In CICS programming, what is the function of the CICS translator when processing EXEC CICS commands embedded in a COBOL application program?

Introduction / Context:
In classic CICS COBOL development, application programmers write business logic in COBOL and insert EXEC CICS commands directly into the source code. However, the COBOL compiler itself does not understand EXEC CICS syntax. The CICS translator bridges this gap so that CICS commands can be compiled and later executed correctly under the CICS region.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The source program is written in COBOL or another high level language that includes embedded EXEC CICS commands.
• The normal language compiler cannot parse or generate code directly for EXEC CICS statements.
• CICS requires specific call interfaces and control blocks such as the EIB to be available at runtime.
• The build process includes a translation phase before compilation and link edit steps.

Concept / Approach:
The CICS translator is a preprocessing tool that runs before the language compiler. It scans the source code, finds each EXEC CICS command, and replaces it with appropriate CALL statements to CICS supplied stub routines, together with references to control blocks. It also generates required copybooks and declares the EXEC interface, so that the subsequent COBOL compilation step sees only valid COBOL statements. At runtime, these generated calls interact with the CICS kernel to perform the requested CICS function.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that the raw COBOL compiler does not know anything about EXEC CICS syntax. Step 2: Identify that the translator reads the source program, locates EXEC CICS commands, and rewrites them as CALL statements and associated parameter lists. Step 3: Understand that the translator also introduces control blocks such as DFHEIBLK and DFHCOMMAREA through copy statements. Step 4: Conclude that the purpose of the translator is to prepare CICS code so that the normal COBOL compiler and the CICS runtime can process it correctly.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you look at the translated output file that the COBOL compiler actually sees, you will not see the original EXEC CICS commands. Instead, you will see generated CALL statements to CICS stub routines and additional copy statements. This confirms that the translator has transformed EXEC CICS syntax into standard COBOL constructs that the compiler can handle, which matches the description in the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because storage allocation at runtime is handled by CICS control programs, not by the translator. Option C is incorrect because the translator does more than trace formatting; it changes the source into compilable code. Option D misrepresents the translator as a JCL job submission tool. Option E is unrelated, since the translator does not encrypt VSAM data sets and is not a security utility.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is forgetting that any change to EXEC CICS statements requires the program to pass again through the translation step before recompilation. Another issue is editing the translated output instead of the true source, which breaks the normal development cycle. Some teams also misinterpret translation errors as COBOL errors, when in fact they are related to invalid EXEC CICS syntax. Understanding the true role of the CICS translator helps you troubleshoot build problems and maintain CICS applications more effectively.

Final Answer:
The CICS translator scans EXEC CICS commands in the source program and converts them into appropriate CALL statements and control blocks that the COBOL compiler and CICS runtime can understand