When should you use the OCCURS clause in defining data structures?
- To allocate space for a data item
- To create a loop for processing a group of related data items
- To define a record layout for a file
- To specify the hierarchy of a data item
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to create a loop for processing a group of related data items. It allows the repetition of a data item or a group of data items, facilitating the handling of arrays and tables in COBOL programs.
The "PROCEDURE DIVISION" contains the actual _____ of a COBOL program.
- Data declaration
- Execution logic
- File definition
- Identification Division
The "PROCEDURE DIVISION" in COBOL holds the actual execution logic of the program. It includes statements and procedures that dictate the flow of the program and specify the operations to be performed.
In a COBOL program, you need to move a date value from one field to another. Which COBOL statement should you use for this data transfer?
- ACCEPT statement
- INITIALIZE statement
- MOVE statement
- SET statement
The MOVE statement in COBOL is used to transfer data from one field to another. When dealing with date values, the MOVE statement ensures the proper transfer of date information between fields.
In a multi-user environment, two COBOL programs need to access the same file for reading and writing simultaneously. Which file access mode should you select to ensure data consistency?
- DYNAMIC
- I-O
- INPUT
- OUTPUT
In a multi-user environment, the appropriate file access mode is I-O (Input-Output). This mode supports concurrent reading and writing operations, ensuring data consistency when multiple programs access the same file simultaneously.
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.
The "Input" file access mode is primarily used for _____ data from a file in COBOL.
- Deleting
- Reading
- Updating
- Writing
The "Input" file access mode in COBOL is used for reading data from a file. It allows the program to retrieve information stored in a file and process it within the program.
What is the primary purpose of implementing exception handling in a COBOL program?
- To gracefully handle unexpected errors and prevent program termination
- To improve program performance
- To reduce the size of the compiled code
- To simplify the program logic
Exception handling in COBOL is essential to gracefully handle unexpected errors or exceptional conditions that may arise during program execution. It helps prevent abrupt program termination and allows for controlled error recovery.