How can you handle file positioning errors in COBOL?
- By checking the value of the FILE-STATUS special register
- By using the "AT END" condition
- By using the "INVALID KEY" phrase
- By using the "NOT INVALID" condition
File positioning errors in COBOL can be handled by using the "INVALID KEY" phrase. This allows programmers to specify actions to be taken when there is an issue with positioning within the file, such as moving to a default record or taking corrective measures.
What are some advantages of using VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) for indexed file processing in COBOL?
- Efficient random access, support for large datasets, and built-in data integrity features
- High-speed sequential processing, easy integration with external files, and automatic record locking
- Simplicity in implementation, low storage overhead, and compatibility with relational databases
- Simplified data retrieval, compatibility with ASCII encoding, and low processing overhead
VSAM offers advantages such as efficient random access, support for large datasets, and built-in data integrity features, making it suitable for applications that require quick and direct access to specific records in a file.
In COBOL, the _____ clause is used to define the data items that are passed as arguments to a subprogram.
- GIVING
- INPUT
- OUTPUT
- USING
The USING clause in COBOL is used to define the data items that are passed as arguments to a subprogram during invocation. It specifies the variables or data areas to be shared between the calling and called programs.
The _____ clause is used to specify the file organization for a COBOL file.
- DATA DIVISION
- ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
- FILE-CONTROL
- RECORDING MODE
In COBOL, the FILE-CONTROL clause is used to specify the organization of files. It includes clauses like SELECT and ASSIGN, allowing you to define the file structure and its associated external resources.
You are working on a COBOL program that processes a customer database with the potential for duplicate customer IDs. How would you efficiently identify and handle duplicate customer records to ensure data accuracy?
- Implement a hash function to identify duplicate customer IDs
- Use a SORT and MERGE process to eliminate duplicates based on customer IDs
- Use a sequential search to identify and remove duplicate customer records
- Utilize a COBOL table to store unique customer IDs and compare incoming records
Using a SORT and MERGE process is an efficient way to eliminate duplicate customer records based on customer IDs, ensuring data accuracy in the customer database. It involves sorting the data based on customer IDs and merging the records to eliminate duplicates.
How does inheritance work in Object-Oriented COBOL, and what benefits does it offer?
- By defining the size and type of data
- By optimizing program execution
- By organizing data in memory
- Inheritance allows a class (subclass) to inherit attributes and behaviors from another class (superclass). Benefits include code reuse, extensibility, and the ability to model relationships between classes.
In Object-Oriented COBOL, inheritance enables a subclass to inherit properties from a superclass, promoting code reuse, extensibility, and the modeling of relationships. A subclass can reuse attributes and behaviors from its superclass, leading to more maintainable code.
In COBOL, the EXIT statement is commonly used in conjunction with the _________ condition.
- EVALUATE
- IF
- NOT
- WHEN
In COBOL, the EXIT statement is commonly used in conjunction with the WHEN condition. This allows the program to exit a loop or a paragraph based on a specified condition.
Which intrinsic function is used to return the current date in COBOL?
- FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE
- FUNCTION DATE-CURRENT
- FUNCTION DATE-NOW
- FUNCTION NOW
The FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE in COBOL is used to retrieve the current date. It returns a data item containing the current date in the format YYYYMMDD.
The ________ clause in COBOL is used to specify the number of times a group data item can occur.
- DEPENDING ON
- INDEXED BY
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to specify the number of times a group data item or an elementary data item can occur in a table or an array. It defines the occurrence of a particular data item or group.
When performing database operations, the _____ statement is used to commit changes to the database.
- COMMIT WORK
- EXEC SQL COMMIT
- EXEC SQL ROLLBACK
- ROLLBACK WORK
When performing database operations, the COMMIT WORK statement is used in COBOL to commit changes made during the transaction to the database. It ensures the changes are permanently saved.