Which COBOL intrinsic function is commonly used to convert a numeric value to a character string?
- FUNCTION EDIT
- FUNCTION MOVE
- FUNCTION NUMERIC
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
The commonly used COBOL intrinsic function for converting a numeric value to a character string is FUNCTION NUMVAL. It allows the conversion of numeric data to its alphanumeric representation, facilitating data manipulation and display.
How does the OCCURS clause in COBOL relate to arrays and tables in the Data Division?
- It defines the number of occurrences of a data item in an array
- It indicates the starting index of an array
- It is used to initialize the values of an array
- It specifies the data type of elements in an array
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define the number of occurrences of a data item in an array or table. It is a way of creating arrays and tables, allowing for the storage of multiple related values under a single data name.
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the _____ of the input files.
- Complexity
- Length
- Organization
- Volume
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the organization of the input files. The organization specifies how the records in the files are arranged, such as sequentially or indexed, and it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the MERGE process.
In COBOL, which keyword is commonly used to define variable-length records?
- LENGTH
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
- VAR
The keyword commonly used to define variable-length records in COBOL is VAR. It signifies that the record has variable length and can accommodate varying data sizes.
In COBOL, what is a "breakpoint," and how is it useful during debugging?
- A compiler directive for optimizing performance
- A designated point in the program where execution stops for analysis
- A runtime error that halts program execution
- A type of variable declaration
A "breakpoint" in COBOL is a designated point in the program where execution stops to allow the developer to inspect variables, evaluate expressions, and analyze program flow. It is a crucial tool for step-by-step debugging and identifying issues in the code.
Which COBOL intrinsic function is commonly used to manipulate date and time values?
- FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE
- FUNCTION DATE-ADD
- FUNCTION FORMAT-TIME
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
The FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE is commonly used in COBOL to obtain the current date and time values. It provides a way to work with date and time information in COBOL programs.
What is the difference between "ON SIZE ERROR" and "AT SIZE ERROR" in error handling?
- "AT SIZE ERROR" handles file-related errors
- "ON SIZE ERROR" handles arithmetic operations that result in a data overflow condition
- "ON SIZE ERROR" is used for index-related errors
- Both are identical and can be used interchangeably
"ON SIZE ERROR" in COBOL is specifically used to handle arithmetic operations that result in a data overflow condition. On the other hand, "AT SIZE ERROR" is used for file-related errors. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective error handling in COBOL programs.
A table in COBOL can be defined with the OCCURS _____ ON clause to allow dynamic sizing.
- DEPENDING
- INDEX
- SIZE
- TIMES
In COBOL, the OCCURS clause is used to define tables. The OCCURS SIZE clause allows dynamic sizing of the table based on the specified size.
In COBOL, a _____ variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program.
- COMMON
- GLOBAL
- PERMANENT
- UNIVERSAL
In COBOL, a GLOBAL variable is one that is accessible throughout the entire program, making it available for use in any section or paragraph.
When debugging, what does it mean if you encounter a "run-time error" in your COBOL program?
- A logical error in the program's algorithm
- A syntax error detected by the compiler
- An error in the program's input data
- An error that occurs during program execution
A "run-time error" in COBOL indicates an error that occurs during program execution rather than during compilation. These errors can include issues such as invalid arithmetic operations, division by zero, or accessing memory beyond the program's allocated space. Identifying and fixing run-time errors is crucial for ensuring program correctness.
In a COBOL program for an inventory system, you need to calculate the total cost of goods sold (COGS) for a batch of products. Which arithmetic operation should be applied to achieve this?
- ADD
- COMPUTE
- DIVIDE
- SUBTRACT
To calculate the COGS, you should use the SUBTRACT operation to subtract the cost of goods sold from the initial inventory. ADD, DIVIDE, and COMPUTE are not suitable for this specific calculation.
In COBOL, the INDEXED BY phrase is used to create a(n) ____________.
- Alias for a variable
- Alternate entry point
- Index for a table
- Subroutine
The INDEXED BY phrase in COBOL is used to create an index for a table. It allows you to reference individual occurrences in a table using an index variable.