What are some advantages of using relative file processing over sequential file processing in COBOL?
- Dynamic sorting of records, automatic key generation, enhanced security features
- Faster record access, ability to insert and delete records randomly, supports direct access to records
- Sequential access with no random access, limited storage usage, suitable for small datasets
- Simple and easy to implement, lower storage requirements, suitable for large datasets
Relative file processing in COBOL offers advantages such as faster record access, the ability to insert and delete records randomly, and support for direct access to records based on relative record numbers. This makes it efficient for certain types of applications compared to sequential file processing.
To minimize disk I/O in COBOL, it's essential to use ____________ techniques for file access.
- Direct
- Indexed
- Relative
- Sequential
Indexed file access techniques in COBOL involve using indexes to locate and retrieve records directly, reducing the need for sequential searches. This minimizes disk I/O by providing a more efficient way to access specific records without scanning the entire file sequentially.
In COBOL, what mechanisms or techniques can be employed to optimize file locking strategies for high-performance multi-user systems?
- Implementing complex locking algorithms without considering transaction boundaries
- Implementing record-level locking, choosing appropriate lock modes, and using transaction management to minimize lock duration
- Locking only during write operations and not during read operations
- Using file-level locking for simplicity, avoiding locking altogether, relying on database management system locks
To optimize file locking in COBOL for high-performance multi-user systems, employ mechanisms like record-level locking, choose suitable lock modes, and use transaction management to minimize lock duration. This ensures efficient concurrency while maintaining data integrity.
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used for defining ________ in the Data Division.
- Array elements
- External procedures
- Index variables
- Record layouts
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used for defining arrays, allowing you to specify the number of occurrences of a data item within a group. It is particularly useful for handling repetitive data structures like arrays in other programming languages.
In a COBOL program, you need to store a date of birth. Which data type should you use to ensure compatibility with international date formats?
- PIC 9(8)
- PIC 9(8) COMP-3
- PIC X(10)
- PIC X(8)
The PIC X(10) data type in COBOL is suitable for storing a date of birth while ensuring compatibility with international date formats. It allows for the representation of date values in a text format without imposing a specific internal structure.
What is the primary purpose of using subprograms in COBOL?
- To control program execution flow
- To declare variables in COBOL
- To handle input/output operations
- To modularize and organize code for better maintainability
Subprograms in COBOL are used to modularize code, allowing developers to break down a program into smaller, manageable parts. This promotes better code organization, readability, and maintenance.
In COBOL, when dealing with variable-length records, the "DEPENDING ON" clause is used to specify the ______ upon which the length of a record depends.
- data type
- field or condition
- file organization
- record type
The "DEPENDING ON" clause in COBOL is used to specify the field or condition upon which the length of a record depends. It allows the record length to vary dynamically based on the value of the specified field or condition. This is particularly useful when dealing with files containing variable-length records.
You are working on a COBOL program that deals with financial transactions. Which COBOL data type would you choose to store currency amounts with two decimal places accurately?
- PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP
- PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP-3
- PIC S9(13)V9(2) COMP
- PIC S9(13)V9(2) COMP-3
The PIC S9(11)V9(2) COMP-3 data type in COBOL is suitable for storing currency amounts with two decimal places accurately. It represents a packed-decimal format, ensuring precise storage and manipulation of decimal values.
What is the primary purpose of integrating COBOL with a database system?
- To efficiently manage and store large volumes of data
- To enhance the user interface of COBOL programs
- To facilitate communication with hardware devices
- To improve program execution speed
Integrating COBOL with a database system allows for the efficient management and storage of large volumes of data. It enables the seamless interaction between COBOL programs and databases, supporting data retrieval, storage, and manipulation.
Your COBOL program requires accessing records based on a unique identifier. Which file organization type should you implement?
- Indexed
- Line Sequential
- Relative
- Sequential
When accessing records based on a unique identifier, the Indexed file organization is ideal in COBOL. It facilitates direct access to records using the key, optimizing retrieval based on the unique identifier.