval is 10000. Once 10000 rows reached to target it will apply
commit operation. We have the flexibility to increase or decrease commit interval
value.
142. Will session log override when you run the session second time?
Yes by default the session log will override, when ever we run a session, unless you
specify properties number of runs or by time stamp.
143. How do you overcome session log override?
The are two ways you can set
1. Number Of Session Runs: Need to specify number of session logs maintain.

2. By Time stamp: It will create new session log every time you run the session.
144. What might be the reasons, your session failed with table or
view doesn't exist ?
There might be several reasons for failure.
1. Table Not exist in the database

2. Schema name not specified
3. Grants are not available for that relational connection user
4. Relational connection is wrong
145. What happens to third session if second session failed in the workflow,
workflow contains 3 sessions?
By default third session will execute even if the second session fails and also it will
show workflow as succeeded, unless if you specify fail parent if this task fails option.
146. How to make it happen in a workflow only one task succeeds then only
need to run another task?
We need to connect all tasks with in a workflow using links. By using link task, task
we can set status=succeeded. Just double click on the link then it opens a dialogue
box. If you set this if first task succeeds in a workflow then only second task will start.
147. What is a domain?
Domain is a collection of nodes and services. You can configure domain details at the
time of informatica server installation. You can use power center informatica
administration console to get more details about your environment.
148. What is a node?
A node is a logical representation of a machine. In real time we can see multiple

nodes in a single environment. One node act as master gateway node and all other
nodes work as worker nodes.
149. What are main different services in power center?
The following are different services in power center tool
Repository Service: It is responsible for retrieving or inserting data into the repository
database.
Integration Service: It is responsible for running workflows and talks with repository
service.
150. When you log in which component checks user validation?
When you connect to repository using userid and passowrd, service manager is
responsible for authorization and authentication. Service manager is one of the
component in power center tool.
Informatica Interview Questions And Answers PART-IV
151. What is the use of sequence generator transformation?
Sequence generator transformation is a passive and it is connected. Sequence

generator transformation is used to generate sequence of numbers (1,2,3,4....etc) or
sequence of intervals (10,20,30,40...etc) or cyclic values (1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3,1,....etc).
In real time sequence generator transformation is used to generate surrogate key
values in SCD type-ii mappings.
Click the below link for complete explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5_U3P7K2o0
152. How do you know current value of sequence generator?
We can know the current value of the sequence generator transformation without
running the session. From the navigation bar, disconnect to the folder and connect
again, open the mapping and then double click on the sequence generator
transformation, select properties tab, you can see the current value.
153. What is the use of reset option in sequence generator?
The reset option is available under properties tab of the sequence generator
transformation. When you select reset option, every time when you run the session
the sequence generator starts with same value. In real time we set this option if the
target table is truncate and load.
154. What happens if you connect same sequence generator to two targets?
When you connect same sequence generator transformation to two different targets, it
gives different values. For example if it assigns values 1,2,3,4 to first target then for
second target it assigns values 5,6,7,8.
155. What happens if you connect only currval port from sequence
generator?
If you connect only currval port from sequence generator transformation, then it
assigns same currval to all the rows. Currval port automatically comes into sequence
generator when you create, you can't delete this port from the transformation.
Click the below link for complete explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5_U3P7K2o0
156. Will union transformation eliminate duplicates?
The union transformation won't eliminate duplicates, it is equal to union all operation
in oracle. If you want to delete duplicate rows then you need to place a sorter
transformation after union and you need to enable distinct option which is available
under properties tab of sorter transformation.
157. What are restrictions in order to use union transformation?
You can connect n number of sources to union transformation. All the sources should
have same number of columns and data types also. Suppose if one of the source has
less number of columns, we can create a dummy port and we can use this while
connecting to union transformation.
158. What is target pre sql?
The target pre sql option is available at the session level. Doublce click on the session,
select mappings tab, select targets left side, right side you can see this option. If you
want to execute any sql statement before loading into your target you can use this. In
real time we use this option to drop indexes before loading data into the target table.
159. What is target post sql?
The target post sql option is available at the session level. Doublce click on the
session, select mappings tab, select targets left side, right side you can see this
option. If you want to execute any sql statement after loading into your target you can
use this. In real time we use this option to re create indexes after loading data into
the target table.
160. How can you send a mail when a session fails?
We have predefined option at the session level, to send a mail when the session fails.
Double click on the session, select components tab, there is a property "On Failure E-
mail". You can select either reusable or non-reusable e-mail task.
161. How do you fail a session explicitly?
We can fail a session explicitly by calling abort() function in the mapping. We can call
abort() function from the expression transformation. For example if you want to fail a
session when the date is invalid, then in the expression you need to create output port
and need to set value like this.
IIF(IS_DATE(EXP_DATE,'YYYYMMDD')!=1,ABORT("Invalid Date"))
162. What is a short cut?
A short cut is a repository object from a share folder. You can create shortcuts for
sources, targets and mappings also. In real time we use short cuts if same sources or
targets or mappings used by multiple departments or line of businesses.
163. How can you compare folders from different repositories ?
Using repository manager, we can compare folders from different repositories.

