1. Sl. Subject Complexit Questions Answers
No. y
1 Informatica simple What is sql override ? Overriding a SQL in source qualifier or lookup for additional logic.
2 Informatica simple Can we have multiple Yes
conditions in a Lookup?
3 Informatica simple Can we have multiple Yes
conditions in a Filter?
4 Informatica simple How the flags are called in 0 - DD_INSERT , 1- DD_UPDATE , 2- DD_DELETE , 3- DD_REJECT
Update strategy?
5 Informatica simple Is it possible to run the YES USING PMCMD
session other than Server
manager? If so how?
6 Informatica simple What is diff. Things u can do Start, Stop and abort the session
using PMCMD?
7 Informatica average/si What is the use of power For 3rd party connectors to sap, mainframe, Peoplesoft
mple plug?
8 Informatica average/si What kind of Test plan? What In Informatica we create some test SQL to compare the number or records and validate scripts if
mple kind of validation you do? the data in the warehouse is loaded for the logic incorporated.
9 Informatica simple What is the usage of We use a lookup for connecting to a table in the source or a target. There are 2 ways in which a
unconnected/connected look lookup can be configured i.e. connected or unconnected
up?
10 Informatica simple What is the difference Connected Lookup Receives input values directly from the pipeline. Unconnected Lookup Receives
between Connected and input values from the result of a :LKP expression in another transformation. Connected Lookup You
Unconnected Lookups ? can use a dynamic or static cache. Unconnected Lookup You can use a static cache. Connected
Lookup Cache includes all lookup columns used in the mapping (that is, lookup table columns
included in the lookup condition and lookup table columns linked as output ports to other
transformations). Unconnected Lookup Cache includes all lookup/output ports in the lookup
condition and the lookup/return port.Connected Lookup Can return multiple columns from the
same row or insert into the dynamic lookup cache. Unconnected Lookup The dynamic lookup
cache, Designate one return port (R). Returns one column from each row. Connected Lookup If
there is no match for the lookup condition, the Informatica Server returns the default value for all
output ports. If you configure dynamic caching, the Informatica Server inserts rows into the cache.
Unconnected Lookup If there is no match for the lookup condition, the Informatica Server returns
NULL. Connected Lookup Pass multiple output values to another transformation. Link
lookup/output ports to another transformation. Unconnected Lookup Pass one output value to
another transformation. The lookup/output/return port passes the value to the transformation
calling: LKP expression.Connected Lookup Supports user-defined default values. Unconnected
Lookup Does not support user-defined default values

2. 11 Informatica simple If u have data coming from Joiner Transformation
diff. sources what
transformation will u use in
your designer?
12 Informatica simple What are different ports in Input, Output, Variable, Return/Rank, Lookup and Master.
Informatica?
13 Informatica simple What is a Variable port? Variable port is used to store intermediate results. Variable ports can reference input ports and
Why it is used? variable ports, but not output ports.
14 Informatica average Diff between Active and Transf can be active or passive , activ tranf can change the no of rec passed th it, a passive tranf
passive transormation ? can never change the rec cnt, Active trsnf that might change the rec cnt are advan ext proc,
aggrega, filter,joiner,normalizer, rank , updte strategy, source qualifier, if u use powerconnect to
access erp sources, erp source quail is also an active tranfor
Passive tranf :- lookup, expression, external procedure, seq generator, stored procedure
U can connect only 1 active tranf to the same tranf or target can connect any no of pass tranf
15 Informatica simple What are Mapplet? A mapplet is a reusable object that represents a set of transformations. It allows you to reuse
transformation logic and can contain as many transformation as you need.
16 Informatica simple What is Aggregate An aggregator transformation allows you to perform aggregate calculations, such as average and
transformation sums. The Aggregator transformation is unlike the Expression transformation, in that you can use
the Aggregator transformation to perform calculations on groups.
17 Informatica simple What is Router A Router transformation is similar to a Filter transformation because both transformations allow
Transformation? How is it you to use a condition to test data. A Filter transformation tests data for one condition and drops
different from Filter the rows of data that do not meet the condition. However, a router transformation tests data for
transformation? one or more conditions and gives you the option to route rows of data that do not meet any of the
conditions to default output group.
18 Informatica simple What are connected and Connected transformations are the transformation, which are in the data flow, whereas
unconnected transformations? unconnected transformation will not be in the data flow.
These are dealt in Lookup and Stored procedure transformations.
19 Informatica simple What is Normalizer Normalizer transformation normalizes records from COBOL and relational sources allowing you to
transformation? organize the data according to your needs. A normalizer transformation can appear anywhere in a
data flow when you normalize a relational source.
20 Informatica simple How to use a sequence By using Stored procedure transformation.
created in Oracle in
Informatica?
21 Informatica simple What are source qualifier The source qualifier represents the records that the Informatica Server reads when it runs a
transformations? session.

