What is the primary reason for handling dates and times in COBOL programs?
- To ensure proper formatting of output
- To facilitate date and time manipulations in applications
- To perform calculations based on time intervals
- To simplify program syntax
Handling dates and times in COBOL is crucial for applications that require time-related calculations and manipulations, such as scheduling, billing, or event tracking. It allows developers to work with temporal data effectively.
In COBOL, the "AT END" phrase can be used to handle exceptions related to reaching the _____ of a file.
- END OF FILE
- EOF
- FILE END
- LAST RECORD
The "AT END" phrase in COBOL is used to handle exceptions related to reaching the end of a file. It allows the program to take specific actions when the end of the file is encountered during file processing.
_____ is a key concept in Object-Oriented COBOL that restricts access to certain data and methods to only within the class.
- Abstraction
- Encapsulation
- Inheritance
- Polymorphism
Encapsulation is a key concept in Object-Oriented COBOL that restricts access to certain data and methods to only within the class. It helps in hiding the internal details of a class from the outside world, promoting data security and integrity.
In COBOL, the index file associated with an indexed file is used to provide _____ access to records.
- Direct
- Random
- Relative
- Sequential
In COBOL, an indexed file is associated with an index file that allows direct access to records based on the values in the indexed field. This provides efficient access to specific records without the need to sequentially read through the entire file.
The _____ statement in COBOL is commonly used to handle variable-length records based on a condition.
- EVALUATE
- IF
- PERFORM
- SEARCH
The "EVALUATE" statement in COBOL is commonly used to handle variable-length records based on a condition. It allows for structured conditional processing, making it suitable for scenarios involving variable record lengths.
Handling time zones can be challenging when dealing with _____-based systems in COBOL.
- CST
- GMT
- PST
- UTC
COBOL typically deals with time in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) when handling time zones. This helps standardize time representations across different regions and avoids complexities related to daylight saving time changes.
Which section of a COBOL program includes the program's logic and calculations?
- DATA DIVISION
- ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
- IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
- PROCEDURE DIVISION
The "PROCEDURE DIVISION" of a COBOL program is where the actual logic, calculations, and executable statements are written. It contains the operational part of the program.
In indexed file processing, the _______ clause is used to specify whether the file will be opened for input, output, or both.
- ACCESS
- FILE STATUS
- MODE
- ORGANIZATION
The MODE clause in COBOL indexed file processing is used to specify whether the file will be opened for input, output, or both. It determines the operations that can be performed on the file during program execution.
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.
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.