What is the benefit of using an index in COBOL arrays and tables?
- Enhanced data validation
- Improved access and manipulation of data
- Reduced storage requirements
- Simplified syntax
Using an index in COBOL arrays and tables provides improved access and manipulation of data. It allows for efficient retrieval of specific elements, making it easier to work with large datasets and enhancing program performance.
The process of systematically finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program is known as _____.
- Compiling
- Debugging
- Testing
- Tracing
Debugging is the systematic process of finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program. It involves identifying and fixing issues to ensure the program functions as intended.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of the FUNCTION statement when using intrinsic functions?
- To call built-in intrinsic functions
- To declare variables
- To invoke user-defined functions
- To specify file operations
The FUNCTION statement in COBOL is used to call built-in intrinsic functions. It enables the use of predefined functions like NUMVAL, EDIT, and others, providing a convenient way to perform specific operations on data within a COBOL program.
When an exception occurs during file processing in COBOL, the associated error code can be found in the special register called _____.
- ERROR-CODE
- EXCEPTION-STATUS
- FILE-STATUS
- STATUS-CODE
In COBOL, when an exception occurs during file processing, the associated error code can be found in the special register called FILE-STATUS. Programmers can inspect this register to determine the nature of the error.
How are COBOL group data items different from elementary data items?
- Group data items are always numeric, whereas elementary data items can be alphanumeric
- Group data items can contain other data items, including other groups, while elementary data items cannot
- Group data items cannot have a picture clause, unlike elementary data items
- Group data items do not support the REDEFINES clause, unlike elementary data items
COBOL group data items differ from elementary data items in that they can contain other data items, including other groups. This hierarchical structure allows for better organization and abstraction in the data design of a COBOL program.
Your COBOL program needs to maintain a counter that keeps track of the number of times a specific operation is performed. Which type of variable is suitable for this task?
- PIC 9(3) USAGE DISPLAY
- PIC 9(4)
- PIC 9(5) USAGE COMP-3
- PIC S9(6) USAGE COMP
For maintaining a counter in COBOL, PIC S9(6) USAGE COMP is appropriate. It is a signed numeric type that efficiently stores and increments numeric values.
What does VSAM stand for in the context of COBOL file handling?
- Variable Storage Allocation Method
- Very Sequential Access Method
- Virtual Storage Access Method
- Volatile Storage Access Module
VSAM stands for Virtual Storage Access Method in the context of COBOL file handling. It is a file storage access method used to organize records in a file in a way that allows direct access to data based on the key.
In a COBOL program, when using a PERFORM loop with the VARYING clause, what is the role of the INDEX variable?
- It is not applicable to PERFORM loops with the VARYING clause
- It is used to control the loop execution by specifying the increment value
- It represents the total number of iterations in the loop
- It serves as a loop counter, indicating the current iteration
The INDEX variable in a PERFORM loop with the VARYING clause is crucial as it acts as a loop counter, keeping track of the current iteration. Program logic can be based on the value of the INDEX variable within the loop.
COBOL, what is "ON EXCEPTION UNDO" used for in error handling?
- To display an error message to the user
- To ignore exceptions and proceed with the program execution
- To roll back changes made to the file in case of an exception
- To terminate the program when an exception occurs
"ON EXCEPTION UNDO" in COBOL is used to roll back changes made to the file in case of an exception. It ensures data consistency by undoing any modifications made before the exception occurred.
When using a PERFORM loop in COBOL, what is the significance of the THRU clause?
- It defines the exit condition for the loop
- It indicates the continuation of a nested loop
- It is used to terminate the loop prematurely
- It specifies the range of paragraphs or sections to be repeated
The THRU clause in a PERFORM statement in COBOL is used to specify a range of paragraphs or sections to be repeated within the loop. It simplifies the code by avoiding the need to list each paragraph individually.
_____ variables in COBOL are those whose values are shared among all instances of a program.
- Common
- External
- Global
- Universal
Common variables in COBOL are those whose values are shared among all instances of a program. These variables are declared in a common area and can be accessed by multiple program modules.
To handle file errors gracefully in COBOL, you can use the _____ clause to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs.
- EXCEPTION HANDLING
- EXCEPTION PROCEDURE
- FILE STATUS
- ON EXCEPTION
In COBOL, the "ON EXCEPTION" clause is used to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs during file operations. It allows for effective handling of errors and ensures the program can respond appropriately to unexpected situations.