3. 22 Informatica simple What are cache and their The Informatica server creates index and data cache for aggregator, Rank, joiner and Lookup
types in Informatica? transformations in a mapping. The Informatica server stores key values in the index cache and
output values in the data cache.
23 Informatica simple What is an incremental In Incremental aggregation, you apply captured changes in the source to aggregate calculations in
aggregation? a session. If the source changes only incrementally and you can capture changes, you can
configure the session to process only those changes. This allows the Informatica server to update
your target incrementally, rather than forcing it to process the entire source and recalculate the
same calculation each time you run the session.
24 Informatica complex What is Reject loading? During a session, the Informatica server creates a reject file for each target instance in the
mapping. If the writer or the target rejects data, the Informatica server writes the rejected row
into reject file.
The reject file and session log contain information that helps you determine the cause of the
reject. You can correct reject files and load them to relational targets using the Informatica reject
load utility. The reject loader also creates another reject file for the data that the writer or target
reject during the reject loading.
25 Informatica average WHAT IS SESSION and SESSION - A Session Is A set of instructions that tells the Informatica Server How And When To
BATCHES? Move Data From Sources To Targets. After creating the session, we can use either the server
manager or the command line program pmcmd to start or stop the session.
BATCHES - It Provides A Way to Group Sessions For Either Serial Or Parallel Execution By The
Informatica Server. There Are Two Types Of Batches :
1. SEQUENTIAL - Run Session One after the Other.
2. CONCURRENT - Run Session At The Same Time.
26 Informatica simple Significance of Source When you add a relational or a flat file source definition to a mapping, you need to connect it to a
Qualifier Transformation Source Qualifier transformation. The Source Qualifier represents the records that the Informatica
Server reads when it runs a session. · To join data originating from the same DB.
· Filter records in the Source itself.
· To specify an outer join instead of a default inner join.
· To specify sorter ports.
· To select distinct values from the source.
· To create a custom query to issue a special select statement for the Informatica server to read
source data. For example, we might use a custom query to perform aggregate calculations or
execute a stored procedure.

4. 27 Informatica average What are 2 modes of data The data movement mode depends on whether Informatica Server should process single byte or
movement in Informatica multi-byte character data. This mode selection can affect the enforcement of code page
Server? relationships and code page validation in the Informatica Client and Server. a) Unicode – IS allows
2 bytes for each character and uses additional byte for each non-ascii character (such as Japanese
characters)
b) ASCII – IS holds all data in a single byte
28 Informatica simple Why we use lookup Lookup Transformations can access data from relational tables that are not sources in mapping.
transformations? With Lookup transformation, we can accomplish the following tasks:
a) Get a related value - Get the Employee Name from the Employee table based on the Employee
ID
b) Perform Calculation
Update slowly changing dimension tables - We can use unconnected lookup transformation to
determine whether the records already exist in the target or not.
29 Informatica simple What are confirmed Confirmed dimensions are linked to multiple fact tables
dimensions
30 DataWareh simple What is Data warehousing A DW is a DB used for query,analysis and reporting . By definition DW is a subject oriented,
ousing intergrated, non volatile and time variant
Subject Oriented:- Represents a subject Aread like sales, Mktg
Integrated :- Data Colleted from multiple source systems integrated into a user readable unique
format
Ex:- male, female ,0,1, M,F, T, F
Non Volatile :- Dw stores historical data
Time Variant :- Stores data timewise like weekly,monthly,quarterly, yearly
31 Informatica simple What is a reusable transf.. Reusable tranformation:- if u want to create tranfor that perform common tasks such as avg sal in
What is a mapplet . Explain a dept
diff. Bet them Mapplet:- Is a reusuable object that represents a set of transformations
32 Informatica simple What happens when u use the Inserts:- treats all records as inserts , while inserting if the record violates primary, foreign key or
delete or update or reject or foreign key in the database it rejects the record
insert statement in your
update strategy?
33 Informatica simple Where do u design ur designer
mappings
34 Informatica simple Where do u define users and Repository manager
privileges in Informatica

5. 35 Informatica simple How do u debug the data in Use debugger in designer
Informatica tool
36 Informatica simple when u run the session does If you select the option discard target data then it will not load to target
debugger loads the data to
target ?
37 Informatica simple Can u use flat file and table yes
(relational) as source together
?
38 Informatica simple suppose I need to separate Router or filter
the data for delete and insert
to target depending on the
codition, which transformation
u use ?
39 Informatica average What is the difference Index cache:Contains columns used in condition
between lookup Data cache Data cache: :Contains other output columns than the condition columns.
and Index cache.
40 Informatica average What is an indicator file and
Indicator file is used for Event Based Scheduling when you don’t know when the Source Data is
how it can be used. availaible., A shell command ,script or a batch file creates and send this indicator file to the
directory local to the Informatica Server.Server waits for the indicator file to appear before running
the session.
41 Informatica simple Different Tools in Designer · Source Analyzer
· Warehouse designer
· Transformation Developer
· Maplet designer
· Mapping designer
42 Informatica simple Components of · Designer
Informatica · Workflow Manager
· Workflow Monitor
43 Informatica simple Different Tools in · Task Developer
Workflow Manager · Worklet designer
· Workflow Designer
44 Informatica simple What is overview window ? It’s a window in which you can see all the transformations that are used for a mapping.
Why it is used ?

6. 45 Informatica simple · While using Debugger, how The left hand corner of the transformation that has an arrow looks like moving.
will you fined out which
transformation is currently
running ?
46 Informatica simple How do u load the data using Using workflow manager
Informatica?
47 Informatica simple What is an Filter The Filter transformation provides the means for filtering records in a mapping. You pass all the
Transformation? or what rows from a source transformation through the Filter transformation, then enter a filter condition
options u have in Filter for the transformation. All ports in a Filter transformation are input/output, and only records that
Transformation? meet the condition pass through the Filter transformation.
48 Informatica simple What happens to the Discarded rows do not appear in the session log or reject files
discarded rows in Filter
Transformation.
49 Informatica average What are the two programs Informatica provides Server Manager and pmcmd programs to communicate with the Informatica
that communicate with the Server:
Informatica Server? Server Manager. A client application used to create and manage sessions and batches, and to
monitor and stop the Informatica Server. You can use information provided through the Server
Manager to troubleshoot sessions and improve session performance.
pmcmd. A command-line program that allows you to start and stop sessions and batches, stop the
Informatica Server, and verify if the Informatica Server is running.
50 Informatica simple What u can do with Designer ? The Designer client application provides five tools to help you create mappings:
Source Analyzer. Use to import or create source definitions for flat file, Cobol, ERP, and relational
sources.
Warehouse Designer. Use to import or create target definitions.
Transformation Developer. Use to create reusable transformations.
Mapplet Designer. Use to create mapplets.
Mapping Designer. Use to create mappings.

