To improve performance, COBOL programs often use file ____________ to temporarily store records during processing.
- Archiving
- Buffering
- Indexing
- Sorting
Buffering is a technique used in COBOL to enhance performance by temporarily storing records in memory during processing. It reduces the need for frequent disk access, thereby optimizing I/O operations.
The EXIT statement can include a numeric operand that specifies the ___________ code to return to the operating system.
- Completion
- Error
- Exit
- Return
The EXIT statement in COBOL can include a numeric operand that specifies the exit code to return to the operating system. This allows the program to communicate its completion status to the calling environment.
When using the REDEFINES clause, it's essential to ensure that the redefined data items have the same starting _____
- Data Types
- Lengths
- Names
- Values
Ensuring that redefined data items have the same starting lengths is crucial when using the REDEFINES clause in COBOL. It helps in preventing data misalignment and memory allocation issues.
How is the OCCURS clause used to define an array in COBOL?
- By indicating the start and end indices
- By setting the REDEFINES attribute
- By specifying the number of occurrences and the data type
- By using the INDEXED BY phrase
To define an array in COBOL using the OCCURS clause, you specify the number of occurrences and the data type of the array elements. This allows the compiler to allocate memory for the array and enables efficient indexing and manipulation of array elements.
How does COBOL handle multi-dimensional arrays?
- By defining separate one-dimensional arrays
- By using nested OCCURS clauses
- By using the MULTI-DIMENSIONAL keyword
- COBOL does not support multi-dimensional arrays
COBOL handles multi-dimensional arrays by using nested OCCURS clauses. This allows the creation of tables with multiple levels, providing a structured way to represent data in multiple dimensions.
When working with indexed files, which access mode is commonly used to update existing records?
- "Dynamic" access mode
- "Extend" access mode
- "Random" access mode
- "Sequential" access mode
The "Random" access mode in COBOL is commonly used when working with indexed files to update existing records. It allows direct access to any record in the file based on the key value.
Which COBOL data type allows you to store both numeric and alphabetic characters?
- PIC 9
- PIC A
- PIC X
- PIC X(10)
The COBOL data type PIC X(10) allows you to store both numeric and alphabetic characters in the same field. It is a flexible alphanumeric field that can accommodate a mix of characters.
How does COBOL handle multi-user access to VSAM and ISAM files, and what are the potential issues?
- COBOL doesn't support multi-user access to VSAM and ISAM files
- COBOL ensures exclusive file access for each user to prevent conflicts
- COBOL relies on external tools for multi-user file access
- COBOL utilizes file locking mechanisms to allow multiple users simultaneous access
COBOL handles multi-user access to VSAM and ISAM files through file locking mechanisms. Potential issues include contention for locks, leading to delays, and the need for careful coordination to avoid conflicts and data inconsistencies.
In COBOL, what happens when you declare a variable in the DATA DIVISION but outside of any specific procedure?
- The variable becomes global and can be accessed by all procedures within the program
- The variable is accessible only within the procedure where it is declared
- The variable is deallocated after each procedure call
- The variable is initialized automatically
When a variable is declared in the DATA DIVISION outside of any specific procedure, it becomes global in scope. This means it can be accessed by all procedures within the program, making it available throughout the program's execution.
Why might you choose variable-length records over fixed-length records in COBOL file processing?
- To enforce strict record size consistency
- To improve processing speed in sequential file access
- To save storage space by avoiding padding unused portions
- To simplify program logic and enhance readability
Choosing variable-length records in COBOL can save storage space by avoiding the need to pad unused portions. It is especially beneficial when dealing with data of varying lengths, reducing wasted storage.