WebSphere Interview Preparation
1. General WebSphere Concepts
Q: What is WebSphere Application Server, and why is it used?
A: WebSphere Application Server (WAS) is an application server that hosts Java applications,
providing runtime support for Java EE (Enterprise Edition). It is used for hosting, managing, and
delivering Java applications and services with features like scalability, reliability, and security.
Q: Can you explain the different types of clusters in WebSphere? How does a dynamic cluster differ
from a traditional cluster?
A: WebSphere supports two types of clusters: Horizontal and Vertical clusters. A horizontal cluster
consists of multiple servers running the same application for scalability, whereas a vertical cluster
hosts multiple applications on the same server. A dynamic cluster dynamically scales the number of
server instances based on the system load and configuration, unlike a traditional cluster where the
number of instances is fixed.
Q: How do you deploy an application in WebSphere?
A: Applications are deployed through the Admin Console or command line. In the Admin Console,
navigate to 'Applications' > 'Install New Application', choose the application file, and configure
deployment options like context root and virtual hosts. Alternatively, the wsadmin command can be
used: 'AdminApp.install(<file_path>, [options])'.
2. Deployment & Configuration
Q: How do you configure SSL in WebSphere? What are the key steps for SSL setup?
A: SSL is configured by creating or importing a Keystore and Truststore, then configuring SSL
certificates for the server. In the WebSphere Admin Console, under 'Security' > 'SSL certificate and
key management', you associate the SSL configuration with the WebSphere HTTP or IHS ports to
enable encrypted communication.
Q: Explain the difference between an EAR, WAR, and JAR file in the context of WebSphere
deployments.
A: An EAR (Enterprise Archive) file is a packaged archive that can contain multiple Java EE
modules, including EJB, WAR, and JAR files. A WAR (Web Archive) file contains web application
components like servlets, JSPs, and web resources. A JAR (Java Archive) file is used for packaging
Java classes and libraries, typically used in applications or as shared libraries.
3. Server Management
Q: What are the possible causes of a WebSphere server crash or hang?
A: Possible causes include insufficient system resources (e.g., memory or CPU), corrupt application
code or configuration files, or misconfigured JVM settings. Server hangs can occur due to thread
contention, deadlocks, or high system load.
Q: How do you monitor WebSphere servers? Can you explain the monitoring tools available in
WebSphere?
A: Monitoring in WebSphere can be done using the Admin Console, where you can view server
performance and health. Tools such as IBM Tivoli Performance Viewer (TPV) and third-party tools
like Dynatrace and AppDynamics provide advanced monitoring features. You can also use JMX or
PMIs for detailed server and application-level monitoring.
