A _____ is a tool or software used in COBOL debugging that provides detailed information about the program's execution.
- Debugger
- Inspector
- Profiler
- Tracer
In COBOL debugging, a "Tracer" is a tool or software that provides detailed information about the program's execution flow. It helps programmers analyze the sequence of statements executed, aiding in identifying errors and improving program efficiency.
Which COBOL data type is used to store whole numbers without a fractional part?
- DECIMAL
- FLOATING-POINT
- INTEGER
- STRING
The INTEGER data type in COBOL is used to store whole numbers without any fractional part, making it suitable for integer values.
The "IDENTIFICATION DIVISION" of a COBOL program typically contains information such as the program's _____
- All of the above
- Author
- Date of Creation
- Version
The "IDENTIFICATION DIVISION" in COBOL includes information like the author's name, version of the program, and the date of creation. It provides details about the program's identification.
What does the "IDENTIFICATION DIVISION" in a COBOL program contain?
- Execution logic
- File descriptions
- Program name, author, date written, and other identifying information
- Variable declarations
The "IDENTIFICATION DIVISION" in a COBOL program contains information about the program, including its name, author, date written, and other identification details. It provides metadata about the program.
What is the role of intrinsic functions in COBOL programming?
- Defining data structures
- Handling file I/O operations
- Managing program execution flow
- Performing common operations on data without custom code
In COBOL, intrinsic functions play a crucial role in performing common operations on data without the need for custom code. These functions provide built-in capabilities for tasks like mathematical calculations, string manipulations, and date/time operations, enhancing the language's functionality.
How does exclusive file locking differ from shared file locking in terms of access permissions?
- Exclusive locks allow both reading and writing by multiple programs, while shared locks only permit reading.
- Exclusive locks allow only one program to read the file at a time, while shared locks permit multiple programs to write simultaneously.
- Exclusive locks grant exclusive access, preventing other programs from reading or writing to the file. Shared locks allow multiple programs to read the file simultaneously but prevent any program from writing to it.
- Exclusive locks restrict both reading and writing, while shared locks allow unlimited access.
Exclusive file locking provides exclusive access to a file, meaning only one program can read or write to it, preventing concurrent access conflicts. Shared file locking, on the other hand, allows multiple programs to read the file simultaneously, enhancing concurrent access for reading purposes.
In a COBOL program for inventory management, you have to define a data structure for product information with several attributes. Which COBOL clause would be suitable for this purpose?
- GROUP
- OCCURS
- RECORD
- REDEFINES
The GROUP clause in COBOL is used to define a data structure that consists of multiple elementary and group data items. It allows you to group related fields together to represent complex data structures, such as product information in inventory management.
When using the WRITE verb in COBOL, what happens if the file is not open in OUTPUT or I-O mode?
- It results in a runtime error
- The WRITE operation is ignored
- The WRITE operation proceeds, and the file is automatically opened in OUTPUT mode
- The compiler generates an error
If the file is not open in OUTPUT or I-O mode when using the WRITE verb, the compiler generates an error. It is essential to ensure that the file is opened in an appropriate mode before performing WRITE operations.
The _____ clause in COBOL is used to specify the key structure when defining a VSAM file.
- FILE-CONTROL
- KEY
- RECORD
- SELECT
In COBOL, the KEY clause is used within the FILE-CONTROL section to specify the key structure when defining a VSAM file. It defines the data item or items that make up the primary or alternate key of the file.
What is the purpose of the OCCURS DEPENDING ON clause in COBOL tables?
- It allows the number of occurrences for the table to be determined dynamically at runtime
- It defines the maximum number of occurrences for the table
- It indicates that the table is part of a nested structure
- It specifies the initial values for the table elements
The OCCURS DEPENDING ON clause in COBOL tables allows the number of occurrences for the table to be determined dynamically at runtime based on the value of a preceding data item. It provides flexibility in handling varying amounts of data.
The CONTINUE statement is often used in COBOL error handling to ___________ the program's normal flow.
- Bypass
- Interrupt
- Maintain
- Resume
The CONTINUE statement in COBOL is used to resume the program's normal flow after error handling. It allows the program to continue executing subsequent statements in the same scope.
You are writing a COBOL program to calculate the total cost of items in a shopping cart. Which type of COBOL variable would you use to store the individual item prices?
- PIC 9(3) DISPLAY
- PIC 9(5)V99 COMP-3
- PIC S9(4) USAGE COMP
- PIC X(10)
For storing monetary values like individual item prices in a COBOL program, PIC 9(5)V99 COMP-3 is suitable. This usage efficiently represents decimal numbers and ensures accurate calculations.