In a COBOL program, you need to move a date value from one field to another. Which COBOL statement should you use for this data transfer?
- ACCEPT statement
- INITIALIZE statement
- MOVE statement
- SET statement
The MOVE statement in COBOL is used to transfer data from one field to another. When dealing with date values, the MOVE statement ensures the proper transfer of date information between fields.
The "PROCEDURE DIVISION" contains the actual _____ of a COBOL program.
- Data declaration
- Execution logic
- File definition
- Identification Division
The "PROCEDURE DIVISION" in COBOL holds the actual execution logic of the program. It includes statements and procedures that dictate the flow of the program and specify the operations to be performed.
When should you use the OCCURS clause in defining data structures?
- To allocate space for a data item
- To create a loop for processing a group of related data items
- To define a record layout for a file
- To specify the hierarchy of a data item
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to create a loop for processing a group of related data items. It allows the repetition of a data item or a group of data items, facilitating the handling of arrays and tables in COBOL programs.
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used for defining ________ in the Data Division.
- Array elements
- External procedures
- Index variables
- Record layouts
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used for defining arrays, allowing you to specify the number of occurrences of a data item within a group. It is particularly useful for handling repetitive data structures like arrays in other programming languages.
In COBOL, what mechanisms or techniques can be employed to optimize file locking strategies for high-performance multi-user systems?
- Implementing complex locking algorithms without considering transaction boundaries
- Implementing record-level locking, choosing appropriate lock modes, and using transaction management to minimize lock duration
- Locking only during write operations and not during read operations
- Using file-level locking for simplicity, avoiding locking altogether, relying on database management system locks
To optimize file locking in COBOL for high-performance multi-user systems, employ mechanisms like record-level locking, choose suitable lock modes, and use transaction management to minimize lock duration. This ensures efficient concurrency while maintaining data integrity.
To minimize disk I/O in COBOL, it's essential to use ____________ techniques for file access.
- Direct
- Indexed
- Relative
- Sequential
Indexed file access techniques in COBOL involve using indexes to locate and retrieve records directly, reducing the need for sequential searches. This minimizes disk I/O by providing a more efficient way to access specific records without scanning the entire file sequentially.
What are some advantages of using relative file processing over sequential file processing in COBOL?
- Dynamic sorting of records, automatic key generation, enhanced security features
- Faster record access, ability to insert and delete records randomly, supports direct access to records
- Sequential access with no random access, limited storage usage, suitable for small datasets
- Simple and easy to implement, lower storage requirements, suitable for large datasets
Relative file processing in COBOL offers advantages such as faster record access, the ability to insert and delete records randomly, and support for direct access to records based on relative record numbers. This makes it efficient for certain types of applications compared to sequential file processing.
To make a variable accessible across different programs in COBOL, you can use the _____ clause.
- EXPORT
- EXTERNAL
- GLOBAL-STORAGE
- LINKAGE
To make a variable accessible across different programs in COBOL, you can use the EXTERNAL clause. This allows variables to be shared between programs, enabling data interchange between them.
In COBOL, when dealing with variable-length records, the "DEPENDING ON" clause is used to specify the ______ upon which the length of a record depends.
- data type
- field or condition
- file organization
- record type
The "DEPENDING ON" clause in COBOL is used to specify the field or condition upon which the length of a record depends. It allows the record length to vary dynamically based on the value of the specified field or condition. This is particularly useful when dealing with files containing variable-length records.
What is the primary purpose of using subprograms in COBOL?
- To control program execution flow
- To declare variables in COBOL
- To handle input/output operations
- To modularize and organize code for better maintainability
Subprograms in COBOL are used to modularize code, allowing developers to break down a program into smaller, manageable parts. This promotes better code organization, readability, and maintenance.
In a COBOL program, you need to store a date of birth. Which data type should you use to ensure compatibility with international date formats?
- PIC 9(8)
- PIC 9(8) COMP-3
- PIC X(10)
- PIC X(8)
The PIC X(10) data type in COBOL is suitable for storing a date of birth while ensuring compatibility with international date formats. It allows for the representation of date values in a text format without imposing a specific internal structure.
You are working on a COBOL program that deals with financial transactions. Which COBOL data type would you choose to store currency amounts with two decimal places accurately?
- PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP
- PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP-3
- PIC S9(13)V9(2) COMP
- PIC S9(13)V9(2) COMP-3
The PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP-3 data type in COBOL is suitable for storing currency amounts with two decimal places accurately. It represents a packed-decimal format, ensuring precise storage and manipulation of decimal values.