IDQ Interview Questions

1. What do you understand by the term Worklet? Give the different available options in it/

Ans. Worklet refers to a collection of tasks within a workflow organized and classified for efficient process management. The options in Worklet encompass a range of functionalities, including Decision, Command, Mail, Event Wait, Link, Session, Assignment, Timer, and Control. Each option serves a specific purpose, contributing to streamlined workflow execution.

2. What do you know about IDQ? Give a brief idea about the core components in IDQ?

Ans. IDQ, standing for Informatica Data Quality, is a comprehensive tool utilized by data analysts for implementing data quality across various workloads. Integrated with Informatica Power Center, IDQ enhances data quality through functionalities like data matching, cleansing, and profiling. Its core components include the Data Quality Workbench for data analysis and rule creation and the Data Quality Server for running programs and supporting network communication via TCP/IP.

3. Give a brief idea about connected lookup and unconnected lookup?

Ans. Connected Lookup, part of workflow processes, directly receives input from other transformations and is versatile in its use of both static and dynamic cache. Unconnected Lookup, on the other hand, operates based on previously known inputs and is limited to returning a single column value, lacking support for user-defined values.

4. What do you understand by the terms: predefined event and user-defined event?

Ans. Predefined events are set events, often file watch events, waiting for a specific file's arrival at a designated location. User-defined events are tailored sequences of tasks in a workflow, created and employed based on particular needs and requirements.

5. What do you understand by an Address Doctor in Informatica IDQ?

Ans. Address Doctor within IDQ is a transformative tool used for validating input address data against reference data identifying and correcting inaccuracies. It plays a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and accuracy in address-related data fields.

6. What is the use of standalone command task?

Ans. A standalone command task is a versatile tool within a workflow process, capable of executing a variety of shell commands at any point within the workflow.

7. What is address doctor in IDQ?

Ans. Address Doctor in IDQ is a transformative element that validates input data against established address reference data, ensuring accuracy and rectifying issues as identified.

8. What do you know about Enterprise Data Warehouse?

Ans. An Enterprise Data Warehouse represents a central data repository for an organization, aggregating historical data from diverse sources like CRMs, ERPs, and other systems, serving as a vital component for data analysis and decision-making processes.

9. What do you know about the Surrogate Key?

Ans. A Surrogate Key is a unique identifier in a database, serving as an alternative to the primary key. Typically numeric, it facilitates easier data updating and management, independent of direct key changes.

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10. What do you understand by the term Command Task?

Ans. Command Task in a workflow context is used for executing shell commands. It can be strategically placed anywhere in the workflow, functioning as either a pre-session or post-session command.

Intermediate IDQ Interview Questions

11. Define the term transformation in IDQ? List out the different types of transformations that are available in Informatica?

Ans. Transformation in IDQ refers to a process of data manipulation and alteration within a workflow. Informatica offers a variety of changes, including Aggregator, Filter, Lookup, Rank, Expression, Joiner, Normalizer, and Router transformations, each serving unique functions in data processing.

12. Give brief differences between static lookup and dynamic lookup cache?

Ans: Static cache, by default in Informatica, remains unmodifiable during a session, while dynamic cache permits modifications like record insertion or updates during the session.

13. What do you know about the update strategy? Briefly describe the multiple options available in the update strategy?

Ans: The update strategy in Informatica involves row-by-row processing of source data, allowing for the insertion or updating of logic. Options include DD_INSERT (insertion), DD-UPDATE (update), DD-DELETE (deletion), and DD-REJECT (rejection), each with specific numeric values for identification.

14. List out the different types of dimensions available in Informatica IDQ?

Ans: Informatica IDQ encompasses various dimensions, including Junk, Degenerative, and Conformed dimensions, each serving distinct roles in data categorization and management.

15. Define the functionalities performed by STOP and ABORT options in the workflow monitor?

Ans: In the workflow monitor, the STOP command instructs the integration service to cease data reading while continuing other processes. The ABORT command forcefully terminates a session if data processing and commitment aren't completed within 60 seconds.

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16. List out the different types of loadings available in Informatica?

Ans: Informatica supports Normal and Bulk loading. Normal Loading processes records sequentially, while Bulk Loading handles multiple records simultaneously, offering a time-efficient approach.

17. List out the different tools available in the workflow manager? Specify at least one alternative tool used for scheduling processes other than workflow manager?

Ans: Workflow Manager in Informatica includes tools like Task Developer, Task Designer, and Workflow Designer. An alternative scheduling tool to Workflow Manager is Control M.

18. Define the term parameter file? Give a brief idea about the different values that are available in the parameter file?

Ans: A parameter file, created in a text editor, defines various data values, such as Mapping Variables, Mapping Parameters, and Session Parameters, crucial for workflow customization.

19. List the components that are required to be installed during the installation of Informatica Powercenter Installation?

Ans: Essential components for Informatica PowerCenter Installation include the Power Center Domain, Integration Services, Power Center Clients, and an Administrative Console for Power Center.

Advanced IDQ Interview Questions

20. Give a brief explanation of where can we find the throughput option in Informatica?

Ans: The throughput option in Informatica is located within the Workflow Monitor, under the session properties in the source/target statistics section.

21. Explain the process of updating a record in the table without using Update strategy?

Ans: Updating a record without the Update strategy involves defining a key at the Informatica level, linking it to the target mapping, and configuring session-level target properties for updates.

