In COBOL, how can you define a group item containing multiple elementary items?
- By using the GROUP clause
- By using the OCCURS clause
- By using the REDEFINES clause
- Through the POINTER clause
In COBOL, a group item containing multiple elementary items can be defined using the GROUP clause. It allows you to group related data items together for organizational purposes and better data structure representation.
Why is it essential to handle duplicate records properly in COBOL programs?
- To prevent data inconsistencies and errors
- To reduce file storage requirements
- To simplify program logic
- To speed up program execution
Proper handling of duplicate records in COBOL programs is crucial to prevent data inconsistencies and errors. Incorrect handling may lead to inaccurate results and affect the integrity of the stored data.
What is the primary purpose of using sequential file processing in COBOL?
- To directly access any record in the file
- To perform arithmetic operations on file records
- To randomly access records based on a key
- To read and process records in a specific order from start to end
Sequential file processing in COBOL involves reading and processing records in a specific order, typically from the beginning to the end of the file. This is useful when the order of data matters, such as in reports or batch processing.
What is the purpose of using SORT and MERGE operations in COBOL when working with files containing duplicate records?
- Arrange data in a specific order based on key fields
- Combine multiple files into a single file
- Remove duplicates automatically
- Simplify file input/output operations
SORT and MERGE operations in COBOL are used to arrange data in a specific order based on key fields. This is particularly useful when dealing with files containing duplicate records, as it helps in efficiently locating and managing duplicates during processing.
In COBOL, what operator is used for multiplication?
- *
- +
- -
- /
In COBOL, the asterisk (*) operator is used for multiplication. For example, "MULTIPLY operand1 BY operand2 GIVING result." performs multiplication in COBOL.
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.
What is the purpose of the REDEFINES clause in COBOL?
- It allows a variable to be described in multiple ways in the same data area
- It defines a variable as a constant
- It indicates the level of a data item
- It specifies the initial value of a variable
The REDEFINES clause in COBOL allows a variable to be described in multiple ways in the same data area, enabling the same memory space to be used for different data representations.