The ____________ clause in COBOL can be used to specify the record size when defining file layouts.
- Length
- Organization
- Record
- Size
The LENGTH clause in COBOL is used to specify the size of records when defining file layouts. It determines the number of characters or bytes allocated for each record in a file, helping to organize data efficiently.
Explain the role of the USING phrase in the SORT statement when working with external sort files.
- Defining the sort criteria
- Identifying the output file
- Specifying the input files to be sorted
- Specifying the working storage area
The USING phrase in the SORT statement is used to specify the input files to be sorted. It provides the names of the external sort files and their associated SELECT clauses, allowing the SORT statement to access and sort the data from these files.
In a COBOL application that involves scheduling events at different times, how would you handle time zone conversions to ensure accurate event scheduling?
- Store all times in GMT and adjust during presentation
- Use COBOL TIMEZONE-CONVERSION intrinsic function
- Use standard time zones and convert to GMT before scheduling
- Utilize platform-specific time zone functions
To ensure accurate event scheduling in different time zones, it's advisable to store all times in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and adjust them during presentation. This helps in consistent handling of time across various regions.
What is the purpose of the "Input" file access mode in COBOL?
- To perform both read and write operations on the file
- To read records sequentially from the file
- To update records in the file
- To write records to the file
The "Input" file access mode in COBOL is used to read records sequentially from the file. It allows the program to retrieve data from the file but does not permit any changes or additions to the file.
When working with indexed files, what is the purpose of the "alternate key" in performance optimization?
- To act as a backup key in case of primary key failure
- To add redundancy to the index file
- To improve search and retrieval performance
- To provide an alternative method for sorting the file
The "alternate key" in indexed files serves to enhance search and retrieval performance by providing an alternative means of accessing data. It allows for efficient retrieval based on criteria other than the primary key, optimizing file access.
In COBOL, what is the LEVEL number used for in the data description entry (FD)?
- To assign a priority level to the data item
- To define the number of occurrences in an OCCURS clause
- To indicate the level of nesting in nested programs
- To specify the hierarchy of a record
The LEVEL number in COBOL's FD (File Description) entry is used to specify the hierarchy or level of a record. It indicates the position of a data item in the hierarchy of the record structure.
What is a COBOL group data item?
- A data item defined at the group level in COBOL
- A data item that groups multiple values together
- A data item that only contains elementary items
- A data item with a picture clause
A COBOL group data item is defined at the group level and serves as a container for other data items. It can include both elementary and other group data items, providing a way to structure and organize related data in a program.
When an error is handled using the "CONTINUE" statement, the program _____ executing the next statement after the error.
- Halts
- Restarts
- Resumes
- Skips
When an error is handled using the "CONTINUE" statement in COBOL, the program resumes executing the next statement after the error. The "CONTINUE" statement allows the program to proceed without being terminated by the error.
In COBOL, the ________ clause can be used with the OPEN verb to specify the file access mode.
- ACCESS MODE
- FILE MODE
- MODE
- OPEN MODE
The ACCESS MODE clause in COBOL is used with the OPEN verb to specify the file access mode. It determines how the program interacts with the file during input and output operations, such as INPUT, OUTPUT, or I-O (input-output).
In COBOL, the "DATA DIVISION" is responsible for defining data _____.
- Both A and C
- Elements
- Hierarchy
- Structures
The "DATA DIVISION" in COBOL is responsible for defining data structures and elements. It allows for the specification of hierarchical structures and individual data elements within the program.
The MOVE statement in COBOL is primarily used for _____ data between variables.
- Assigning
- Copying
- Initializing
- Transferring
The MOVE statement in COBOL is used for copying data from one variable to another. It doesn't imply any arithmetic or transformation; it simply duplicates the content of one variable into another.
What is the purpose of exception handling in COBOL file processing?
- To ignore errors and continue file processing
- To manage and respond to unexpected situations or errors that may occur during file operations
- To speed up file processing operations
- To terminate the program in case of any file-related issues
Exception handling in COBOL file processing allows programs to gracefully respond to unexpected situations or errors, ensuring a more robust and reliable file processing mechanism. It involves capturing and responding to errors to prevent program termination.