Which COBOL file organization is typically associated with ISAM files?
- Indexed
- Line Sequential
- Relative
- Sequential
ISAM files in COBOL are typically associated with the indexed file organization. This file organization allows records to be directly accessed using an index, providing efficient retrieval and update operations based on key values.
When an error occurs in a COBOL program, what is the role of the "EXIT" statement?
- To display an error message to the user
- To jump to a specific paragraph and continue execution
- To skip the next statement and continue execution
- To terminate the program immediately
The "EXIT" statement in COBOL is used to jump to a specific paragraph when an error occurs, allowing for customized error handling and graceful termination of the program. It provides a way to manage errors and control the program flow based on specific conditions.
You are developing a COBOL program to process a file with variable-length records that represent customer orders. Each record has a different length based on the number of items ordered. What clause should you use to efficiently read and process these records?
- DEPENDING ON
- LINAGE IS 66
- OCCURS
- RECORDING MODE IS V
In COBOL, the DEPENDING ON clause is used to handle variable-length records. It allows the program to dynamically determine the length of the record based on the value specified in another field, such as the number of items ordered in this scenario.
What keyword is used to invoke a subprogram from within the main program?
- CALL
- INVOKE
- PERFORM
- SUBROUTINE
The CALL keyword is used in COBOL to invoke a subprogram from within the main program. It facilitates the transfer of control to the specified subprogram, which performs a specific task and returns control to the main program afterward.
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is primarily used to define ____________.
- A repeating group of data items
- A single data item
- A subroutine
- An index
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define a repeating group of data items. It allows you to create arrays or tables where a data item occurs multiple times.
Explain the difference between a primary key and an alternate key in indexed file processing.
- Primary key allows duplicate values, while alternate key enforces uniqueness.
- Primary key is the default key, and alternate key is used for backup purposes.
- Primary key is used for sorting records in ascending order. Alternate key is the main key used for retrieval.
- Primary key uniquely identifies records and determines the file's physical order. Alternate key provides an alternative access path and can have duplicates.
In indexed file processing, a primary key uniquely identifies records and establishes the file's physical order. An alternate key provides an alternative access path without affecting the physical order and can have duplicate values.
How does the "WORKING-STORAGE SECTION" differ from the "LINKAGE SECTION" in COBOL?
- Working-Storage is used for data validation, while Linkage is used for data transformation
- Working-Storage is used for global variables, while Linkage is used for local variables
- Working-Storage is used for input data, while Linkage is used for output data
- Working-Storage is used for temporary storage within the program, while Linkage is used for communication between programs
The "WORKING-STORAGE SECTION" in COBOL is used for declaring variables that are used for temporary storage within the program. In contrast, the "LINKAGE SECTION" is used for communication between programs, passing data from one program to another.
In COBOL, the "USE AFTER EXCEPTION" phrase is used to specify the _____ to be executed after handling an exception.
- Code
- Logic
- Procedure
- Statements
In COBOL, the "USE AFTER EXCEPTION" phrase is used to specify the statements or code that will be executed after handling an exception. This allows for customized actions to be taken in response to specific errors.
In COBOL, _____ is commonly used for maintaining and accessing indexed files.
- ACCESS MODE IS RANDOM
- ACCESS MODE IS SEQUENTIAL
- FILE STATUS IS _______
- RECORD KEY IS _______
In COBOL, the "ACCESS MODE IS RANDOM" clause is commonly used for maintaining and accessing indexed files. This access mode allows random access to records based on the specified record key.
You are developing a COBOL application that needs to retrieve customer information from a database. Which SQL statement should you use for this purpose?
- EXEC SQL DELETE
- EXEC SQL INSERT
- EXEC SQL SELECT
- EXEC SQL UPDATE
To retrieve data from a database in COBOL, you would use the EXEC SQL SELECT statement. This statement is used to query the database and retrieve specific information, such as customer details, based on the specified conditions.