How can file organization impact performance optimization in COBOL programs?
- Direct file organization results in slower access
- File organization has no impact on performance
- Indexed file organization offers better performance
- Sequential file organization allows for faster access
File organization significantly impacts performance optimization in COBOL programs. Sequential file organization generally allows for faster access due to its straightforward structure, minimizing seek time. Other file organizations may have different impacts based on the access patterns of the application.
What is the primary advantage of using Object-Oriented COBOL compared to traditional COBOL?
- Enhanced support for procedural programming
- Improved code reusability
- Increased program execution speed
- Simplified syntax
The primary advantage of Object-Oriented COBOL lies in improved code reusability. Object-oriented principles, such as encapsulation and inheritance, enable developers to create modular and reusable code, promoting a more efficient and maintainable software development process.
How is data storage allocated for a COBOL array defined using the OCCURS clause?
- Allocation based on the DEPENDING ON clause
- Allocation determined by the INDEXED BY phrase
- Contiguous memory allocation for all occurrences
- Separate memory allocation for each occurrence
Data storage for a COBOL array defined using the OCCURS clause is allocated contiguously in memory for all occurrences. This ensures that the array elements are stored in a sequential block, allowing for efficient access and manipulation of array data.
When using the MERGE statement in COBOL, what condition must be met for the input files?
- They must be in the same data division
- They must be individually sorted in ascending order
- They must contain numeric data only
- They must have the same record length
In COBOL, when using the MERGE statement, the input files must be individually sorted in ascending order based on the key fields specified in the MERGE statement. This ensures a successful merging process.
When dealing with indexed files in COBOL, what is the role of the index file?
- It compresses the data to save storage space
- It contains pointers to the actual records in the data file
- It organizes records in a sequential order
- It stores backup copies of the data file
The index file in COBOL's indexed file organization contains pointers to the actual records in the data file. This allows for efficient random access to records based on the indexed key.
In a COBOL program for processing employee data, you need to store the employee's unique identification number. Which type of COBOL variable would you use for this purpose?
- PIC 9(5) DISPLAY
- PIC 9(6) USAGE COMP-3
- PIC S9(9)
- PIC X(10)
For storing unique identification numbers in COBOL, PIC S9(9) is appropriate. It allows for numeric values with sign, suitable for representing employee IDs.
Which debugging technique involves adding temporary output statements to your COBOL code to track the program's flow and variable values?
- Backtracking
- Code inspection
- Interactive debugging
- Print debugging
Print debugging is a debugging technique where temporary output statements are added to the COBOL code to print variable values and messages during program execution. This helps in understanding the program's flow and identifying issues.
When working with COBOL and databases, the _____ clause is used to specify the host variable's data type for SQL statements.
- DECLARE
- FETCH
- INTO
- USING
In COBOL, when dealing with databases and SQL statements, the DECLARE clause is used to specify the host variable's data type. This information is crucial for the proper execution of SQL statements that involve data retrieval or manipulation.
What is the role of the INITIALIZE statement in COBOL?
- It assigns an initial value to a variable
- It deallocates memory space for a variable
- It declares a variable and allocates storage space
- It initializes the COBOL environment
The INITIALIZE statement in COBOL is used to assign an initial value to a variable. It is commonly used to set variables to predefined values before the actual processing begins. This ensures predictable behavior and prevents the use of uninitialized variables.
A subprogram can have its own _____ section for local data.
- FILE
- LINKAGE
- LOCAL-STORAGE
- WORKING-STORAGE
A subprogram in COBOL can have its own LOCAL-STORAGE section for declaring local data items. These items are private to the subprogram and retain their values between successive calls to the subprogram.