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CICS Program Control Table (PCT)

Master the CICS Program Control Table (PCT), the essential control table that defines transactions, links them to programs, and controls transaction processing behavior in CICS environments.

PCT Overview

The Program Control Table (PCT) is a fundamental CICS control table that contains entries for every transaction that can be executed within a CICS region. It defines transaction characteristics and links transactions to programs.

Transaction Definitions

Each PCT entry defines a transaction's characteristics including the program to execute and processing attributes.

  • Transaction ID (4 characters)
  • Program name to execute
  • Transaction processing options

Transaction Processing

PCT entries control how transactions are processed, scheduled, and managed within the CICS environment.

  • Task scheduling and prioritization
  • Security and authorization
  • Error handling and recovery

PCT Entry Structure

Each PCT entry contains detailed information about a transaction's characteristics, processing requirements, and runtime behavior within the CICS environment.

Transaction Identification

  • Transaction ID (4 characters)
  • Transaction description
  • Group assignment

Program Association

  • Program name to execute
  • Program loading options
  • Program execution parameters

Processing Attributes

  • Task priority
  • Security requirements
  • Error handling options

Transaction Types

CICS supports different types of transactions, each with specific characteristics and processing requirements.

Conversational Transactions

Key Characteristics:

  • Maintains task state between interactions
  • Uses SEND/RECEIVE for communication
  • Requires explicit task termination

Example PCT Entry:

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TRANSACTION = CUST
PROGRAM = CUSTINQ
PRIORITY = 1
SECURITY = YES
CONVERSATIONAL = YES

Pseudo-Conversational

Key Characteristics:

  • Task terminates after each interaction
  • Uses RETURN with COMMAREA for data
  • More efficient resource utilization

Example PCT Entry:

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TRANSACTION = MENU
PROGRAM = MENUPRG
PRIORITY = 2
SECURITY = YES
CONVERSATIONAL = NO

System Transactions

Key Characteristics:

  • Built-in CICS transactions (CESN, CESF, etc.)
  • System administration and monitoring
  • Predefined security and processing rules

Example System Transaction:

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TRANSACTION = CESN
PROGRAM = DFHSIP
PRIORITY = 0
SECURITY = YES
SYSTEM = YES

PCT Management

Learn how to manage PCT entries using CICS commands and understand the relationship between PCT and other CICS control tables.

PCT Commands

CEDA ADD TRANSACTION:

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CEDA ADD TRANSACTION(CUST) GROUP(CUSTGRP)
PROGRAM(CUSTINQ)
PRIORITY(1)
SECURITY(YES)
CONVERSATIONAL(YES)

CEDA ALTER TRANSACTION:

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CEDA ALTER TRANSACTION(CUST) GROUP(CUSTGRP)
PRIORITY(2)
SECURITY(YES)

CEDA DELETE TRANSACTION:

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CEDA DELETE TRANSACTION(CUST) GROUP(CUSTGRP)

PCT Relationships

Control Table Dependencies:

  • PPT: References program definitions for execution
  • TCT: Terminal definitions may reference PCT transactions
  • FCT: File access may be controlled by transaction

Transaction Processing:

  • Task creation and scheduling
  • Security validation and authorization
  • Error handling and recovery procedures

PCT Best Practices

Follow these best practices to optimize transaction processing, security, and system reliability.

Transaction Design

  • 1Use meaningful transaction IDs that reflect their purpose
  • 2Set appropriate priorities based on business importance
  • 3Choose conversational vs pseudo-conversational based on requirements
  • 4Group related transactions together for efficient management

Security and Performance

  • 1Implement proper security controls for all transactions
  • 2Monitor transaction performance and resource usage
  • 3Document transaction dependencies and relationships
  • 4Regularly review and update PCT entries

Quick Quiz

Question 1:

What is the primary purpose of the CICS Program Control Table (PCT)?

A) To store program definitions

B) To define transactions and link them to programs

C) To manage file access permissions

D) To control terminal operations

Question 2:

Which transaction type maintains task state between interactions?

A) Pseudo-conversational

B) Conversational

C) System transaction

D) Batch transaction

Question 3:

What command is used to add a new transaction to the PCT?

A) CEDA ADD PROGRAM

B) CEDA ADD TRANSACTION

C) CEDA ADD FILE

D) CEDA ADD TERMINAL

Related Concepts

CICS Resource Definitions

Learn about CICS Resource Definition Online (RDO) and how PCT entries are managed.

Program Processing Table (PPT)

Understand how PCT references PPT entries for program execution.