7. 51 Informatica avrage What are different types of Tracing Levels in Transformations :-
Tracing Levels u hv in Level Description
Transformations?
Terse Indicates when the Informatica Server initializes the session and its components.
Summarizes session results, but not at the level of individual records.
Normal Includes initialization information as well as error messages and notification of rejected
data.
Verbose initialization Includes all information provided with the Normal setting plus more
extensive information about initializing transformations in the session.
Verbose data Includes all information provided with the Verbose initialization setting.
Note: By default, the tracing level for every transformation is Normal.
To add a slight performance boost, you can also set the tracing level to Terse, writing the
minimum of detail to the session log
when running a session containing the transformation.
52 Informatica simple What is Mapplet and how do u A mapplet is a reusable object that represents a set of transformations. It allows you to reuse
create Mapplet? transformation logic and can contain as many transformations as you need. Create a mapplet when
you want to use a standardized set of transformation logic in several mappings. For example, if
you have a several fact tables that require a series of dimension keys, you can create a mapplet
containing a series of Lookup
transformations to find each dimension key. You can then use the mapplet in each fact table
mapping, rather than recreate the
same lookup logic in each mapping.

8. 53 Informatica simple If data source is in the form of PowerMart and PowerCenter treat a Microsoft Excel source as a relational database, not a flat file.
Excel Spread sheet then how Like relational sources, the Designer uses ODBC to import a Microsoft Excel source. You do not
do use? need database permissions to import Microsoft Excel sources.
To import an Excel source definition, you need to complete the following tasks:
· Install the Microsoft Excel ODBC driver on your system.
· Create a Microsoft Excel ODBC data source for each source file in the ODBC 32-bit Administrator.
· Prepare Microsoft Excel spreadsheets by defining ranges and formatting columns of numeric
data.
· Import the source definitions in the Designer.
Once you define ranges and format cells, you can import the ranges in the Designer. Ranges
display as source definitions
when you import the source.
54 Informatica simple When do u use connected A connected Lookup transformation is part of the mapping data flow. With connected lookups, you
lookup n when do u use can have multiple return values. That is, you can pass multiple values from the same row in the
unconnected lookup? lookup table out of the Lookup transformation.
Common uses for connected lookups include:
=> Finding a name based on a number ex. Finding a Dname based on deptno
=> Finding a value based on a range of dates
=> Finding a value based on multiple conditions
Unconnected Lookups : -
An unconnected Lookup transformation exists separate from the data flow in the mapping. You
write an expression using
the :LKP reference qualifier to call the lookup within another transformation.
Some common uses for unconnected lookups include:
=> Testing the results of a lookup in an expression
=> Filtering records based on the lookup results
=> Marking records for update based on the result of a lookup (for example, updating slowly
changing dimension tables)
=> Calling the same lookup multiple times in one mapping
55 Informatica simple How many values it Connected Lookup can return multiple values where as Unconnected Lookup will return only one
(informatica server) returns values that is Return Value.
when it passes thru Connected
Lookup n Unconncted Lookup?

9. 56 Informatica simple What kind of modifications u Using transformations, you can modify data in the following ways:
can do/perform with each ----------------- ------------------------
Transformation? Task Transformation
----------------- ------------------------
Calculate a value Expression
Perform an aggregate calculations Aggregator
Modify text Expression
Filter records Filter, Source Qualifier
Order records queried by the Informatica Server Source Qualifier
Call a stored procedure Stored Procedure
Call a procedure in a shared library or in the External Procedure
COM layer of Windows NT
Generate primary keys Sequence Generator
Limit records to a top or bottom range Rank
Normalize records, including those read Normalizer
from COBOL sources
Look up values Lookup
Determine whether to insert, delete, update, Update Strategy
or reject records
Join records from different databases Joiner
or flat file systems

10. 57 Informatica simple Expressions in Expressions in Transformations
Transformations, Explain To transform data passing through a transformation, you can write an expression. The most
briefly how do u use? obvious examples of these are the
Expression and Aggregator transformations, which perform calculations on either single
values or an entire range of values
within a port. Transformations that use expressions include the following:
--------------------- ------------------------------------------
Transformation How It Uses Expressions
--------------------- ------------------------------------------
Expression Calculates the result of an expression for each row passing through the
transformation, using values from one or more ports.
Aggregator Calculates the result of an aggregate expression, such as a sum or average, based on
all data passing through a port or on groups within that data.
Filter Filters records based on a condition you enter using an expression.
Rank Filters the top or bottom range of records, based on a condition you enter using an
expression.
Update Strategy Assigns a numeric code to each record based on an expression, indicating
whether the Informatica Server should use the information in the record to insert, delete, or
update the target.
In each transformation, you use the Expression Editor to enter the expression. The Expression
Editor supports the transformation language for building expressions. The transformation language
uses SQL-like functions, operators, and other components to build the expression. For example, as
in SQL, the transformation language includes the functions COUNT and SUM. However, the
PowerMart/PowerCenter transformation language includes additional functions not found in SQL.
When you enter the expression, you can use values available through ports. For example, if the
transformation has two input ports representing a price and sales tax rate, you can calculate the
final sales tax using these two values. The ports used in the expression can appear in the same
transformation, or you can use output ports in other transformations.
58 Informatica average In case of Flat files (which U get a fatal error which cause server to fail/stop the session.
comes thru FTP as source) has
not arrived then what happens

