What are some potential advantages of using variable-length records in COBOL file handling, such as reduced storage space and improved efficiency?
- complex data structures, increased storage requirements, slower file access
- fixed record lengths, reduced processing time, static storage allocation
- flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths, efficient memory usage
- random access, sequential processing, indexed files
Using variable-length records in COBOL file handling offers several advantages, including flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths based on data requirements, and efficient memory usage. This allows for optimal storage utilization and can result in reduced storage space requirements and improved efficiency in file processing operations.
When performing arithmetic operations in COBOL, the _____ statement is used for adding values.
- ADD
- DIVIDE
- MULTIPLY
- SUBTRACT
The ADD statement in COBOL is used for performing addition operations. It adds the content of one or more numeric fields to another, updating the result field.
In a COBOL program that processes customer orders, how would you implement error reporting to notify administrators of invalid order entries?
- Sending email notifications through an external module
- Using the DISPLAY statement to show errors on the screen
- Utilizing the COBOL CALL statement
- Writing error messages to a flat file
To notify administrators of invalid order entries, utilizing an external module to send email notifications is a suitable approach. This allows for immediate communication and alerts administrators to take appropriate actions regarding the invalid orders.
In COBOL, what is the significance of the "ORGANIZATION IS" clause when defining a file in the File Section?
- Defines the file organization
- Identifies the access mode
- Specifies the file size
- Specifies the record format
The "ORGANIZATION IS" clause in COBOL's File Section is used to define the file organization. It specifies how records are stored and accessed in the file, such as Sequential, Indexed, or Relative.
The _____ statement is used to transfer control to another paragraph in the Procedure Division.
- CALL
- EXIT
- GO TO
- PERFORM
The GO TO statement in COBOL is used to transfer control to another paragraph within the same program. While it provides flexibility, it should be used judiciously to maintain code readability.
In a COBOL program, you have encountered a situation where you need to exit the program due to a critical error. Which statement should you use to ensure a clean program termination?
- EXIT PARAGRAPH
- EXIT PROGRAM
- GOBACK
- STOP RUN
The STOP RUN statement in COBOL is used to terminate the program gracefully. It releases resources, closes files, and performs necessary cleanup before ending the program.
The _______ statement in COBOL is often used to switch control to the next iteration of a loop.
- CONTINUE
- EXIT
- ITERATE
- NEXT
The ITERATE statement in COBOL is used to transfer control to the next iteration of a loop. It allows for skipping the remaining statements in the loop and proceeding with the next iteration.
What is the purpose of the OCCURS clause in COBOL?
- To declare constants
- To define repeating data fields or arrays
- To initialize variables
- To specify file access mode
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define repeating data fields or arrays. It allows the programmer to specify the number of times a particular data item or group of data items is repeated in a record or record group. This is especially useful for handling repetitive data structures like arrays.
The FUNCTION _______ intrinsic function is utilized to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value.
- FLOOR
- INTEGER
- TRUNC
- ROUND
The correct option is INTEGER. The INTEGER intrinsic function in COBOL is used to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value by truncating the fractional part.
In COBOL, which statement is used to add two numeric values together?
- ADD
- DIVIDE
- MULTIPLY
- SUBTRACT
The ADD statement in COBOL is used to add two or more numeric values together. It supports various formats and can be used for both integer and decimal arithmetic operations.
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the ________ phrase to handle file closing errors.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- REPORT
- STATUS
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the EXCEPTION phrase to handle file closing errors. It provides a way to manage errors that may occur during the closing of a file.
In a COBOL application, you are required to validate user input for a date field. Which intrinsic function can help you ensure that the entered date is valid?
- FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE
- FUNCTION NUMCHECK
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
- FUNCTION VALIDATE
The FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE intrinsic function in COBOL helps validate user input for date fields, ensuring that the entered date is in a valid format. It is useful for maintaining data integrity in date-related operations.