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CLIST or Command List is a procedural programming language for IBM's z/OS, z/VSE and z/VM operating systems, which run on IBM mainframes. It is primarily used for system automation tasks, such as file management, output management, and batch job preparation. CLIST provides commands that allow users to manipulate data sets and perform system functions from the terminal. The language supports standard control structures like loops and conditionals. It also allows for user interaction through prompts or command-line arguments. CLIST can call other programs written in languages like COBOL or PL/I and it can be invoked by them as well. Although it has been largely superseded by the more powerful REXX scripting language in most installations, CLIST continues to be used due to its simplicity and ease of learning compared with other mainframe languages.

Ask the right questions secure the right CLIST talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General CLIST app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in CLIST application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

How would you define a CLIST?

A CLIST (Command List) is a procedural language for writing command procedures in IBM's Time Sharing Option (TSO).

What are the basic components of a CLIST program?

The basic components of a CLIST program are the header statement, procedural statements, and control statements.

Describe the difference between a CLIST and a REXX.

CLIST is a simpler language with less functionality compared to REXX. REXX is a more powerful and complex language that supports functions and subroutines, which CLIST does not.

How would you write a simple CLIST program?

A simple CLIST program can be written as follows: PROC 0, WRITE Hello, World!

What are the different types of variables in CLIST?

There are two types of variables in CLIST: simple variables and compound variables.

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a strong understanding of CLIST programming?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate able to communicate effectively?

Does the candidate have experience with other relevant technologies?

Next 20 minutes

Specific CLIST development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

How would you use a variable in a CLIST program?

Variables in a CLIST program can be used by declaring them with the SET command and then using them in the program with the & symbol.

Describe the difference between a simple variable and a compound variable in CLIST.

A simple variable in CLIST holds a single value, while a compound variable can hold multiple values.

What are the different types of control statements in CLIST?

The different types of control statements in CLIST are: IF, THEN, ELSE, DO, END, GOTO, and EXIT.

How would you use an IF statement in a CLIST program?

An IF statement in a CLIST program can be used as follows: IF (&VAR = 'YES') THEN WRITE 'You said yes'.

What are the different types of procedural statements in CLIST?

The different types of procedural statements in CLIST are: PROC, PARM, SET, WRITE, and EXEC.

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At this point, a skilled CLIST engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in CLIST programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with CLIST.

What does this simple CLIST code do?
PROC 0
WRITE Hello, world!
This code will print the string 'Hello, world!' to the console.
What does this CLIST code do?
PROC 1 VAR
IF (&VAR = '') THEN
WRITE No input provided
ELSE
WRITE &VAR
EXIT
The code checks if the variable VAR is empty. If it is, it prints 'No input provided'. Otherwise, it prints the value of VAR.
What does this CLIST code do?
PROC 0
SET &LIST = (1 2 3 4 5)
DO &I = 1 TO 5
WRITE &I
ENDDO
This code initializes a list with the numbers 1 to 5 and then prints each number in the list.
What does this CLIST code do?
PROC 0
SET &VAR1 = 'Hello'
SET &VAR2 = 'World'
EXEC CICS SEND TEXT FROM(&VAR1 &VAR2)
This code sets two variables, VAR1 and VAR2, to 'Hello' and 'World' respectively. It then sends these two variables as a text message in a CICS environment.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for CLIST Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle CLIST application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

How would you use a PROC statement in a CLIST program?

A PROC statement in a CLIST program can be used to define the start of the procedure and to declare any parameters. For example: PROC 1 VAR.

Describe the difference between a PROC statement and a PARM statement in CLIST.

A PROC statement is used to define the start of the procedure and to declare any parameters, while a PARM statement is used to pass parameters to a procedure.

What are the different types of data manipulation commands in CLIST?

The different types of data manipulation commands in CLIST are: SET, GET, PUT, and READ.

CLIST application related

Product Perfect's CLIST development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your CLIST engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in CLIST projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

CLIST Consultive assessments

CLIST Application Conversion Assessment CLIST Application Integration Assessment CLIST Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom CLIST development projects

Custom CLIST App Conversion CLIST Custom App Development Process App UI Design for CLIST Facelifts

Hiring guide for CLIST Engineers

CLIST Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the CLIST engineer at this point.

CLIST Consultive assessments

Custom CLIST development projects