When using the EXTERNAL clause in COBOL, how can you ensure variable visibility across different programs?
- By declaring the variable as REDEFINES in each program
- By declaring the variable in each program using the EXTERNAL clause
- By using the ENTRY statement in the calling program
- By using the GLOBAL clause along with the EXTERNAL clause
To ensure variable visibility across different programs, you can use the GLOBAL clause along with the EXTERNAL clause. This combination allows the variable to have global visibility, making it accessible across various program units.
When working with external files, the _____ clause is used for file access control.
- ACCESS
- CONTROL
- FILE
- ORGANIZATION
In COBOL, the ACCESS clause is used for file access control when working with external files. It specifies the type of access (e.g., sequential or random) that the program will have to the file.
When using the "EVALUATE" statement in COBOL, what is the purpose of the "WHEN OTHER" condition?
- To indicate the end of the "EVALUATE" block
- To specify an alternate condition if none of the preceding conditions is true
- To terminate the evaluation process
- To trigger an error if no condition is met
The "WHEN OTHER" condition in the "EVALUATE" statement serves as a catch-all condition. It is executed if none of the preceding conditions evaluates to true, providing a default action or handling unexpected situations.
When working with indexed files in COBOL, what is the key used for accessing records?
- Alternate key
- Prime key
- Relative key
- Secondary key
In COBOL, when working with indexed files, the "Relative key" is used for accessing records. This key defines the relative position of a record within the file. It is essential for efficient record retrieval in indexed files.
In COBOL, the RECORD CONTAINS _____ clause is used to specify the total size of a record in the FILE SECTION.
- Bytes
- Length
- Records
- Size
In the FILE SECTION of COBOL, the RECORD CONTAINS clause is used to specify the length of a record in bytes. It indicates the total size of a record in a file, including all its fields.
In COBOL, the "UNSTRING" statement can generate an "OVERFLOW" exception if the result field is _____.
- Declared as a numeric field
- Defined without a USAGE clause
- Missing the "END-UNSTRING" delimiter
- Not large enough to accommodate the extracted data
If the result field in the "UNSTRING" statement is not large enough to accommodate the extracted data, an "OVERFLOW" exception can be generated. This occurs when the target field is insufficient to hold the result of the string manipulation operation.
In COBOL, _____ recursion refers to a situation where a subprogram calls itself directly or indirectly.
- Direct
- Indirect
- Nested
- Recursive
Recursive recursion in COBOL occurs when a subprogram calls itself, either directly or indirectly. This technique is often used for tasks that can be broken down into smaller, similar tasks, allowing for a more modular and elegant programming approach.
How do you define a nested group data item in COBOL?
- By defining data items within another group data item
- By specifying the USAGE IS POINTER clause
- By using the OCCURS clause
- By using the REDEFINES clause
Nested group data items in COBOL are defined by including data items within another group data item. This allows for hierarchical structuring of data, enabling easier organization and manipulation of complex data structures.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of the PERFORM statement?
- To declare a paragraph
- To define a section
- To execute a set of statements repeatedly
- To initialize variables
The PERFORM statement in COBOL is used to execute a set of statements repeatedly. It provides a way to create loops and control the flow of execution within the program.
What challenges might you encounter when processing variable-length records in COBOL programs?
- Difficulty in determining the end of each record
- Increased storage requirements
- Inefficient data retrieval
- Limited support in certain file systems
Processing variable-length records in COBOL programs may pose challenges, such as difficulty in determining the end of each record. Unlike fixed-length records, the varying lengths require additional considerations to identify the boundaries of individual records.