11. 59 Informatica average What does a load manager The Load Manager is the primary PowerCenter Server process. It accepts requests from the
do ? PowerCenter Client and from pmcmd. The Load Manager runs and monitors the workflow. It
performs the following tasks:
Starts the session, creates DTM process and sends pre & post session emails.
1.Manages the session and batch scheduling
2.locks the session and reads the session properties.
3. expands the session and server variables and parameters
4. validates the source and target code pages
5. verifies the permissions and privileges
6. creates session log file
7. creates DTM process which executes the session
60 Informatica simple What is a cache Temporary memory area used to store intermediate results
61 Informatica simple What is an Expression Expression transformation is used to calculate expressions on a row by row basis. Total_sal = Com
transformation? * sal
62 Informatica simple I have two sources S1 having S1 should be the master as it contains few records so that the usage of cache can be reduced , S2
100 records and S2 having should be detail.
10000 records, I want to join
them, using joiner
transformation. Which of
these two sources (S1,S2)
should be master to improve
my performance? Why?
63 Informatica average I have a source and I want to YES, Write a stored procedure and use Stored Procedure Transformation
generate sequence numbers
using mappings in informatica.
But I don’t want to use
sequence generator
transformation. Is there any
other way to do it?
64 Informatica average What is a bad file? Bad file is the file which contains the data rejected by the writer or target.

12. 65 Informatica average What is the first column of the Record / Row indicator
bad file? 0,1,2,3
0 – insert -- Rejected by writer/target
1- update -- Rejected by writer/target
2- delete -- Rejected by writer/target
3-reject -- Rejected by writer --- coz update st. has marked it for reject.
66 Informatica average What are the contents of the Index cache files and Data caches
cache directory in the server
67 Informatica simple Is lookup a Active Passive.
transformation or Passive
transformation ?
68 Informatica simple What is a Mapping? Mapping Represent the data flow between source and target
69 Informatica simple What are the types of Passive and active
transformations
70 Informatica simple If a sequence generator (with Each target will get the value in multiple of 3
increment of 1) is connected
to (say) 3 targets and each
target uses the NEXTVAL port,
what value will each target
get?
71 Informatica average Have you used the Abort, Abort can be used to Abort / stop the session on an error condition.
Decode functions? If the primary key column contains NULL, and you need to stop the session from continuing then
you may use ABORT function in the default value for the port. It can be used with IIF and
DECODE function to Abort the session.
72 Informatica average What do you know about the o Load Manager is the first process started when the session runs. It checks for validity of
Informatica server mappings, locks sessions and other objects.
architecture? Load Manager, o DTM process is started once the Load Manager has completed its job. It starts a thread for each
DTM, Reader, Writer, pipeline.
Transformer o Reader scans data from the specified sources.
o Writer manages the target/output data.
o Transformer performs the task specified in the mapping.
73 Informatica simple What are the default values String = Null, Number = 0, Date = 1/1/1753
for variables?

13. 74 Informatica simple How many ways you can filter 1. Source Qualifier
the records? 2. Filter transformation
3. Router transformation
4. Ranker
5. Update strategy

14. 75 Informatica complex · How do you identify the Bottlenecks can occur in
bottlenecks in Mappings? 1. Targets
The most common performance bottleneck occurs when the informatica server writes to a
target database. You can identify target bottleneck by configuring the session to write to a flat file
target.
If the session performance increases significantly when you write to a flat file, you have a
target bottleneck.
Solution :
Drop or Disable index or constraints
Perform bulk load (Ignores Database log)
Increase commit interval (Recovery is compromised)
Tune the database for RBS, Dynamic Extension etc.,
2. Sources
Set a filter transformation after each SQ and see the records are not through.
If the time taken is same then there is a problem.
You can also identify the Source problem by
Read Test Session – where we copy the mapping with sources, SQ and remove all
transformations and connect to file target. If the performance is same then there is a Source
bottleneck.
Using database query – Copy the read query directly from the log. Execute the query against the
source database with a query tool. If the time it takes to execute the query and the time to fetch
the first row are significantly different, then the query can be modified using optimizer hints.
Solutions:
Optimize Queries using hints.
Use indexes wherever possible.
3. Mapping
If both Source and target are OK then problem could be in mapping.
Add a filter transformation before target and if the time is the same then there is a problem.
(OR) Look for the performance monitor in the Sessions property sheet and view the counters.
Solutions:
If High error rows and rows in lookup cache indicate a mapping bottleneck.
Optimize Single Pass Reading:
Optimize Lookup transformation :
1. Caching the lookup table:
When caching is enabled the informatica server caches the lookup table and queries the
cache during the session. When this option is not enabled the server queries the lookup table on a
row-by row basis.
Static, Dynamic, Shared, Un-shared and Persistent cache
2. Optimizing the lookup condition
Whenever multiple conditions are placed, the condition with equality sign should take
precedence.
3. Indexing the lookup table

15. 76 Informatica complex How to improve the Session 1 Run concurrent sessions
performance? 2 Partition session (Power center)
3. Tune Parameter – DTM buffer pool, Buffer block size, Index cache size, data cache size, Commit
Interval, Tracing level (Normal, Terse, Verbose Init, Verbose Data)
The session has memory to hold 83 sources and targets. If it is more, then DTM can be increased.
The informatica server uses the index and data caches for Aggregate, Rank, Lookup and Joiner
transformation. The server stores the transformed data from the above transformation in the data
cache before returning it to the data flow. It stores group information for those transformations in
index cache.
If the allocated data or index cache is not large enough to store the date, the server stores the
data in a temporary disk file as it processes the session data. Each time the server pages to the
disk the performance slows. This can be seen from the counters .
Since generally data cache is larger than the index cache, it has to be more than the index.
4. Remove Staging area
5. Tune off Session recovery
6. Reduce error tracing
77 Informatica What is Business It is available in navigator inside the folder.
components ? Where it
exists ?
78 Informatica complex What are Short cuts ? Where Shortcuts allow you to use metadata across folders without making copies, ensuring uniform
it is used ? metadata. A shortcut inherits all properties of the object to which it points. Once you create a
shortcut, you can configure the shortcut name and description.
When the object the shortcut references changes, the shortcut inherits those changes. By using a
shortcut instead of a copy, you ensure each use of the shortcut matches the original object. For
example, if you have a shortcut to a target definition, and you add a column to the definition, the
shortcut inherits the additional column.
· Scenario1
Here is a table with Single Row, in a target table the same row should be populated 10 times.
Using Normalizer, we can do it. Hint : Normalizer / Occurs make it 10 and
Have 10 inputs and a output. You will get 10 rows.

