In CICS system definitions, name some common CICS control tables such as PCT, PPT, FCT, and TCT and explain briefly what each of them is used for.

Introduction / Context:
Classic CICS regions rely on a series of control tables to map logical concepts such as transactions, programs, files, and terminals to their underlying definitions. System programmers configure these tables so that CICS knows which program to start for a given transaction id, which data sets to open, and which terminals to communicate with. This question asks for several key control tables and their basic purposes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• CICS must relate external identifiers such as transaction ids, program names, and file names to internal definitions and attributes.
• Control tables are typically defined during CICS system generation or through resource definition transactions.
• The common tables include PCT, PPT, FCT, and TCT, each with a specific focus.
• The question expects a simple mapping between each table acronym and its role.

Concept / Approach:
The Program Control Table, or PCT, defines transaction identifiers and associates each transaction id with a program name and related attributes such as priority. The Program Processing Table, or PPT, contains information about programs and mapsets themselves, including load module names and characteristics. The File Control Table, or FCT, defines files and VSAM data sets known to CICS, including access methods and options. The Terminal Control Table, or TCT, defines terminals, lines, and communication characteristics, which allow CICS to manage sessions and I O with connected devices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Match PCT with transaction definitions that link transaction ids to corresponding programs. Step 2: Match PPT with program and mapset definitions that describe load modules and related attributes. Step 3: Match FCT with file definitions, typically for VSAM and other data sets that CICS opens and manages. Step 4: Match TCT with terminal and communication line definitions that describe how CICS connects to users and devices.

Verification / Alternative check:
CICS documentation and configuration guides list these tables among the core control tables. PCT entries relate transids to program names, PPT entries list programs and maps, FCT entries define files, and TCT entries define terminals and connections. These descriptions match the summary given in the correct option and differ sharply from options that mention unrelated technologies such as DB2 catalogs or weather data.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B assigns unrealistic purposes such as storing weather reports, which are not part of CICS control tables. Option C mislabels the tables as JCL, Unix, DB2, or Windows constructs, none of which is correct. Option D connects each table to unrelated domains such as Java classes and HTML pages. Option E claims that the tables are obsolete and unrelated to transaction, program, file, or terminal management, which contradicts their central role in classic CICS systems.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is confusing PCT and PPT, since both deal with programs but at different levels: PCT for transactions and PPT for program definitions. Another issue is not keeping FCT entries synchronized with underlying data set changes, which can cause file open failures. Misconfigured TCT entries can lead to terminal session problems. Understanding what each table controls helps system programmers diagnose issues quickly and maintain a consistent configuration as applications evolve.

Final Answer:
PCT maps transaction ids to programs, PPT defines programs and mapsets, FCT defines files and VSAM data sets, and TCT defines terminals and communication lines used by CICS