In COBOL, which keyword is commonly used to define variable-length records?
- LENGTH
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
- VAR
The keyword commonly used to define variable-length records in COBOL is VAR. It signifies that the record has variable length and can accommodate varying data sizes.
In COBOL, what is a "breakpoint," and how is it useful during debugging?
- A compiler directive for optimizing performance
- A designated point in the program where execution stops for analysis
- A runtime error that halts program execution
- A type of variable declaration
A "breakpoint" in COBOL is a designated point in the program where execution stops to allow the developer to inspect variables, evaluate expressions, and analyze program flow. It is a crucial tool for step-by-step debugging and identifying issues in the code.
Which COBOL intrinsic function is commonly used to manipulate date and time values?
- FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE
- FUNCTION DATE-ADD
- FUNCTION FORMAT-TIME
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
The FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE is commonly used in COBOL to obtain the current date and time values. It provides a way to work with date and time information in COBOL programs.
What is the difference between "ON SIZE ERROR" and "AT SIZE ERROR" in error handling?
- "AT SIZE ERROR" handles file-related errors
- "ON SIZE ERROR" handles arithmetic operations that result in a data overflow condition
- "ON SIZE ERROR" is used for index-related errors
- Both are identical and can be used interchangeably
"ON SIZE ERROR" in COBOL is specifically used to handle arithmetic operations that result in a data overflow condition. On the other hand, "AT SIZE ERROR" is used for file-related errors. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective error handling in COBOL programs.
A table in COBOL can be defined with the OCCURS _____ ON clause to allow dynamic sizing.
- DEPENDING
- INDEX
- SIZE
- TIMES
In COBOL, the OCCURS clause is used to define tables. The OCCURS SIZE clause allows dynamic sizing of the table based on the specified size.
In COBOL, a _____ variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program.
- COMMON
- GLOBAL
- PERMANENT
- UNIVERSAL
In COBOL, a GLOBAL variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program, making it available for use in any section or paragraph.
When debugging, what does it mean if you encounter a "run-time error" in your COBOL program?
- A logical error in the program's algorithm
- A syntax error detected by the compiler
- An error in the program's input data
- An error that occurs during program execution
A "run-time error" in COBOL indicates an error that occurs during program execution rather than during compilation. These errors can include issues such as invalid arithmetic operations, division by zero, or accessing memory beyond the program's allocated space. Identifying and fixing run-time errors is crucial for ensuring program correctness.
In a COBOL program for an inventory system, you need to calculate the total cost of goods sold (COGS) for a batch of products. Which arithmetic operation should be applied to achieve this?
- ADD
- COMPUTE
- DIVIDE
- SUBTRACT
To calculate the COGS, you should use the SUBTRACT operation to subtract the cost of goods sold from the initial inventory. ADD, DIVIDE, and COMPUTE are not suitable for this specific calculation.
In COBOL, the INDEXED BY phrase is used to create a(n) ____________.
- Alias for a variable
- Alternate entry point
- Index for a table
- Subroutine
The INDEXED BY phrase in COBOL is used to create an index for a table. It allows you to reference individual occurrences in a table using an index variable.
Which division of a COBOL program is responsible for defining external files?
- FILE SECTION
- INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION
- LINKAGE SECTION
- WORKING-STORAGE SECTION
The "FILE SECTION" in COBOL is responsible for defining external files that the program will read from or write to. It specifies the organization, access mode, and other attributes of the files used by the program.
Why are COBOL group data items used in program design?
- To enhance data manipulation efficiency
- To improve program readability
- To organize and structure related data items
- To reduce memory usage
COBOL group data items are used to organize and structure related data items, improving program readability and maintenance. They also contribute to efficient data manipulation by grouping logically related elements together.
In a COBOL program, you are tasked with processing a file containing variable-length records representing student transcripts. You need to determine the total number of records and their average length. Which COBOL construct would you use to achieve this?
- FILE STATUS
- LINAGE IS 66
- OCCURS
- RECORDING MODE IS V
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define a table, and it can be leveraged to process variable-length records. By using OCCURS, you can iterate through the records, calculate the total length, and determine the average length based on the number of records processed.