Which COBOL statement is used to handle exceptions and errors in the program flow?
- CONTINUE
- EVALUATE
- IF-ELSE
- PERFORM
The "CONTINUE" statement in COBOL is often used in error handling to indicate that no specific action is taken, and the program should continue with the next statement. It is commonly used within the context of error conditions to control program flow.
What is the primary purpose of using indexed file processing in COBOL, particularly with VSAM or similar systems?
- To ensure data integrity
- To provide faster access to records based on a specific key
- To reduce file storage space
- To simplify file organization
Indexed file processing in COBOL, especially with systems like VSAM, is designed to offer quicker access to records by using an index or key. This enhances retrieval speed, making it suitable for applications where rapid data access is crucial.
In a COBOL program, you need to store data related to multiple sales transactions, each having various attributes. How would you define a suitable data structure for this scenario?
- Defining individual variables for each attribute of a sales transaction
- Employing nested records to capture various attributes within each sales transaction
- Using an array or table structure with OCCURS clause to represent multiple sales transactions
- Utilizing REDEFINES clause to optimize storage for sales transaction data
Using an array or table structure with the OCCURS clause is suitable for handling multiple sales transactions, providing a systematic way to organize and process the data.
What is the purpose of the ACCESS MODE clause when defining an indexed file in COBOL?
- DYNAMIC and RANDOM
- RANDOM and SEQUENTIAL
- SEQUENTIAL and DYNAMIC
- SEQUENTIAL only
The ACCESS MODE clause in COBOL specifies how the file will be accessed. RANDOM allows both direct and sequential access, while SEQUENTIAL allows only sequential access. Combining them provides flexibility in file access methods.
In COBOL, what is the significance of the USAGE clause when defining variables?
- It controls the scope of a variable
- It defines the visibility of a data item
- It indicates the level of a data item
- It specifies the storage format of a data item
The USAGE clause in COBOL is used to specify the storage format of a data item, such as binary, packed-decimal, or display. It directly influences how the data is stored in memory.
What does the CLOSE verb in COBOL primarily do for an open file?
- Deletes the contents of the file
- Modifies the file's structure
- Opens the file for reading or writing
- Releases resources associated with the file and terminates the connection
The CLOSE verb in COBOL is used to release resources associated with an open file and terminate the connection between the COBOL program and the file. It ensures proper closure and cleanup after file operations.
How do you declare a numeric variable in COBOL?
- Using the OCCURS clause
- Using the PIC clause with a numeric editing character
- Using the REDEFINES clause
- Using the VALUE clause
In COBOL, a numeric variable is declared using the PIC (Picture) clause followed by a suitable format, specifying the size and type of the variable. Numeric editing characters, such as 9, are used to represent numeric values.
In a COBOL program that reads data from a file, you encounter an "AT END" condition. What action should be taken to handle this error gracefully?
- Use the CONTINUE statement
- Use the EXIT PROGRAM statement
- Use the FILE STATUS clause
- Use the READ NEXT statement
When encountering an "AT END" condition in COBOL, using the CONTINUE statement is a graceful way to handle the error. It allows the program to continue processing without terminating, providing an opportunity to take appropriate actions.
You are developing a COBOL program to process customer orders. If the order total is greater than $1000, you want to apply a 10% discount; otherwise, no discount is applied. Which COBOL conditional statement is suitable for this scenario?
- EVALUATE
- IF...ELSE
- PERFORM VARYING
- SET
In this scenario, the IF...ELSE statement in COBOL is appropriate. It allows you to make a binary decision based on whether the order total is greater than $1000, enabling you to apply the discount conditionally.
Advanced COBOL programmers may use the _____ construct to improve code readability and maintainability.
- EVALUATE
- GOTO
- PERFORM
- POINTER
The EVALUATE statement in COBOL is a powerful construct that allows advanced programmers to create structured and readable code for complex conditional logic. It is often preferred over nested IF statements for better code organization.
During debugging, the _____ statement in COBOL is often used to display variable values and messages.
- ACCEPT
- DISPLAY
- MOVE
- PERFORM
In COBOL, the DISPLAY statement is commonly used during debugging to show variable values and messages. It helps programmers understand the flow and values at different points in the program.
You are designing a COBOL program to process sales data. Which type of COBOL data item would you use to group related sales information, such as product code, quantity sold, and total sales amount?
- GROUP
- JUSTIFIED
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
In COBOL, the GROUP data item is used to structure related data fields together. It allows you to group multiple elementary items under a single name, facilitating the organization of data, such as grouping sales details like product code, quantity, and total sales amount.