COBOL programs can optimize file handling performance by utilizing ____________ to store frequently accessed records in memory.
- Buffering
- Hashing
- Indexing
- Sorting
Buffering is a technique in COBOL where frequently accessed records are stored in memory buffers, reducing the need for frequent disk I/O operations and improving overall file handling performance. It helps in minimizing the time required to read or write records from/to external files.
In the "ENVIRONMENT DIVISION," the "INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION" defines the _____ used by the program.
- Data manipulation rules
- External data files and devices
- Procedure names
- Program documentation
In the "ENVIRONMENT DIVISION" of COBOL, the "INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION" is responsible for defining the external data files and devices used by the program. This section specifies the properties and characteristics of input and output operations.
What is the difference between a procedure and a function in COBOL?
- A procedure can only be called within the same program, while a function can be used across programs
- A procedure cannot have parameters, while a function can have parameters
- A procedure does not return a value, while a function returns a value
- A procedure is defined using the PROCEDURE DIVISION, while a function is defined in the DATA DIVISION
In COBOL, a procedure is a set of statements that perform a specific task but does not return a value. On the other hand, a function is a subprogram that returns a value to the calling program. Understanding this distinction is crucial for designing modular and reusable code.
The "WHEN OTHER" condition in the "EVALUATE" statement is similar to the "OTHERWISE" clause in a _____ statement.
- CASE
- IF
- PERFORM
- SELECT
The "WHEN OTHER" condition in the "EVALUATE" statement functions similarly to the "OTHERWISE" clause in a "CASE" statement. It captures any conditions not explicitly specified in preceding "WHEN" clauses, providing a default action.
In COBOL, the "Extend" access mode is used for _____
- Adding new records to a file
- Deleting records from a file
- Modifying existing records
- Reading records sequentially
The "Extend" access mode in COBOL is used for adding new records to a file. When opening a file in "Extend" mode, the file position indicator is set to the end of the file, allowing new records to be appended.
The _____ verb in COBOL is used for assigning values to data items.
- COMPUTE
- INITIALIZE
- MOVE
- SET
In COBOL, the MOVE verb is used for assigning values to data items. It allows you to transfer data from one data item to another.
In COBOL, the _______ clause is used to declare exception conditions that can be raised during program execution.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- INVALID
- ON EXCEPTION
In COBOL, the EXCEPTION clause is used to declare exception conditions. It allows the programmer to specify the actions to be taken when an exceptional situation occurs during program execution.
What does the CLOSE verb with the REEL and UNIT clauses signify when used in COBOL file handling?
- It closes a file and releases resources, specifying the reel and unit information
- It indicates the end of the file
- It is not a valid combination for the CLOSE verb
- It is used to close a magnetic tape file
The CLOSE verb with the REEL and UNIT clauses in COBOL is used to close a file and release associated resources, specifying the reel and unit information for files like magnetic tapes. It ensures proper termination of file processing.
What is the purpose of the COBOL REDEFINES clause?
- To allocate memory for a variable
- To allow two or more data items to share the same storage space
- To declare a new variable
- To specify the data type of a variable
The COBOL REDEFINES clause is used to allow two or more data items to share the same storage space. It enables multiple names to reference the same memory location, providing flexibility in data representation.
In COBOL, the EXEC SQL _____ statement is used to declare an SQL cursor.
- CLOSE
- DECLARE
- FETCH
- OPEN
In COBOL, the EXEC SQL DECLARE statement is used to declare an SQL cursor. Cursors are used to navigate through the result sets obtained from SQL queries.