In CICS programming, what does the EXEC CICS LOAD command do when a program issues it for a given program or table name?

Introduction / Context:
In some CICS applications, programs need access to tables or other data structures that are not directly tied to file I O. The EXEC CICS LOAD command provides a way to load such objects into main storage and obtain their addresses for use at runtime. This is especially useful for user tables or control blocks that are defined as CICS load modules rather than as traditional data sets.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The item to be loaded is defined to CICS as a program or table module available in the DFHRPL concatenation or other load libraries.
• The application needs an address where the loaded object resides in storage.
• The program can treat the loaded area as read only reference data or, in some cases, as a work area.
• EXEC CICS LOAD is invoked with parameters that identify the program name and the target address field.

Concept / Approach:
EXEC CICS LOAD instructs CICS to locate a named program or table module, bring a copy into main storage if it is not already resident, and return the address of that copy in a field provided by the application. The program can then reference the data by using that address, often by mapping it to a COBOL copybook layout. LOAD does not start execution of the program that is loaded; it simply places it in storage. This distinguishes it from transaction initiation and from file related commands, and it allows efficient sharing of common reference tables across tasks.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that EXEC CICS LOAD is aimed at loading modules into storage, not at starting transactions or formatting files. Step 2: Identify that the command specifies the program or table name and a pointer field to receive the loaded address. Step 3: Understand that CICS locates the module in its load libraries, brings it into storage if necessary, and returns the storage address to the application. Step 4: Select the option that correctly describes this behavior of loading and returning an address for program or table use.

Verification / Alternative check:
CICS manuals show examples of EXEC CICS LOAD PROGRAM and also illustrate mapping the returned address to a working storage pointer. These examples emphasize that the command does not execute the program but simply loads it for reference. In contrast, commands that deal with VSAM or transaction control are documented separately. This confirms that the correct option is the one describing LOAD as bringing modules into storage and returning their address.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because data set formatting and deletion are handled by utilities such as IDCAMS, not by CICS LOAD. Option C incorrectly claims that LOAD restarts CICS, which is done by system operators, not by an EXEC command inside an application. Option D confuses LOAD with task priority commands. Option E misrepresents LOAD as a JCL statement rather than an EXEC CICS command used inside programs.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers sometimes misunderstand LOAD and attempt to execute the loaded code directly rather than using the appropriate CICS mechanisms for transaction invocation. Another pitfall is not managing pointer usage correctly, which can lead to addressing errors if the returned address is misused or if storage assumptions change. Care must also be taken if the loaded area may be reused or written by multiple tasks. Using EXEC CICS LOAD appropriately enables efficient access to shared tables and reduces repeated I O for static reference data.

Final Answer:
EXEC CICS LOAD brings a program, table, or record identified by a program definition into main storage and returns its address so that the application can reference it in dynamic working storage