Connect to both the repositories using login credentials. After this you can select same
folder from each repository and compare. It gives result similarities and differences
from both the folders.
164. Lookup transformation is active/passive?
Up to Informatica 8 version, lookup is passive. From version 9 onward it is active. By

default it is passive in 9 version also, if you want convert to active, at the time of
creation, select the check box.
165. What is the difference between stop and abort?
When you click on stop, immediately it stops reading, continue processing and writing
data to the target for commit, process waits till commit applied on the target. Abort
also stops reading, continue processing and writing data to the target for commit. If
commit doesn't happen in 60 seconds, it immediately kills writer thread.
166. What is the difference between reusable transformation and mapplet?
You can't link multiple transformations under transformation developer as reusable.

Mapplets allow you to link multiple transformations in order to build a reusable
business logic. You need to use transformation developer tool to create reusable
transformation. You need to use mapplet designer tool to create a mapplet.
167. Can you tell 4 output files that informatica generates during session
running?
Session Log
Workflow Log
Error Log
Bad File
168. Can we return multiple ports from unconnected lookup?
Yes we can return multiple ports from unconnected lookup indirectly by concatenating
multiple ports as single and then you can select that port as return port. Once we get
this port value, using expression we can break value into multiple ports.
169. What is the use of bulk load option?
This option is available at session level. Double click on the session, select mappings
tab, select targets and right side you can see the option "Target Load Type". By
default it is bulk, you can also set normal. When you select bulk load option, the
target writing performance is high. It internally calls bulk utility and by passes redo
log file.
170. What is the disadvantage of bulk load?
The disadvantage of bulk load utility is you cannot recover the data, why because it
writes data into the data file, it won't write data into the redo log file. If you want to
recover data the data should be available in the redo log file also.
171. Can you use bulk load if indexes exist on target table?
Bulk load won't support if you have defined indexes on your target table. In order to
use bulk load, drop indexes before load and create indexes after loading data into the
target table.
172. What is code page?
A code page represents the character set. Character set represents alphabets, digits
and special characters.There are different types of code pages ASCII, EBCIDIC, UTF
etc. Source and target data falls under some code pages.
173. When code page comes into picture?
We give code page while creating relational connections. If you want to write data into
the database other than alphabets, digits and special characters for example non-
English characters then we need to change accordingly. But your target data base also
should support that code page.
174. What is a surrogate key?
A surrogate key is an artificial key, which is not coming from the source. We are going
to generate surrogate key values using sequence generator transformation.
175. what is push down optimization?
Push down optimization means pushing business logic handing into the database side
instead of handling in the informatica server level. When we use this option, internally
it creates sql for transformations in the mapping and it will fire on the database.
176. what are different types of push down optimization?
There are 3 types of push down optimization
a) Source Side push down optimization: From source to upstream transformations,

creates sql and fire it on the database.
b) Target Side push down optimization: From target to downstream transformations,

