Which debugging technique involves adding temporary output statements to your COBOL code to track the program's flow and variable values?
- Backtracking
- Code inspection
- Interactive debugging
- Print debugging
Print debugging is a debugging technique where temporary output statements are added to the COBOL code to print variable values and messages during program execution. This helps in understanding the program's flow and identifying issues.
When working with COBOL and databases, the _____ clause is used to specify the host variable's data type for SQL statements.
- DECLARE
- FETCH
- INTO
- USING
In COBOL, when dealing with databases and SQL statements, the DECLARE clause is used to specify the host variable's data type. This information is crucial for the proper execution of SQL statements that involve data retrieval or manipulation.
What is the role of the INITIALIZE statement in COBOL?
- It assigns an initial value to a variable
- It deallocates memory space for a variable
- It declares a variable and allocates storage space
- It initializes the COBOL environment
The INITIALIZE statement in COBOL is used to assign an initial value to a variable. It is commonly used to set variables to predefined values before the actual processing begins. This ensures predictable behavior and prevents the use of uninitialized variables.
A subprogram can have its own _____ section for local data.
- FILE
- LINKAGE
- LOCAL-STORAGE
- WORKING-STORAGE
A subprogram in COBOL can have its own LOCAL-STORAGE section for declaring local data items. These items are private to the subprogram and retain their values between successive calls to the subprogram.
How are COBOL structures different from simple data items?
- COBOL structures are always stored in binary format, while simple data items are stored in ASCII format
- COBOL structures are not supported in modern programming
- COBOL structures are used only for numeric data, while simple data items are used for alphanumeric data
- COBOL structures group related data items, while simple data items represent individual elements
COBOL structures differ from simple data items as they are used to group related data items together, providing a way to represent complex entities. Simple data items, on the other hand, represent individual elements without grouping.
What is the purpose of the "RESUME" statement in error recovery strategies?
- Allows the program to continue execution after handling an exception
- Reverts the program to its initial state
- Rolls back changes made to files
- Terminates the program to prevent further errors
The "RESUME" statement in COBOL is used to allow the program to continue execution after handling an exception. It helps in implementing controlled error recovery strategies, ensuring that the program can gracefully recover from errors and continue processing.
You are developing a COBOL program to read data from a file sequentially. Which file control verb should you use to open the file?
- CLOSE
- OPEN
- READ
- WRITE
In COBOL, the OPEN verb is used to open a file before reading from or writing to it in a program. This verb establishes the connection between the COBOL program and the external file, allowing subsequent READ or WRITE operations.
In a COBOL program, what file organization is typically used for master files in a database system?
- Dynamic
- Indexed
- Relative
- Sequential
Indexed file organization is typically used for master files in a database system in COBOL. It allows for efficient random access based on a key field, making it suitable for scenarios where records need to be retrieved directly by their key values.
The "I-O" file access mode allows both _____ and _____ operations on a file in COBOL.
- Appending, Renaming
- Closing, Opening
- Reading, Writing
- Updating, Deleting
The "I-O" (Input-Output) file access mode in COBOL allows both reading and writing operations on a file. It enables a program to perform a combination of input and output operations on the same file.
What is the significance of the RECORD KEY clause when defining VSAM and ISAM files in COBOL?
- It defines the length of each record in the file
- It identifies the field used as a key to uniquely identify records in the file
- It indicates the position of the record within the file
- It specifies the physical location of the file on the disk
The RECORD KEY clause in COBOL is significant when defining VSAM and ISAM files as it identifies the field used as a key to uniquely identify records in the file. This key is essential for direct access to specific records.