16. 79 Informatica simple While importing the relational Source name
source definition from Database location
database, what are the meta Column names
data of source U import? Data types
Key constraints
80 Informatica simple . How many ways U can Two ways
update a relational source 1. Edit the definition
definition and what r they? 2. Re-import the definition
81 Informatica simple How many ways u create Two ways
ports? 1. Drag the port from another transformation
2. Click the add button on the ports tab.
82 Informatica average .What r the unsupported COBOL source definition
repository objects for a Joiner transformations
mapplet? Normalizer transformations
Non reusable sequence generator transformations.
Pre or post session stored procedures
Target definitions
Power mart 3.5 style Look Up functions
XML source definitions
IBM MQ source definitions
83 Informatica simple What r the mapping Mapping parameter represents a constant value that U can define before running a session. A
parameters and mapping mapping parameter retains the same value throughout the entire session.
variables? When u use the mapping parameter ,U declare and use the parameter in a mapping or maplet.
Then define the value of parameter in a parameter file for the session.
Unlike a mapping parameter, a mapping variable represents a value that can change throughout
the session. The informatica server saves the value of mapping variable to the repository at the
end of session run and uses that value next time U run the session.

17. 84 Informatica simple Can U use the mapping NO.
parameters or variables We can use mapping parameters or variables in any transformation of the same mapping or
created in one mapping into mapplet in which U have created mapping parameters or variables.
another mapping?
85 Informatica simple Can u use the mapping Yes. Because reusable transformation is not contained with any maplet or mapping.
parameters or variables
created in one mapping into
any other reusable
transformation?
86 Informatica simple How can U improve session Use sorted input.
performance in aggregator
transformation?
87 Informatica simple .What r the difference U can join heterogeneous data sources in joiner transformation which we can not achieve in
between joiner transformation source qualifier transformation.
and source qualifier U need matching keys to join two relational sources in source qualifier transformation. Where
transformation? as u doesn't need matching keys to join two sources.
Two relational sources should come from same data source in sourcequalifier. U can join
relational sources which r coming from different sources also.
88 Informatica simple In which conditions we can Both pipelines begin with the same original data source.
not use joiner Both input pipelines originate from the same Source Qualifier transformation.
transformation(Limitations of Both input pipelines originate from the same Normalizer transformation.
joiner transformation)? Both input pipelines originate from the same Joiner transformation.
Either input pipelines contains an Update Strategy transformation.
Either input pipelines contains a connected or unconnected Sequence Generator transformation.
89 Informatica simple What r the settings that u use Master and detail source
to configure the joiner Type of join
transformation? Condition of the join
90 Informatica simple What r the join types in joiner Normal (Default)
transformation? Master outer
Detail outer
Full outer

18. 91 Informatica simple How the informatica server When the informatica server runs in the ASCII data movement mode it sorts session data using
sorts the string values in Rank Binary sort order. If U configure the session to use a binary sort order, the informatica server
transformation? calculates the binary value of each string and returns the specified number of rows with the
highest binary values for the string.
92 Informatica simple What is the Rank index in The Designer automatically creates a RANKINDEX port for each Rank transformation. The
Rank transformation? Informatica Server uses the Rank Index port to store the ranking position for each record in a
group. For example, if you create a Rank transformation that ranks the top 5 salespersons for each
quarter, the rank index numbers the salespeople from 1 to 5:
93 Informatica simple What is the Router Input group
transformation? Output group
A Router transformation is similar to a Filter transformation because both transformations
allow you to use a condition to test data. However, a Filter transformation tests data for one
condition and drops the rows of data that do not meet the condition. A Router transformation tests
data for one or more conditions and gives you the option to route rows of data that do not meet
any of the conditions to a default output group.
If you need to test the same input data based on multiple conditions, use a Router Transformation
in a mapping instead of creating multiple Filter transformations to perform the same task
94 Informatica simple What r the types of groups in The designer copies property information from the input ports of the input group to create a set
Router transformation? of output ports for each output group.
Two types of output groups
User defined groups
Default group
U can not modify or delete default groups.
95 Informatica simple Why we use stored procedure For populating and maintaining data bases.
transformation?

19. 96 average What r the types of data that 3 types of data
passes between informatica Input/Out put parameters
server and stored procedure? Return Values
Status code.
97 Informatica average What is the status code? Status code provides error handling for the informatica server during the session. The stored
procedure issues a status code that notifies whether or not stored procedure completed
sucessfully. This value can not seen by the user. It only used by the informatica server to
determine whether to continue running the session or stop.
98 Informatica simple What r the tasks that source Join data originating from same source data base.
qualifier performs? Filter records when the informatica server reads source data.
Specify an outer join rather than the default inner join
specify sorted records.
Select only distinct values from the source.
Creating custom query to issue a special SELECT statement for the informatica server to read
source data.
99 Informatica simple What is the default join that Inner equi join.
source qualifier provides?
100 Informatica simple . What r the basic needs to Two sources should have primary and Foreign key relation ships.
join two sources in a source Two sources should have matching data types.
qualifier?
101 Informatica simple what is update strategy This transformation is used to maintain the history data or just most recent changes in to
transformation ? target
table.
102 Informatica simple Describe two levels in which Within a session. When you configure a session, you can instruct the Informatica Server to either
update strategy treat all records in the same way (for example, treat all records as inserts), or use instructions
transformation sets? coded into the session mapping to flag records for different database operations. Within a
mapping. Within a mapping, you use the Update Strategy transformation to flag records for insert,
delete, update, or reject.
103 Informatica average What is the default source Data driven.
option for update strategy
transformation?

