Your COBOL program must handle different status codes for customer orders. Which COBOL feature would help you define condition names for these status codes?
- CONDITION
- LEVEL NUMBER
- OCCURS
- VALUE OF
The CONDITION name is used in COBOL to represent a condition that can be tested during program execution. It allows you to define symbolic names for specific values, like status codes for customer orders, making the code more readable and maintainable.
In COBOL, when is the UNTIL condition evaluated in a PERFORM UNTIL loop?
- After each iteration of the loop
- At the end of the program execution
- Before entering the loop for the first time
- Only if the loop encounters an EXIT statement
In a PERFORM UNTIL loop, the UNTIL condition is evaluated after each iteration. The loop continues executing as long as the condition is false, and it terminates when the condition becomes true.
Which section of the COBOL program contains the Data Division?
- Data Section
- Environment Section
- Procedure Section
- Working-Storage Section
The Data Division is part of the COBOL program and is specifically located within the Data Section. It is where data items are declared and described.
In COBOL, alphanumeric data types are often defined using the _____ keyword.
- ALPHA
- ALPHANUM
- CHAR
- PIC X
In COBOL, the PIC X (Picture Clause) is commonly used to define alphanumeric data types. It allocates storage for characters, allowing a combination of letters and digits.
The _____ verb is used for testing and handling exceptions related to file processing in COBOL.
- EVALUATE
- HANDLE
- INSPECT
- PERFORM
The EVALUATE verb in COBOL is used for testing and handling exceptions related to file processing. It allows for multiple conditions to be tested in a structured manner.
In file handling, what does the term "buffering" refer to?
- Allocating additional storage for files
- Organizing files into buffers
- Storing a block of data in a memory buffer
- Writing data to a file buffer
Buffering in file handling refers to the practice of storing a block of data in a memory buffer. This technique improves performance by reducing the frequency of physical I/O operations between the program and the file.
COBOL's support for database connectivity is often achieved through _____.
- ACCEPT statement
- COPY statement
- Embedded SQL
- PROCEDURE DIVISION
COBOL's support for database connectivity is often achieved through Embedded SQL, allowing SQL statements to be included directly in COBOL programs. This integration facilitates efficient interaction with databases for data retrieval, updates, and other operations.
When using the SORT operation in COBOL, what is the purpose of the OUTPUT PROCEDURE?
- To customize the format of the sorted output
- To define the input data for sorting
- To handle the output records after sorting
- To specify the sorting criteria
The OUTPUT PROCEDURE in the SORT operation is used to handle the output records after sorting. It allows customization of the format or any additional processing needed for the sorted data before it is written to the output file.
In COBOL, what is the scope of a local variable declared within a procedure?
- Accessible globally across all programs
- Accessible only to other procedures in the same file
- Available throughout the program
- Limited to the procedure in which it is declared
A local variable in COBOL is limited to the procedure in which it is declared. It cannot be accessed outside that procedure, providing encapsulation and avoiding naming conflicts.
Your COBOL program processes financial transactions, and you need to calculate the balance after a series of deposits and withdrawals. Which arithmetic statement is suitable for this scenario?
- ADD
- COMPUTE
- MULTIPLY
- SUBTRACT
To calculate the balance after deposits and withdrawals, you should use the SUBTRACT operation to deduct withdrawals from the total balance. COMPUTE, ADD, and MULTIPLY are not appropriate for this specific calculation.
When working with relative files, what is the significance of the RELATIVE KEY clause?
- It defines the data type of the relative key
- It establishes the relationship between the record and its relative key
- It indicates the starting point for sequential processing
- It specifies the physical location of the file on the storage device
The RELATIVE KEY clause in COBOL relative files establishes the relationship between the record and its relative key. It defines which field in the record serves as the relative key, allowing for direct access based on the relative record number.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of the COMPUTE statement?
- To compare two data items
- To initialize variables with default values
- To manipulate string data
- To perform complex arithmetic operations on numeric data items
The COMPUTE statement in COBOL is used for performing complex arithmetic operations on numeric data items. It provides a concise and readable way to express arithmetic computations in COBOL programs.