The _______ clause in COBOL is used to specify the file organization for indexed files, such as sequential or random.
- FILEORG
- FILEORGANIZE
- ORG
- ORGANIZATION
The ORGANIZATION clause in COBOL is used to specify the file organization for indexed files. It defines how records are stored and accessed, whether sequentially or randomly, impacting the efficiency of file operations.
What is the significance of the USAGE clause when defining data types in COBOL?
- It defines the size of the data
- It determines the level of the data item
- It indicates how the data will be used
- It specifies the format of the data
The USAGE clause in COBOL specifies how the data will be used, such as for display, computation, or indexing. It influences the internal representation and storage format of the data item.
How can you ensure that errors in a COBOL program are reported to the appropriate personnel?
- Employ the DISPLAY statement to print errors on the screen
- Implement proper error handling and logging mechanisms
- Log errors in a local file for later analysis
- Use the ACCEPT statement to prompt the user for error details
To ensure that errors in a COBOL program are reported to the appropriate personnel, it's crucial to implement proper error handling and logging mechanisms. This may involve writing error details to log files or notifying administrators for further action.
In COBOL, what is the purpose of the CALL statement when invoking a subprogram?
- To allocate storage for variables
- To declare a variable as a parameter
- To define a recursive subroutine
- To transfer control to another program or subprogram
The CALL statement in COBOL is used to transfer control from one program or subprogram to another. It allows programs to modularize code by invoking separate subprograms, improving code readability and maintainability.
How does the COBOL SORT verb differ from the MERGE verb in terms of their outputs?
- MERGE combines two or more files into a single sorted file
- MERGE creates a sorted master file, while SORT does not
- SORT generates sorted output files, while MERGE does not
- SORT merges records from multiple files based on specified criteria
The COBOL SORT verb is used to generate sorted output files based on specified criteria, whereas the MERGE verb is used to combine two or more input files into a single sorted output file. The SORT verb focuses on sorting, while MERGE is about combining and sorting simultaneously.
Which arithmetic operation has the highest precedence in COBOL expressions?
- Addition
- Division
- Multiplication
- Subtraction
In COBOL, multiplication has the highest precedence in arithmetic expressions. It is essential to understand the operator precedence rules to ensure accurate computation of expressions.
What are some common challenges in handling time zones when dealing with date and time in COBOL?
- Allowing user-defined time zones
- Dealing with daylight saving time changes
- Ensuring consistent conversion across different time zones
- Managing offset differences
Common challenges in handling time zones include ensuring consistent conversion, addressing daylight saving time changes, and managing offset differences between different time zones.
In COBOL, the indexed file's key is often used to perform _____ operations on records.
- Access
- Arithmetic
- Sorting
- Update
In COBOL, the indexed file's key is frequently used to perform access operations on records. The key allows efficient retrieval and manipulation of records based on the specified criteria.
To perform integer division in COBOL, you can use the DIVIDE statement with the ________ phrase.
- BY
- GIVING
- INTO
- REMAINDER
The DIVIDE statement in COBOL is used for performing division operations. The GIVING phrase specifies the receiving field where the result of the division is stored. It is particularly useful for integer division.
How does the COBOL Procedure Division handle file I/O operations?
- COBOL does not support file I/O operations
- COBOL handles file I/O operations using the OPEN, READ, WRITE, and CLOSE statements in the Procedure Division
- COBOL uses a dedicated FILE CONTROL paragraph for file handling
- COBOL uses a separate FILE I/O Division for handling file operations
The COBOL Procedure Division handles file I/O operations using statements like OPEN, READ, WRITE, and CLOSE. These statements allow the programmer to interact with files, reading and writing data as needed within the procedural logic of the program.