Are you gearing up for an IBM WebSphere Application Server interview? Buckle up, because this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to impress your interviewers and land your dream job.
We’ve meticulously analyzed the latest interview questions from top sources like MindMajix and Guru99, crafting a treasure trove of information that will empower you to confidently tackle any challenge thrown your way
Now that we know more about WebSphere, let’s get ready for those interview questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Differentiate between Application Server and Web Server
Application Server:
- Provides business logic to clients for their applications using various protocols.
- Complex delegation model.
- Dynamic in nature, can be configured to work as a web server.
Web Server
- Allows clients to visit pages in the browser.
- Handles HTTP requests exclusively.
- Simple delegation model.
- Cannot be configured to work as an Application Server.
2 What is WebSphere?
WebSphere is a powerful tool developed by IBM to create and manage websites for business functions and e-commerce It seamlessly integrates data across diverse systems and operating applications The central tool, WebSphere Application Server (WAS), empowers users to connect with Java applications (servlets).
3. Define WebSphere Edge Server and its components.
WebSphere Edge is a set of server application components that are meant to make web-based systems run faster and do more. As part of the IBM WebSphere product suite, it comprises four key components:
- Network Dispatcher: Routes all requests to WebSphere’s web containers.
- Distributed Contents: Caches page fragments generated from JSPs or Servlets.
- Proxy is well cached: Improves scalability and performance.
- Application Edge Service: Provides dynamic content caching and integration with servlet caching.
4. List the components of the WebSphere tool of IBM.
The WebSphere tool by IBM boasts three fundamental components:
- WAS (WebSphere Application Server): Enables users to connect with Java applications (servlets).
- Web Server: Provides HTTP service.
- Data Server: Used for persistent data.
5. What are the important features of WebSphere?
- Supports container functionality.
- Supports HTML pages.
- Supports various HTTP servers like IBM HTTP Server, MS IIS, and Netscape iPlanet server.
- Supports Workload Management and the EJB component model.
- Supports Java Server Pages and XML.
6. What is the meaning of the Default messaging provider?
The Default messaging provider facilitates publish/subscribe functions and utilizes the service integration bus for transportation. It corresponds to various JMS connection destinations and factories.
7. How does the clustering of the application server or Websphere work?
WebSphere application clustering leverages the server’s plugin component routes to handle cluster requests. In case of failure, it routes requests to a functional cluster member until the original cluster becomes available.
8. How are applications deployed in the WebSphere tool of IBM?
WebSphere application deployment offers three methods:
- Hot deployment: Simply copying the application file to the application directory.
- Scripts: Developing ant tasks or wsadmin scripts for deployment.
- DMGR: Deploying through the DMGR by clicking on the “New Application” option.
9. What are the different kinds of files which can be deployed into the WebSphere tool?
WAR (WebSphere Application Server) and EAR files are primarily used for deployment. Other files like SAR or JAR can also be deployed through the DMGR process.
10. How can an application be deployed if the DMGR process doesn’t work properly?
Existing and running applications remain unaffected by a malfunctioning DMGR. However, application deployment is impacted.
11. What is the meaning of the word ‘trace’ in WebSphere?
A trace is a detailed information record used by developers and engineers. It provides comprehensive insights into application behavior.
12. Differentiate between the node agent, node, and node group.
- Node: A logical grouping of server processing managed by WebSphere, responsible for controlling operations and data configuration.
- Node agent: Each node’s companion agent, working alongside the deployment manager for administration.
- Node group: A grouping of nodes with similar capabilities as individual nodes.
13. What is the meaning of Dynamic Cache?
Dynamic Cache enhances performance by caching application outputs within cells. It intercepts objects and provides or stores content for improved responsiveness.
14. How does asymmetrical clustering work in WebSphere?
Asymmetrical clustering dynamically partitions the cluster, allowing only one cluster to run at a time. This enables task allocation to specific clusters.
15. What is the meaning of node sync?
WebSphere Application Server (WAS) stores configuration data in the Master Repository of nodes. Node sync ensures this data is sent to respective node servers using the DMGR. This one-way communication between the master and local repositories is crucial for configuration consistency.
