What is the primary purpose of the COBOL Procedure Division?
- To declare data elements
- To define the file structure
- To handle program termination
- To specify the processing logic for the program
The COBOL Procedure Division is used to specify the processing logic for the program. It contains the statements that define the sequence of operations to be performed during program execution.
In COBOL, what is the primary purpose of the "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause?
- To ensure that exceptions are handled only once
- To exclude specific exceptions from being handled
- To force the program to terminate on any exception
- To handle exceptions that do not match the specified conditions
The "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause in COBOL is used to exclude specific exceptions from being handled by the associated exception-handling routine. It allows for fine-grained control over exception handling, ensuring that only relevant exceptions are processed while others are ignored.
What are the common methods for handling database errors in a COBOL program?
- Ignoring errors for better performance
- Manual logging of errors in a separate file
- Use of SQLCODE and SQLSTATE
- Using only COBOL DISPLAY statements
In COBOL, handling database errors involves checking SQLCODE and SQLSTATE after each SQL operation. These codes provide information about the success or failure of the database operation and help in implementing appropriate error-handling logic.
Explain the concept of "nested scope" in COBOL with an example.
- It allows variables to be shared across all program blocks
- It limits the visibility of variables to the outermost program block
- It restricts the use of variables to the main program only
- Nested scope refers to the ability to define variables within inner program blocks that are only visible within those blocks
In COBOL, nested scope allows the definition of variables within inner program blocks, making them visible only within those blocks. For example, declaring variables inside a paragraph or a SECTION creates a nested scope.
When an exception occurs during file processing in COBOL, the associated error code can be found in the special register called _____.
- ERROR-CODE
- EXCEPTION-STATUS
- FILE-STATUS
- STATUS-CODE
In COBOL, when an exception occurs during file processing, the associated error code can be found in the special register called FILE-STATUS. Programmers can inspect this register to determine the nature of the error.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of the FUNCTION statement when using intrinsic functions?
- To call built-in intrinsic functions
- To declare variables
- To invoke user-defined functions
- To specify file operations
The FUNCTION statement in COBOL is used to call built-in intrinsic functions. It enables the use of predefined functions like NUMVAL, EDIT, and others, providing a convenient way to perform specific operations on data within a COBOL program.
The process of systematically finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program is known as _____.
- Compiling
- Debugging
- Testing
- Tracing
Debugging is the systematic process of finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program. It involves identifying and fixing issues to ensure the program functions as intended.
Can you use the REDEFINES clause to redefine a group data item in COBOL?
- No, REDEFINES can only be applied to elementary items
- No, group data items cannot be redefined in COBOL
- Yes, but only if the group data item has a subordinate item
- Yes, it allows a group data item to be redefined by another group or elementary item
In COBOL, the REDEFINES clause can be used to redefine a group data item. It allows a group data item to share the same storage space with another group or elementary item, providing flexibility in data structure representation.
The "AT END" clause is often used in conjunction with the "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause to handle errors that occur at the _____ of file processing.
- Beginning
- End
- Middle
- Start
The "AT END" clause in COBOL is used in conjunction with the "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause to handle errors that occur at the end of file processing. This is useful for performing cleanup or finalization tasks before the program concludes.
To handle file errors gracefully in COBOL, you can use the _____ clause to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs.
- EXCEPTION HANDLING
- EXCEPTION PROCEDURE
- FILE STATUS
- ON EXCEPTION
In COBOL, the "ON EXCEPTION" clause is used to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs during file operations. It allows for effective handling of errors and ensures the program can respond appropriately to unexpected situations.