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.
In COBOL, which keyword is commonly used to define variable-length records?
- LENGTH
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
- VAR
The keyword commonly used to define variable-length records in COBOL is VAR. It signifies that the record has variable length and can accommodate varying data sizes.
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the _____ of the input files.
- Complexity
- Length
- Organization
- Volume
When implementing a MERGE operation in COBOL, it's crucial to consider the organization of the input files. The organization specifies how the records in the files are arranged, such as sequentially or indexed, and it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the MERGE process.
How does the OCCURS clause in COBOL relate to arrays and tables in the Data Division?
- It defines the number of occurrences of a data item in an array
- It indicates the starting index of an array
- It is used to initialize the values of an array
- It specifies the data type of elements in an array
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define the number of occurrences of a data item in an array or table. It is a way of creating arrays and tables, allowing for the storage of multiple related values under a single data name.
Which COBOL intrinsic function is commonly used to convert a numeric value to a character string?
- FUNCTION EDIT
- FUNCTION MOVE
- FUNCTION NUMERIC
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
The commonly used COBOL intrinsic function for converting a numeric value to a character string is FUNCTION NUMVAL. It allows the conversion of numeric data to its alphanumeric representation, facilitating data manipulation and display.
Explain the concept of abstract classes in Object-Oriented COBOL.
- Abstract classes are only used for file operations.
- Abstract classes are those with no attributes.
- Abstract classes are used for basic arithmetic operations.
- Abstract classes cannot be instantiated and may have abstract methods.
In Object-Oriented COBOL, an abstract class is a class that cannot be instantiated on its own and may have abstract methods (methods without implementation). Abstract classes serve as a blueprint for other classes, providing common attributes and methods that subclasses must implement. They allow for code reusability and the definition of common behavior across multiple classes.
A table in COBOL can be defined with the OCCURS _____ ON clause to allow dynamic sizing.
- DEPENDING
- INDEX
- SIZE
- TIMES
In COBOL, the OCCURS clause is used to define tables. The OCCURS SIZE clause allows dynamic sizing of the table based on the specified size.
Why are COBOL group data items used in program design?
- To enhance data manipulation efficiency
- To improve program readability
- To organize and structure related data items
- To reduce memory usage
COBOL group data items are used to organize and structure related data items, improving program readability and maintenance. They also contribute to efficient data manipulation by grouping logically related elements together.
Which division of a COBOL program is responsible for defining external files?
- FILE SECTION
- INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION
- LINKAGE SECTION
- WORKING-STORAGE SECTION
The "FILE SECTION" in COBOL is responsible for defining external files that the program will read from or write to. It specifies the organization, access mode, and other attributes of the files used by the program.
In COBOL, the INDEXED BY phrase is used to create a(n) ____________.
- Alias for a variable
- Alternate entry point
- Index for a table
- Subroutine
The INDEXED BY phrase in COBOL is used to create an index for a table. It allows you to reference individual occurrences in a table using an index variable.