When dealing with duplicate records in COBOL files, what are some common techniques for identifying duplicates?
- Comparing key fields
- Ignoring duplicates during file processing
- Using SORT and MERGE operations
- Utilizing COBOL intrinsic functions
One common technique for identifying duplicate records is comparing key fields. By comparing specific fields within the records, you can identify duplicates based on the values in those fields. This is often done using logic within the COBOL program.
COBOL programs often use the _____ section to define the structure of data retrieved from a database.
- DATA
- FILE
- LINKAGE
- WORKING-STORAGE
In COBOL, the WORKING-STORAGE section is commonly used to define the structure of data retrieved from a database. It includes variables that hold data during program execution.
What is the purpose of debugging in COBOL programming?
- To enhance the program's functionality
- To generate test data
- To identify and correct errors or defects in the program
- To speed up program execution
The primary purpose of debugging in COBOL programming is to identify and correct errors or defects in the program. It involves the process of finding and fixing mistakes that prevent the program from running correctly.
When should you typically start debugging a COBOL program?
- After the program is fully coded
- After the program is tested
- Before coding begins
- During program design
Debugging in COBOL typically starts after the program is coded. It involves identifying and fixing errors in the code to ensure that the program functions as intended during testing and execution.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of a level-number when defining group data items?
- To control the scope of the data item
- To identify the data item as a group or elementary item
- To indicate the level of nesting in the group hierarchy
- To specify the physical length of the data item
The level-number in COBOL is used to distinguish between group-level and elementary-level data items. A level-number of 01 indicates an elementary item, while higher-level numbers indicate a group item.
COBOL provides _______ verbs for VSAM and ISAM file handling to open, close, read, and write records.
- FILE-CONTROL
- I-O
- SORT
- STOP RUN
COBOL provides I-O (Input-Output) verbs for VSAM and ISAM file handling. These verbs, such as OPEN, CLOSE, READ, WRITE, and others, are used to perform various file operations.
In a COBOL program for a bank, you need to determine the account type and apply specific rules based on the account type (e.g., savings, checking, or credit card). Which conditional statement is best suited for this complex decision-making process?
- CASE
- EVALUATE
- IF...ELSE
- INSPECT
The EVALUATE statement in COBOL is ideal for handling complex decision-making with multiple conditions, making it suitable for determining account types and applying specific rules in a bank program.
One common use of the REDEFINES clause is to reinterpret binary data as ____ data or vice versa
- Alphanumeric
- Display
- Numeric
- Packed-decimal
The REDEFINES clause is frequently used to reinterpret binary data as numeric data or vice versa, allowing the same memory space to be used for different data representations.
In COBOL, what is a "multidimensional array" in the context of the OCCURS clause?
- An array with a DEPENDING ON clause
- An array with a fixed number of elements
- An array with multiple dimensions defined using nested OCCURS clauses
- An array with varying sizes for each dimension
In COBOL, a "multidimensional array" is created by using nested OCCURS clauses, allowing the definition of arrays with multiple dimensions. This provides a structured way to organize and access data in a table-like structure.
When working with relative files, the _____ clause is used to specify the maximum record size.
- MAXIMUM RECORD SIZE IS
- RECORD CONTAINS
- RECORD SIZE IS
- RELATIVE KEY IS
When working with relative files in COBOL, the "RECORD CONTAINS" clause is used to specify the maximum record size. This clause helps allocate the necessary storage for the records in the relative file.