What are some potential advantages of using variable-length records in COBOL file handling, such as reduced storage space and improved efficiency?
- complex data structures, increased storage requirements, slower file access
- fixed record lengths, reduced processing time, static storage allocation
- flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths, efficient memory usage
- random access, sequential processing, indexed files
Using variable-length records in COBOL file handling offers several advantages, including flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths based on data requirements, and efficient memory usage. This allows for optimal storage utilization and can result in reduced storage space requirements and improved efficiency in file processing operations.
In COBOL, which statement is used to add two numeric values together?
- ADD
- DIVIDE
- MULTIPLY
- SUBTRACT
The ADD statement in COBOL is used to add two or more numeric values together. It supports various formats and can be used for both integer and decimal arithmetic operations.
The FUNCTION _______ intrinsic function is utilized to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value.
- FLOOR
- INTEGER
- TRUNC
- ROUND
The correct option is INTEGER. The INTEGER intrinsic function in COBOL is used to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value by truncating the fractional part.
In a COBOL application, you are required to validate user input for a date field. Which intrinsic function can help you ensure that the entered date is valid?
- FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE
- FUNCTION NUMCHECK
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
- FUNCTION VALIDATE
The FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE intrinsic function in COBOL helps validate user input for date fields, ensuring that the entered date is in a valid format. It is useful for maintaining data integrity in date-related operations.
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the ________ phrase to handle file closing errors.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- REPORT
- STATUS
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the EXCEPTION phrase to handle file closing errors. It provides a way to manage errors that may occur during the closing of a file.
When does the CONTINUE statement get executed in a COBOL program?
- After encountering an error
- At the end of the program execution
- It is never executed
- When a specific condition is met
The CONTINUE statement in COBOL is generally used at the end of a paragraph or section to indicate the end of processing for that specific section. It gets executed when the program reaches that point during its normal flow.
Explain the difference between "Input" and "Output" file access modes in COBOL.
- "Input" mode is used for reading data from a file, and "Output" mode is used for writing data to a file
- "Input" mode is used for writing data to a file, and "Output" mode is used for reading data from a file
- Both "Input" and "Output" modes are used for reading and writing data interchangeably
- There is no difference between "Input" and "Output" modes
In COBOL, "Input" file access mode is used for reading data from a file, while "Output" mode is used for writing data to a file. These modes define the direction of data flow between the program and the file.
Explain the concept of recursion in subprograms and its relevance in COBOL.
- Recursion in COBOL is limited to a fixed number of iterations.
- Recursion in COBOL refers to a subprogram calling itself either directly or indirectly. It is relevant for solving problems that can be broken down into smaller, similar subproblems.
- Recursion is not allowed in COBOL subprograms.
- Recursion is only applicable to main programs, not subprograms.
Recursion in COBOL subprograms involves a subprogram calling itself, either directly or indirectly. This concept is relevant for solving problems that can be decomposed into smaller, similar subproblems. Understanding recursion is important for designing efficient and modular COBOL programs.
When dealing with indexed files, the "I-O" mode allows you to perform _____ operations on records.
- Increase and Optimize
- Index and Order
- Input and Output
- Insert and Overwrite
In COBOL, when dealing with indexed files, the "I-O" mode (Input-Output mode) allows you to perform both input and output operations on records. This means you can read records from the file and also modify or rewrite them.
When might you use the SORT operation in a COBOL program?
- To delete records that do not meet certain criteria
- To perform arithmetic operations on numeric fields
- When you need to arrange records in ascending or descending order based on specific fields
- When you want to concatenate multiple files without sorting
You might use the SORT operation in a COBOL program when you need to arrange records in ascending or descending order based on specific fields. It is commonly used for organizing data for reporting or analysis.