20. 104 Informatica average What is Data driven? The informatica server follows instructions coded into update strategy transformations with
in the session mapping determine how to flag records for insert, update, delete or reject.
If u do not choose data driven option setting, the informatica server ignores all update strategy
transformations in the mapping.
105 Informatica simple What r the options in the Insert
target session of update Delete
strategy transformation? Update
Update as update
Update as insert
Update else insert
Truncate table
106 Informatica simple What r the types of mapping The Designer provides two mapping wizards to help you create mappings quickly and easily. Both
wizards that r to be provided wizards are designed to create mappings for loading and maintaining star schemas, a series of
in Informatica? dimensions related to a central fact table. Getting Started Wizard. Creates mappings to load static
fact and dimension tables, as well as slowly growing dimension tables.
Slowly Changing Dimensions Wizard. Creates mappings to load slowly changing dimension tables
based on the amount of historical dimension data you want to keep and the method you choose to
handle historical dimension data.
107 Informatica simple What r the types of mapping Simple Pass through mapping :
in Getting Started Wizard?
Loads a static fact or dimension table by inserting all rows. Use this mapping when you want
to drop all existing data from your table before loading new data.
Slowly Growing target :
Loads a slowly growing fact or dimension table by inserting new rows. Use this mapping to
load new data when existing data does not require updates.

21. 108 Informatica avrage What r the mappings that we Type1: Rows containing changes to existing dimensions are updated in the target by overwriting
use for slowly changing the existing dimension. In the Type 1 Dimension mapping, all rows contain current dimension data.
dimension table? Use the Type 1 Dimension mapping to update a slowly changing dimension table when you do
not need to keep any previous versions of dimensions in the table.
Type 2: The Type 2 Dimension Data mapping inserts both new and changed dimensions into the
target. Changes are tracked in the target table by versioning the primary key and creating a
version number for each dimension in the table.
Use the Type 2 Dimension/Version Data mapping to update a slowly changing dimension table
when you want to keep a full history of dimension data in the table. Version numbers and
versioned primary keys track the order of changes to each dimension.
Type 3: The Type 3 Dimension mapping filters source rows based on user-defined comparisons
and inserts only those found to be new dimensions to the target. Rows containing changes to
existing dimensions are updated in the target. When updating an existing dimension, the
Informatica Server saves existing data in different columns of the same row and replaces the
existing data with the updates
109 Informatica average What r the different types of Type2 Dimension/Version Data Mapping: In this mapping the updated dimension in the
Type2 dimension mapping? source will gets inserted in target along with a new version number. And newly added dimension
in source will insert into target with a primary key.
Type2 Dimension/Flag current Mapping: This mapping is also used for slowly changing
dimensions. In addition it creates a flag value for changed or new dimension.
Flag indicates the dimension is new or newly updated. Recent dimensions will gets saved with
current flag value 1. And updated dimensions r saved with the value 0.
Type2 Dimension/Effective Date Range Mapping: This is also one flavor of Type2 mapping used
for slowly changing dimensions. This mapping also inserts both new and changed dimensions in to
the target. And changes r tracked by the effective date range for each version of each dimension.

22. 110 Informatica average How can u recognize whether In the Type2 mapping we have three options to recognize the newly added rows
or not the newly added rows Version number
in the source r gets insert in Flag value
the target ? Effective date Range
111 Informatica average What r two types of processes Load manager Process: Starts the session, creates the DTM process, and sends post-session email
that informatica runs the when the session completes.
session? The DTM process. Creates threads to initialize the session, read, write, and transform data, and
handle pre- and post-session operations.
112 Informatica What r the features of the U can use command line arguments for a session or batch. This allows U to change the
server manager in the values of session parameters, and mapping parameters and mapping variables.
informatica 5.0?
Parallel data processing: This feature is available for power center only. If we use the informatica
server on a SMP system, U can use multiple CPU's to process a session concurrently.
Process session data using threads: Informatica server runs the session in two processes.
Explained in previous question.
113 Informatica simple Can u generate reports in Yes. By using Metadata reporter we can generate reports in informatica.
Informatica?
114 Informatica simple What is metadata reporter? It is a web based application that enables you to run reports against repository metadata.
With a meta data reporter, u can access information about Ur repository with out having
knowledge of sql, transformation language or underlying tables in the repository.
115 Informatica simple Define mapping and sessions? Mapping: It is a set of source and target definitions linked by transformation objects that define
the rules for transformation.
Session : It is a set of instructions that describe how and when to move data from source to
targets.
116 Informatica simple Which tool U use to create Informatica server manager.
and manage sessions and
batches and to monitor and
stop the informatica server?

23. 117 Informatica simple Why we use partitioning the Partitioning achieves the session performance by reducing the time period of reading the
session in informatica? source and loading the data into target.
118 Informatica simple To achieve the session Configure the session to partition source data.
partition what r the necessary
tasks u have to do? Install the informatica server on a machine with multiple CPU's.
119 Informatica avrage How the informatica server For relational sources informatica server creates multiple connections for each partition of a
increases the session single source and extracts separate range of data for each connection. Informatica server reads
performance through multiple partitions of a single source concurently. Similarly for loading also informatica server
partitioning the source? creates multiple connections to the target and loads partitions of data concurrently.
For XML and file sources, informatica server reads multiple files concurrently. For loading the
data informatica server creates a separate file for each partition(of a source file).U can choose to
merge the targets.
120 Informatica simple . Why u use repository When u edit, schedule the session each time, informatica server directly communicates the
connectivity? repository to check whether or not the session and users r valid. All the metadata of sessions and
mappings will be stored in repository.

