In COBOL, which keyword is commonly used to define variable-length records?
- LENGTH
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
- VAR
The keyword commonly used to define variable-length records in COBOL is VAR. It signifies that the record has variable length and can accommodate varying data sizes.
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the _____ of the input files.
- Complexity
- Length
- Organization
- Volume
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the organization of the input files. The organization specifies how the records in the files are arranged, such as sequentially or indexed, and it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the MERGE process.
How does the OCCURS clause in COBOL relate to arrays and tables in the Data Division?
- It defines the number of occurrences of a data item in an array
- It indicates the starting index of an array
- It is used to initialize the values of an array
- It specifies the data type of elements in an array
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define the number of occurrences of a data item in an array or table. It is a way of creating arrays and tables, allowing for the storage of multiple related values under a single data name.
Why are COBOL group data items used in program design?
- To enhance data manipulation efficiency
- To improve program readability
- To organize and structure related data items
- To reduce memory usage
COBOL group data items are used to organize and structure related data items, improving program readability and maintenance. They also contribute to efficient data manipulation by grouping logically related elements together.
Which division of a COBOL program is responsible for defining external files?
- FILE SECTION
- INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION
- LINKAGE SECTION
- WORKING-STORAGE SECTION
The "FILE SECTION" in COBOL is responsible for defining external files that the program will read from or write to. It specifies the organization, access mode, and other attributes of the files used by the program.
In COBOL, the INDEXED BY phrase is used to create a(n) ____________.
- Alias for a variable
- Alternate entry point
- Index for a table
- Subroutine
The INDEXED BY phrase in COBOL is used to create an index for a table. It allows you to reference individual occurrences in a table using an index variable.
In a COBOL program for an inventory system, you need to calculate the total cost of goods sold (COGS) for a batch of products. Which arithmetic operation should be applied to achieve this?
- ADD
- COMPUTE
- DIVIDE
- SUBTRACT
To calculate the COGS, you should use the SUBTRACT operation to subtract the cost of goods sold from the initial inventory. ADD, DIVIDE, and COMPUTE are not suitable for this specific calculation.
When debugging, what does it mean if you encounter a "run-time error" in your COBOL program?
- A logical error in the program's algorithm
- A syntax error detected by the compiler
- An error in the program's input data
- An error that occurs during program execution
A "run-time error" in COBOL indicates an error that occurs during program execution rather than during compilation. These errors can include issues such as invalid arithmetic operations, division by zero, or accessing memory beyond the program's allocated space. Identifying and fixing run-time errors is crucial for ensuring program correctness.
In COBOL, a _____ variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program.
- COMMON
- GLOBAL
- PERMANENT
- UNIVERSAL
In COBOL, a GLOBAL variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program, making it available for use in any section or paragraph.
_____ is the process of creating a new object from a class in Object-Oriented COBOL.
- CREATION
- GENERATION
- INSTANTIATION
- OBJECTIFICATION
In Object-Oriented COBOL, the process of creating a new object from a class is known as "INSTANTIATION." It involves creating an instance of a class with its own set of data and behavior.