22. Briefly explain the differences between data integration service and power center integration service?

Ans: The Power Center Integration Service focuses on running data management sessions and workflows. In contrast, Data Integration Service caters to data integration tasks for tools like Analyst and Developer tools, handling functionalities like SQL data services and data profiling.

23. Briefly explain the differences between active transformation and passive transformation in Informatica IDQ? List out some examples for each type of transformation?

Ans: Active transformations in Informatica modify the row count in a workflow (examples include Sorter, Joiner, Router, Rank, and Filter transformations). In contrast, passive transformations do not affect row count (examples include Sequence Generator, Output, Input, Expression, Lookup, and External Procedure transformations).

24. Can you explain how we can improve the performance of aggregator transformation in Informatica?

25. Give a brief idea about sessions and batches in Informatica?

Ans: Sessions in Informatica dictate data transfer instructions, while batches represent a set of tasks (like sessions, emails, and commands) executed either in serial or parallel order.

26. Why do we use stored procedure transformation?

Ans: Stored procedure transformation is crucial for efficiently populating and maintaining databases within Informatica workflows.

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27. Do you think that there is an option to export an object from the IDQ to Power center tool? If yes, specify the procedure?

Ans: 

Exporting an object from IDQ to the Power Center involves:

• Connecting to the repository service.
• Locating the project folder.
• Selecting the desired mapping.
• Using the export function to transfer the object.

28. Briefly explain the difference between Model repository service and PowerCenter repository service?

Ans: PowerCenter Repository Service uses folder-based security and supports Power Center applications and clients. At the same time, Model Repository Service employs project-based security and supports services like Analyst, Developer Tools, and Data Integration Services.

29. Explain about live data and staged data?

Ans: Live Data is the default setting in profile creation, accessing row data directly from the source. Staged Data, alternatively, holds data in the profiling warehouse, often used for mainframe and BigData sources where live data drilling is not feasible.

30. Give a brief idea about Join Analysis profiling, multiple profiles, and compare profiles in Informatica IDQ?

Ans:  Join Analysis profiling analyzes join potentials between data columns, Multiple Profiles allow for creating profiles on various tables simultaneously, and Compare Profiles facilitate comparing data transformations' outputs.

31. Explain what is meant by the target load order in Informatica IDQ?

Ans: Target Load Order in Informatica IDQ prioritizes data loading tasks based on defined sequences, ensuring organized data transfer to various targets.

32. What do you mean by slowly changing dimensions? Give a brief idea about the different types of slowly changing dimensions available in Informatica?

Ans: Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCDs) in Informatica represent dimensions with gradual changes. Types include Type 1 (current records only), Type 2 (current and historical records), and Type 3 (current and previous records).

33. Explain about a Data transformation Manager?

Ans: The Data Transformation Manager (DTM) in Informatica is a crucial component that initiates its process after the Load Manager completes session validations. DTM plays a pivotal role in managing the execution of sessions handling data fetching, transformation, and loading. It effectively coordinates the workflow for data processing, ensuring efficient and accurate data management within Informatica environments.

34. Explain what is a parameter file and define what are the different values that are available in a parameter file?

Ans: A parameter file in Informatica is a simple text file created using a text editor or Wordpad that stores various configuration values. These values include Mapping Parameters, Mapping Variables, and Session Parameters. These parameters play a vital role in dynamically controlling the behaviour of Informatica sessions and mappings, allowing for greater flexibility and customization in data integration processes.

35. Explain what is target load order?

Ans: The target load order in Informatica is a system of prioritization for loading data into multiple targets. It allows users to specify the sequence in which data is loaded, ensuring that data dependencies and business logic are correctly maintained. This feature is handy when dealing with complex data-loading scenarios where the order of operations is critical for data integrity and accuracy.

36. Can you briefly define what is a reusable transformation?

Ans: Reusable transformations in Informatica are modular, standalone components that encapsulate specific transformation logic. Unlike non-reusable transformations, which are embedded within a particular mapping, reusable transformations are defined once and can be used across multiple mappings. This approach enhances maintainability, reduces redundancy, and allows for consistent transformation logic across different integration processes.

37. Can we export an object from IDQ to the Powercenter tool. if yes then how?

Ans: Yes, exporting an object from Informatica Data Quality (IDQ) to PowerCenter is possible. The process involves accessing the Repository Service, navigating to the desired project folder in the Developer tool, expanding the Mapping tab, selecting the mapping to be exported, and then using the Export File option. This functionality facilitates seamless integration and transfer of data mappings between IDQ and PowerCenter, enhancing the data management capabilities of Informatica users.

38. Name four output files that the information server creates during the session running?

Ans: During a session run, the Informatica server generates four key output files: the Session Log, Workflow Log, Errors Log, and Bad File. These files provide comprehensive logging and error tracking, aiding in monitoring, debugging, and optimizing ETL processes.

39. What can we do to improve the performance of Informatica Aggregator Transformation?

Ans: To enhance the performance of the Aggregator Transformation in Informatica, it is advisable to sort records before they reach the aggregator and enable the "Sorted Input" option in the aggregator's properties. Sorting the records based on the 'Group By' fields prior to aggregation can significantly improve processing speed and efficiency.

40. How can we update a record in the target table without using the Update strategy?

Ans: Updating a record in a target table without employing the 'Update Strategy' in Informatica involves setting a primary key at the Informatica level and mapping the key and the fields to be updated to the target. In the session properties, configure the target with the "Update as Update" option and ensure the "Update" checkbox is selected. This method provides a streamlined approach to updating records while bypassing the traditional Update Strategy transformation.

41. Is it lookup an active or passive transformation?