creates sql and fire it on the database.
c) Full push down optimization: From sources and targets, creates sql and fire it on
the database.
177. What is pmcmd?
PMCMD is a command line utility, used to run the workflow from command line.
Generally we use this command in unix shell scripts.There are different options
available with this command, you can set parameter file also in the command itself.
178. What is a worklet?
A worklet is a group of reusable tasks. You can link multiple tasks with in a worklet.
You can link the tasks parallel or sequential. The tasks might be session, email,
command, decision, timer, control etc
179. Where do you create a worklet?
You can create worklet under worklet designer tool. The worklet designer tool is
available under power center workflow manager tool. When you crate a worklet you
can see start icon similar to workflow icon.
180. When we go for worklets?
If you want to execute some number of tasks in multiple workflows in order to fulfill
particular business logic.In future if you wan to add one more task, you need not
touch all workflows, just add at only one place under worklet designer, that change
automatically will reflect in all workflows. It saves a lot of time for build.
181. Can we nest worklets?
Yes you can include one worklet in another worklet. Including one worklet in another
worklet known as nesting worklets. In worklet designer tool select insert option and
then select another worklet you want to include.
182. Can you run a worklet with out a workflow?
We can't run a worklet without workflow even though start symbol exists for worklet
also. If you want to execute a worklet you need to place in workflow only similar to
the tasks in the workflow.
183. Can you run a workflow with out a session?
Yes we can run a workflow with out session task. We can run any other tasks email or
command or timer or control or event wait etc with in the workflow.
184. What is throughput?
Throughput represents number of rows read from source per second and the number
of rows writing in to the target. It shows number of bytes along with number of rows.
185. What is the use workflow monitor?
Using workflow monitor we can view the load statistics, how many rows read from
source, how many rows written and failure and success statuses. Using this we can
see history runs also.
186. What are different views under workflow monitor?
There are two different views under workflow monitor
Task View: This view displays workflow run details in chronological format.
GanttChart View: This view displays workflow run details in report format.
187. What is the difference between applied rows and affected rows?
Applied rows on the target side means number of rows reached to the target and
affected rows means number of rows actually updated or deleted or inserted in the
target.
188. How many ways you can create ports?
There are different ways you can create ports. One way is double click and go to ports
tab, select the icon add a new port to the transformation another option is you can
directly drag from another transformation.
189. What is propagate attributes option?
Using this option you can propagate attribute names, data types and size from one
transformation to other entire flow. Generally we use this option in enhancements of
the project.
190. How do you create a relational connection?
Under workflow manager tool, in the menu bar select connections, select database,
give connection name, userid and password. Generally we can create relational
connections only for databases.
191. What is the default condition in filter transformation?
The default condition for filter transformation is TRUE. Just if we connect filter and
don't give any condition then, what ever the rows entered into filter are moving to
next level transformation or target.
192. What is the difference between replacechr() and replacestr()?
Replacechr() function is a character by character replacement. Replacestr() is a string

by string replacement.
Eg:- replacechr(0,'abcd','ac','fx')
output: fbxd
Eg:- replacestr(0,'abcd','ac','fx')
output: abcd
In the original string it looks for "ac", it is not available.
193. How to compare two dates in informatica?
We can compare two dates in informatica using predefined function date_comapre().

This function takes two arguments. If date1 is less than date2 then it retruns -1, if
date1 is greater than date2 then it returns 1 if date1 and date2 are equal then it
returns 0.
194. How to remove spaces at the beginning and end of a string?
We can remove spaces at the beginning and end of a string using LTRIM and RTRIM
functions. Both these functions you can apply at the same time on a string.
ltrim(rtrim(String)).
195. How to check date is valid or not in informatica?
We can check date is valid or not using predefined function IS_DATE(). This function
takes two arguments, first argument is date and the second argument is format of the
date. If it is valid date then it returns 1 else it returns 0.
Eg: IS_DATE(PORT,FORMAT) IS_DATE('2016/12/12','YYYY/MM/DD');
196. What is the difference between SYSDATE and SESSIONSTARTTIME?
SYSDATE gives current time of that node at that time, it will change while loading
huge data you can observe. SESSIONSTARTTIME is the time represents constant value
during entire session run, that contains time at the session started.
197. How to remove new line character in a column value?
We can remove new line character in a character column using replacestr() function.
In real time we face this kind of issue, if the column value contains huge amount of
data.
REPLACESTR(1,STRING_PORT,CHR(10),CHR(13),'')
198. What are different types of data loads in DWH project?
There are two different types of data loads in DWH project
History Load: First we load entire data into the DWH from the beginning of the
business to till date.
Incremental Load Or Delta Load: Incremental data include daily data after history load
or some times weekly data.
199. What is a data map?
A data map is a file layout. Generally we create data maps when we work with
EBCIDIC files. We use power exchange tool to create data maps. A data map contains
record and table.
200. How many ways you can implement incremental load?
We can implement increment loads in DWH projects in different ways
1. Using Mapping Parameters

