In a COBOL project, you have a common calculation that is used in multiple programs. How can you efficiently reuse this calculation using subprograms?
- Copybooks
- Inline Code
- Macro Expansion
- Subprograms (Perform)
By encapsulating the common calculation in a subprogram using the PERFORM statement, you can efficiently reuse the logic across multiple programs, promoting code reusability and maintainability.
_____ is a mechanism in Object-Oriented COBOL that allows a class to inherit properties and behaviors from another class.
- DERIVE
- EXTEND
- INCLUDE
- INHERIT
In Object-Oriented COBOL, the "DERIVE" keyword is used as a mechanism to allow a class to inherit properties and behaviors from another class, promoting code reusability.
What is the purpose of using records and structures in COBOL?
- To define individual data items
- To enhance program logic
- To group related data items together
- To optimize program execution
Records and structures in COBOL are used to group related data items together. This allows for better organization of data and improves code readability by representing entities as a single unit.
In a COBOL "IF" statement, the "NEXT SENTENCE" phrase is used to _____
- Provide comments within the "IF" block
- Specify the condition for the "IF" statement
- Transfer control to the next executable sentence following the "IF" statement
- Trigger an error condition
The "NEXT SENTENCE" phrase in a COBOL "IF" statement transfers control to the next executable sentence following the "IF" block, skipping the subsequent sentences if the condition is true.
Which file processing technique is suitable when you need to read records in the order they were added to the file?
- Dynamic file processing
- Indexed file processing
- Relative file processing
- Sequential file processing
Sequential file processing in COBOL is suitable when you need to read records in the order they were added to the file. This ensures that records are processed in the same sequence they were inserted, which is beneficial in scenarios where chronological order matters.
In COBOL, what is the significance of the FILE STATUS clause in the context of file handling errors?
- It defines the file structure and layout
- It is used to declare file names in the FILE SECTION
- It provides a status code after each file operation, indicating the success or failure of the operation
- It specifies the file organization and access mode
The FILE STATUS clause in COBOL is used to provide a status code after each file operation. This code indicates the success or failure of the operation, allowing the program to take appropriate actions based on the file handling result.
You are tasked with designing a COBOL program that needs to access records in an indexed file using a unique key. Which access mode and file organization would you choose, and why?
- Option 1: Dynamic Access, Sequential File Organization
- Option 2: Random Access, Indexed File Organization
- Option 3: Dynamic Access, Indexed File Organization
- Option 4: Sequential Access, Relative File Organization
Dynamic Access with Indexed File Organization would be the appropriate choice. This allows efficient access using a unique key, enabling direct retrieval of records based on the key value. Dynamic access provides flexibility in navigating through the file, making it suitable for scenarios requiring key-based searches.
When working with databases in COBOL, what does SQL stand for?
- Sequential Query Language
- Structured Query Language
- Synchronized Query Logic
- Systematic Question Language
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a standardized language used to interact with relational databases, enabling operations such as data retrieval, insertion, updating, and deletion.
What is the significance of the "RECORD VARYING" clause in COBOL file handling?
- It allows processing variable-length records without explicitly specifying their length
- It indicates that the records can vary in size during program execution
- It sets the maximum and minimum lengths for variable-length records
- It specifies the use of varying-length records in sorted files
The "RECORD VARYING" clause in COBOL file handling is significant as it indicates that the records can vary in size during program execution. This flexibility is useful when dealing with files containing variable-length records.
You are tasked with building a COBOL application that can generate custom reports based on user input and database data. What COBOL feature or technique would be most suitable for this task?
- Batch Processing
- Dynamic SQL
- Report Writer
- Sequential File Processing
Dynamic SQL in COBOL would be the most suitable technique for building an application that generates custom reports based on user input and database data. Dynamic SQL allows you to construct SQL statements dynamically at runtime, facilitating flexible and customized report generation.
When defining an OCCURS clause with a higher OCCURS DEPENDING ON clause, what is the purpose of the OCCURS VARYING phrase?
- It defines the starting index of the array
- It designates a data item whose value controls the number of occurrences
- It indicates the number of occurrences at runtime
- It specifies the size of the array elements
The OCCURS VARYING phrase is used to designate a data item whose value at runtime controls the number of occurrences of the array. This provides flexibility in managing the array size based on dynamic conditions.
When debugging a COBOL program, what does it mean if you encounter a "syntax error"?
- A logical error in the program
- An issue with hardware
- The program is running successfully
- There is a mistake in the program's structure or language rules
Encountering a "syntax error" during COBOL debugging indicates a mistake in the program's structure or language rules. This could include incorrect usage of COBOL statements, missing periods, or other syntax-related issues that prevent the program from being compiled or executed.