Explain the significance of the SHAREOPTION clause when dealing with VSAM indexed files in a multi-user environment.
- ALLOWREAD
- DENYNONE
- DENYREAD
- DENYWRITE
The SHAREOPTION clause in COBOL is crucial when dealing with VSAM indexed files in a multi-user environment. It specifies the level of file sharing allowed among users. DENYWRITE, for example, prevents other users from writing to the file simultaneously, ensuring data integrity.
What is the result of dividing an integer by zero in COBOL?
- Arithmetic Exception
- Compiler Error
- Infinity
- Zero
Dividing an integer by zero in COBOL results in an arithmetic exception. The program will encounter a runtime error due to division by zero, and appropriate error handling should be implemented to address such scenarios.
How does COBOL handle record locking when multiple programs access the same file in "I-O" mode?
- COBOL automatically handles record locking, preventing conflicts
- COBOL doesn't support record locking in "I-O" mode
- COBOL relies on the operating system for record locking
- COBOL uses exclusive lock, allowing only one program to access the file at a time
COBOL typically relies on the underlying operating system for record locking when multiple programs access the same file in "I-O" (Input-Output) mode. It doesn't inherently provide built-in record locking mechanisms.
You are reviewing a COBOL program and come across the "FILE SECTION" within the "DATA DIVISION." What type of information is typically defined in this section?
- Data description entries for files used by the program
- Declarations of working storage variables
- Definitions of subprograms
- Specifications for screen layouts
The "FILE SECTION" in the "DATA DIVISION" of a COBOL program is where data description entries for files used by the program are defined. It includes details such as file names, record structures, and access modes.
How is the "ELSE" statement used in conjunction with "IF" in COBOL?
- Declares an alternative condition for "IF" statement
- Ends the "IF" block and starts a new one
- Indicates the beginning of an "IF" block
- Specifies the action to be taken when the "IF" condition is false
The "ELSE" statement in COBOL is used to specify the action to be taken when the preceding "IF" condition is false. It provides an alternative branch of code execution.
In COBOL, what are the common strategies for recovering from a file error or exception?
- Closing the program upon encountering a file error
- Ignoring file errors for uninterrupted execution
- Implementing error-handling routines using the FILE-CONTROL paragraph
- Using the "CONTINUE" statement to skip the error
Common strategies for recovering from file errors in COBOL involve implementing error-handling routines in the FILE-CONTROL paragraph. This allows developers to define specific actions, such as displaying an error message or taking corrective measures, in case of file-related exceptions.
When using a PERFORM loop with the VARYING clause, the _______ clause determines how the loop control variable changes in each iteration.
- BY
- FROM
- THRU
- VARYING
In a PERFORM loop with the VARYING clause, the BY clause determines the increment or decrement applied to the loop control variable in each iteration. It specifies the step size for the loop.
In COBOL, what is a record?
- A collection of related data items treated as a unit
- A program execution step
- A reserved word
- A single data item
In COBOL, a record is a collection of related data items treated as a unit. It is used to represent a complete set of information about a particular entity, such as a customer or an employee.
The "WORKING-STORAGE SECTION" is used to declare _____ that are accessible throughout the program.
- Data files
- Paragraphs and sections
- Procedure names
- Variables and constants
The "WORKING-STORAGE SECTION" in COBOL is used for declaring variables and constants that are accessible throughout the program. These variables retain their values between procedure calls and are typically used for temporary storage.
You are developing a COBOL application that needs to search for specific customer records by their account numbers efficiently. Which file organization should you choose for this purpose?
- Indexed
- Line-Sequential
- Relative
- Sequential
For efficient searching based on a key, an Indexed file organization is recommended. It allows direct access to records based on a key, in this case, the account number.
When using the READ verb in COBOL, the ________ clause is used to define what should happen when no matching record is found.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- INVALID KEY
- NOT FOUND
When using the READ verb in COBOL, the INVALID KEY clause is used to define what should happen when no matching record is found. It allows you to handle the situation where the specified condition is met.
How is a group data item different from an elementary data item in COBOL?
- A group data item is a collection of elementary data items, while an elementary data item represents a single value
- A group data item is a single value, while an elementary data item is a collection of values
- A group data item is used for alphanumeric data, while an elementary data item is for numeric data
- A group data item is used for calculations, while an elementary data item is for display purposes
In COBOL, a group data item is a collection of elementary data items grouped together, providing a structured way to organize related data. An elementary data item, on the other hand, represents a single value or field in the data structure.