2. Using Mapping Variables
3. Using Control table
When you go for informatica interview, interviewers test your skills on Informatica,
Database (Oracle), Unix and Data warehousing. You can demand package only when
you perform interview extra-ordinary. So interview is the key for job and package.
To get complete set of questions below, you have to do the payment. For more
details on below questions and answers contact me:
Mail Id: informaticatrainer.expertise@gmail.com
1. 200 Informatica Interview Questions And Answers
2. 150 Oracle-SQL Interview Questions And Answers
3. 150 Unix Interview Questions And Answers
4. 70 Data Warehouse Questions And Answers
Informatica Performance Tuning Real-time Complete Reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noWePDfRa9c
Real time Project Assignment
If you are already trained on informatica and looking for real time project assignment,
contact me.
Project: Quality Datamart

Domain: Quality
Docs:
Functional Specification Document

ETL Technical Specification Document
Data Model
Trainer: Venkat
Moblile: 91-8008829289
91-9886895594
E-mail: informaticatrainer.expertise@gmail.com
For more information, check the below link
https://informaticaonlinetraing.blogspot.com
25 Informatica Scenrio Based Questions And Answers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6e9kUmiIF0
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INFORMATICA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Informatica Online Training | Online Informatica Training

1. What is informatica power cneter?

2. What is the use of power center designer tool?

3. What is the use of power center workflow manager?

4. What is the user of power center repository manager?

5. What is the use of variable ports in expression? About Me

6. What is the difference between $ and $$?

8. What is the use of pmrep command?

Use pmrep to perform repository administration tasks such as listing repository

9. What is deployment group?

Login to Repository Manager

10. What are different types of deployment groups?

Dynamic Deployment Groups

11. What is aggregator transformation?

For complete aggregator transformation explanation click the below

12. What is the default behavior of aggregator transformation?

13. What happens if you don't select group by ports in aggregator?

14. What happens if you select all group by ports in aggregator?

15. What are different types of caches in aggregator transformation?

a. Index Cache ==> Contains Group by Ports Information

Index Cache file has extension .idx

16. What are different types of aggregate functions in aggregator?

17. What are conditional statements in aggregator transformation?

The above example calculates only HYDERABAD city employees total.

18. What are nested aggregate functions in aggregator transformation?

19. What happens if group by port contains null values in aggregator?

20. Can you create a variable port in aggregator?

21. What are the optimization techniques in aggregator transformaion?

There are two optimization techniques in aggregator transformation to improve the

22. How to set sorted input option in aggregator transformation?

23. How sorted input helps in increasing performance of aggregator

24. What is incremental aggregation?

Incremental aggregation means aggregating values based on existing aggregated

First time we received below rows from source.

Next time new employee added in same department

102 raju 4000

27. Where cache files stored?

28. When cache files will be deleted?

29. Cache files will be deleted if session fails?

30. How to get first and last record using aggregator?

31. What is a transformation?

A transformation is a repository object that generates, modifies and produce output.

32. What are different types of transformations?

a) Active: Number of input rows<>Number of output rows

b) Passive: Number of input rows=Number of output rows

33. What is the difference between active and passive transformations?

A transformation is said to be active if the number of rows pass through

A transformation is said to be passive if the number of rows pass through that

Examples for passive transformations are: expression, stored procedure, sequence

34. When we go for expression transformation?

35. When we go for aggregator transformaion?

We use aggregator to perform calculations on group of rows. For example in order to

36. What is the difference between expression and aggregator?

Expression transformation is passive and aggregator transformation is active.

37. What is the difference between filter and router?

Filter transformation supports single condition, where as router transformation

38. What is ETL?

39. How do you justify sorter is an active transformation?

41. How do you eliminate duplicate rows using informatica?

i) Using Source Qualifier, under properties tab select distinct option

43. What are different types of joins exist in Joiner transformation?