24. 121 Informatica average What r the tasks that Load Manages the session and batch scheduling: When u start the informatica server the load manager
manger process will do? launches and queries the repository for a list of sessions configured to run on the informatica
server. When u configure the session the load manager maintains list of list of sessions and
session start times. When u start a session load manger fetches the session information from the
repository to perform the validations and verifications prior to starting DTM processLocking and
reading the session: When the informatica server starts a session load manager locks the session
from the repository. Locking prevents U starting the session again and again.
Reading the parameter file: If the session uses a parameter files, load manager reads the
parameter file and verifies that the session level parameters are declared in the file
Verifies permission and privileges: When the session starts load manger checks whether or not
the user have privileges to run the session.
122 Informatica average What is DTM process? After the load manger performs validations for session, it creates the DTM process. DTM is to
create and manage the threads that carry out the session tasks. I creates the master thread.
Master thread creates and manages all the other threads.
123 Informatica average What r the different threads in Master thread: Creates and manages all other threads
DTM process?
Mapping thread: One mapping thread will be creates for each session. Fetches session and
mapping information.
Pre and post session threads: This will be created to perform pre and post session operations.
Reader thread: One thread will be created for each partition of a source. It reads data from
source.
Writer thread: It will be created to load data to the target.
Transformation thread: It will be created to transform data.

25. 124 Informatica average What r the data movement Data movement modes determines how informatica server handles the character data. U
modes in informatica? choose the data movement in the informatica server configuration settings. Two types of data
movement modes available in informatica.
ASCII mode
Uni code mode.

26. 125 Informatica average What r the out put files that Informatica server log: Informatica server(on UNIX) creates a log for all status and error
the informatica server creates messages(default name: pm.server.log).It also creates an error log for error messages. These files
during the session running? will be created in informatica home directory.
Session log file: Informatica server creates session log file for each session. It writes information
about session into log files such as initialization process, creation of sql commands for reader and
writer threads, errors encountered and load summary. The amount of detail in session log file
depends on the tracing level that u set.
Session detail file: This file contains load statistics for each target in mapping. Session detail
include information such as table name, number of rows written or rejected. U can view this file by
double clicking on the session in monitor window
Performance detail file: This file contains information known as session performance details which
helps U where performance can be improved. To generate this file select the performance detail
option in the session property sheet.
Reject file: This file contains the rows of data that the writer does not write to targets.
Control file: Informatica server creates control file and a target file when U run a session that uses
the external loader. The control file contains the information about the target flat file such as data
format and loading instructions for the external loader.
Post session email: Post session email allows U to automatically communicate information about a
session run to designated recipients. U can create two different messages. One if the session
completed successfully the other if the session fails.
Indicator file: If u use the flat file as a target, U can configure the informatica server to create
indicator file. For each target row, the indicator file contains a number to indicate whether the row
was marked for insert, update, delete or reject.
output file: If session writes to a target file, the informatica server creates the target file based on
file properties entered in the session property sheet.
126 Informatica complex In which circumstances that When it encounters the DD_Rejectserver creates memory cache it also creates cache files. For the
Cache files: When the informatica in update strategy transformation.
informatica server creates Violates database constraint
following circumstances informatica server creates index and data cache files.
Reject files? Filed in the rows was truncated or overflowed.
Aggregator transformation
Joiner transformation
Rank transformation
Lookup transformation

27. 127 Informatica average What is polling? It displays the updated information about the session in the monitor window. The monitor
window displays the status of each session when U poll the informatica server
128 Informatica average Can u copy the session to a Yes. By using copy session wizard u can copy a session in a different folder or repository.
different folder or repository? But that target folder or repository should consists of mapping of that session. If target folder or
repository is not having the mapping of copying session , u should have to copy that mapping first
before u copy the session.
129 Informatica average . What is batch and describe Grouping of session is known as batch. Batches r two types
about types of batches?
Sequential: Runs sessions one after the other
Concurrent: Runs session at same time.
If u have sessions with source-target dependencies u have to go for sequential batch to start
the sessions one after another. If u have several independent sessions u can use concurrent
batches. Which runs all the sessions at the same time.
130 Informatica average Can u copy the batches? NO
131 Informatica average .How many number of Any number of sessions.
sessions that u can create in a
batch?
132 Informatica simple When the informatica server If one of session is configured to "run if previous completes" and that previous session fails.
marks that a batch is failed?
133 Informatica simple . What is a command that pmcmd is used to start a batch.
used to run a batch
134 Informatica simple What r the different options Two optionsRun the session only if previous session completes successfully.
used to configure the Always runs the session.
sequential batches?
135 Informatica simple In a sequential batch can u Yes. By setting the option always runs the session.
run the session if previous
session fails?
136 Informatica average Can u start batches with in a U can not. If u want to start batch that resides in a batch, create a new independent batch and
batch? copy the necessary sessions into the new batch.