16. Define Ripple start.
Ripple start is a process used to restart WebSphere administration server clusters. It involves stopping and then restarting the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) one at a time.
17. Define virtual host.
Virtual hosts are collections of URLs (FQDNs and IPs) associated with a single application within WebSphere. The application must be included in a URL to be associated with the virtual host.
18. How can application slowness be addressed?
Application slowness can have various causes, both within and outside WebSphere. Thorough investigation is key to identifying the root cause. Consider factors like user experience, specific application components, and external server access. Log analysis can also prove invaluable.
19. What is the meaning of cells found in WebSphere?
A cell is a group of nodes within a single WebSphere administration domain. It allows centralized management from a single access point.
20. When does WAS get in touch with the registry for user information?
WAS interacts with the registry when:
- Verifying user passwords.
- Converting user IDs to registry unique IDs.
- Obtaining group information.
- Mapping certificate information to user IDs.
21. Define WebSphere MQ.
WebSphere MQ is a program that enables message-based communication between users. It primarily facilitates commercial messaging using two communication methods: Fire and Forget and Request and Response.
22. Define extended deployment.
Extended deployment in WebSphere enhances service quality by optimizing IT resources. It focuses on three key areas:
- WebSphere eXtreme Scale
- Compute Grid
- WebSphere Virtual Enterprise
23. List the various WebSphere MQ programming APIs.
- Application Messaging Interface (AMI)
- Message Queue Interface (MQI)
- Java Message Service (JMS)
24. How is proxy cached in the WebSphere edge server?
Proxy caching in WebSphere edge servers is typically configured in a forward direction. Upon user requests, the edge server caches content and delivers it accordingly. It also caches page fragments from applications, optimizing the caching process.
25. Define SSL.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used for secure, encrypted data communication between processes.
26. Differentiate between horizontal and vertical clusters.
- Horizontal cluster: A cluster spanning multiple nodes and servers within a cell.
- Vertical cluster: A cluster between members of the same node and server.
27. Define connecting pool.
A connecting pool is a cache of database connections, maintained for reuse in future requests. This is especially useful for frequent database interactions within WebSphere. When all connections are occupied, a new connection is created and added to the pool.
28. Differentiate between web logic and WebSphere.
- Web logic: Supports default transactions.
- WebSphere: Does not support default transactions.
- Web logic: Focuses on integration and connectivity.
- WebSphere: Focuses on integration, connectivity, and web services.
- Web logic: Offers good performance.
- WebSphere: Offers superior performance, integration, and transaction management.
29. What is the meaning of SSLPEER found in the WebSphere MQ of IBM?
SSLPEER is a unique client identifier in WebSphere MQ, used for client identification and queue manager association.
30. Give an explanation of how the Queue Manager works in the IBM WebSphere MQ.
The Queue Manager is a crucial component of WebSphere MQ, responsible for storing messages and facilitating communication between queue managers within the MQ and with the outside world.
31. Define Ripplestart.
Ripplestart is a process used to stop and start WebSphere cluster instances sequentially. It involves stopping and then restarting each instance one at a time.
32. What is Websphere?
Websphere is a powerful tool developed by IBM to create and manage websites in a reliable manner. It is specifically designed for building scalable web applications that can support various business functions. It seamlessly integrates data from diverse operating systems, making it a versatile tool for modern web development.
33. Explain the common of WebSphere
WebSphere boasts five primary components:
- Generic servers
- WebSphere Application Server (WAS)
- Web Server
- Data Server
- Edge components
**34. What are
Explain what is node, node agent and node groups?
- Node: A node is a logical grouping of server processes that WebSphere manages and that share the same configuration and operational control.
- Nodeagent: There is a nodeagent on each node that works with the deployment manager to handle administration tasks. It acts as a go-between for the deployment manager and the node.
- Node Group: A node group is a collection of nodes in the same cell that can do the same things.
1 Explain how caching proxy of WebSphere on the edge server is done?
A caching proxy can be configured in forward direction or as a proxy. When user requests the content, it is cached by the edge before sending or following to the query. Page fragments arising from Servlets or JSP are cached by Edge, and the Caching process becomes Slow. Performance and scalability can be optimized by edge.