28. 137 Informatica average Can u start a session inside a We can start our required session only in case of sequential batch. in case of concurrent batch
batch individually? we can’t do like this.
138 Informatica average How can u stop a batch? By using server manager or pmcmd.
139 Informatica simple What r the session Session parameters r like mapping parameters, represent values U might want to change between
parameters? sessions such as database connections or source files.
Server manager also allows U to create user defined session parameters. Following r user defined
session parameters.
Database connections
Source file names: use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of
session source file between session runs
Target file name :Use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of
session target file between session runs.
Reject file name :Use this parameter when u want to change the name or location of
session reject files between session runs.
140 Informatica simple What is parameter file? Parameter file is to define the values for parameters and variables used in a session. A parameter
file is a file created by text editor such as word pad or notepad.
U can define the following values in parameter file
Mapping parameters
Mapping variables
session parameters

29. 141 Informatica simple How can u access the remote Relational source: To access relational source which is situated in a remote place ,u need to
source into Ur session? configure database connection to the data source.
File Source : To access the remote source file U must configure the FTP connection to the
host machine before u create the session.
Heterogeneous : When Ur mapping contains more than one source type, the server manager
creates
a heterogeneous session that displays source options for all types.
142 Informatica average What is difference If u partition a session with a relational target informatica server creates multiple connections
between portioning of to the target database to write target data concurrently. If u partition a session with a file
relational target and target
partitioning of file targets? the informatica server creates one target file for each partition. U can configure session
properties
to merge these target files.
143 Informatica average what r the transformations Advanced External procedure transformation and External procedure transformation: This
that restricts the partitioning transformation contains a check box on the properties tab to allow partitioning.
of sessions?
Aggregator Transformation: If u use sorted ports u can not partition the associated source
Joiner Transformation : U can not partition the master source for a joiner transformation
Normalizer Transformation
XML targets.

30. 144 Informatica complex . Performance tuning in
Informatica? The goal of performance tuning is optimize session performance so sessions run during the
available load window for the Informatica Server. Increase the session performance by following.
The performance of the Informatica Server is related to network connections. Data generally
moves across a network at less than 1 MB per second, whereas a local disk moves data five to
twenty times faster. Thus network connections often affect on session performance. So avoid
network connections.
Flat files: If ur flat files stored on a machine other than the informatica server, move those
files to the machine that consists of informatica server.
Relational data sources: Minimize the connections to sources ,targets and informatica server to
improve session performance. Moving target database into server system may improve session
performance.
Staging areas: If u use staging areas u force informatica server to perform multiple data passes.
Removing of staging areas may improve session performance.
U can run the multiple informatica servers against the same repository. Distributing the session
load to multiple informatica servers may improve session performance.
Run the informatica server in ASCII data movement mode improves the session performance.
Because ASCII data movement mode stores a character value in one byte. Unicode mode takes 2
bytes to store a character.
If a session joins multiple source tables in one Source Qualifier, optimizing the query may improve
performance. Also, single table select statements with an ORDER BY or GROUP BY clause may
benefit from optimization such as adding indexes.
We can improve the session performance by configuring the network packet size, which allows
data to cross the network at one time. To do this go to server manger ,choose server configure
database connections.
If u r target consists key constraints and indexes u slow the loading of data. To improve the
session performance in this case drop constraints and indexes before u run the session and
rebuild them after completion of session.
Running a parallel sessions by using concurrent batches will also reduce the time of loading the
data. So concurrent batches may also increase the session performance.
Partitioning the session improves the session performance by creating multiple connections to
sources and targets and loads data in parallel pipe lines.
In some cases if a session contains an aggregator transformation ,u can use incremental
aggregation to improve session performance.

31. 145 Informatica simple Define informatica repository? The Informatica repository is a relational database that stores information, or metadata, used by
the Informatica Server and Client tools. Metadata can include information such as mappings
describing how to transform source data, sessions indicating when you want the Informatica
Server to perform the transformations, and connect strings for sources and targets.
The repository also stores administrative information such as usernames and passwords,
permissions and privileges, and product version.
Use repository manager to create the repository. The Repository Manager connects to the
repository database and runs the code needed to create the repository tables.These tables
stores metadata in specific format the informatica server, client tools use.
146 Informatica simple What r the types of metadata Following r the types of metadata that stores in the repository
that stores in repository?
Database connections
Global objects
Mappings
Mapplets
Multidimensional metadata
Reusable transformations
Sessions and batches
Short cuts
Source definitions
Target definitions
Transformations
147 Informatica simple What is power center The PowerCenter repository allows you to share metadata across repositories to create a data mart
repository? domain. In a data mart domain, you can create a single global repository to store metadata used
across an enterprise, and a number of local repositories to share the global metadata as needed.
148 Informatica average How can u work with remote To work with remote data source u need to connect it with remote connections. But it is not
database in informatica? did u preferable to work with that remote source directly by using remote connections .Instead u
work directly by using remote bring that source into U r local machine where informatica server resides. If u work directly with
remote source the session performance will decreases by passing fewer amounts of data across
the network in a particular time.

32. 149 Informatica average what is incremental When using incremental aggregation, you apply captured changes in the source to aggregate
aggregation? calculations in a session. If the source changes only incrementally and you can capture changes,
you can configure the session to process only those changes. This allows the Informatica Server to
update your target incrementally, rather than forcing it to process the entire source and recalculate
the same calculations each time you run the session.
150 Informatica simple . What r the scheduling U can schedule a session to run at a given time or interval, or u can manually run the session.
options to run a session?
Different options of scheduling
Run only on demand: Informatica server runs the session only when user starts session
explicitly
Run once: Informatica server runs the session only once at a specified date and time.
Run every: Informatica server runs the session at regular intervals as u configured.
Customized repeat: Informatica server runs the session at the dates and times specified in the
repeat dialog box.
151 Informatica simple What is tracing level and what Tracing level represents the amount of information that informatica server writes in a log file.
r the types of tracing level? Types of tracing level
Normal
Verbose
Verbose init
Verbose data
152 Informatica simple What is difference between In case of stored procedure transformation procedure will be compiled and executed in a
stored procedure relational data source. U need data base connection to import the stored procedure in to ur
transformation and external maping. Where as in external procedure transformation procedure or function will be executed out
procedure transformation? side of data source. ie u need to make it as a DLL to access in u r mapping. No need to have data
base connection in case of external procedure transformation.