When reading variable-length records in COBOL, the "LENGTH OF" clause can be used to determine the _____ of the currently processed record.
- Length
- Number
- Occurrence
- Size
The "LENGTH OF" clause in COBOL is used to determine the length of the currently processed record when dealing with variable-length records. It helps in handling records of varying sizes during file processing.
In the Data Division, the ________ clause is used to specify the level of nesting for data items within a group.
- INDEXES
- LEVELS
- OCCURS
- REDEFINES
The LEVELS clause in COBOL is used to specify the level of nesting for data items within a group. It helps in organizing and structuring complex data structures by defining the hierarchy of data items.
How does the OCCURS clause contribute to memory management and efficiency in COBOL?
- It allocates a fixed amount of memory for each array element
- It allows the programmer to declare variables with arbitrary sizes
- It dynamically adjusts the memory allocation based on runtime conditions
- It has no impact on memory management
The OCCURS clause in COBOL contributes to memory management and efficiency by dynamically adjusting the memory allocation based on runtime conditions. This allows for optimal usage of memory resources and flexibility in handling variable-sized data structures.
When working with packed decimal fields in COBOL, you can use the _____ clause to specify the number of decimal places.
- COMP-3
- DISPLAY
- PICTURE
- USAGE
In COBOL, the USAGE clause is used to define the format of numeric data items. COMP-3 is the usage clause for packed decimal, and it allows you to specify the number of decimal places for the field.
You are developing a COBOL application that handles a large inventory database accessed by multiple users. What type of file locking strategy would you recommend to ensure data integrity while allowing concurrent reads?
- File-level locking
- No locking is needed for concurrent reads
- Record-level locking
- Table-based locking
For ensuring data integrity while allowing concurrent reads in a large inventory database, file-level locking is recommended. File-level locking ensures that the entire file is locked for write operations, preventing conflicts during updates.
When using the "I-O" access mode, what operations can be performed on a file?
- Both reading and writing operations
- Neither reading nor writing operations
- Only reading operations
- Only writing operations
The "I-O" (Input-Output) access mode in COBOL allows both reading and writing operations on a file. It is used when a program needs to perform both input and output operations on the same file.
Explain the concept of "dynamic scope" in COBOL and how it affects variable visibility.
- Dynamic scope allows variables to be visible based on the program execution path
- Dynamic scope in COBOL is not supported
- Dynamic scope is related to runtime memory allocation
- Dynamic scope is used for handling errors dynamically
In COBOL, dynamic scope refers to the visibility of variables based on the program's execution path. Variables can be accessed based on the sequence of program calls during runtime, affecting their visibility and accessibility. This dynamic behavior is essential in certain program structures and scenarios.
In a COBOL program, you are required to maintain an employee database with records that can be accessed randomly. Which file access mode and organization should you select?
- Dynamic access mode, Indexed organization
- Random access mode, Indexed organization
- Random access mode, Relative organization
- Sequential access mode, Line-Sequential organization
For random access to records in a database, the Random access mode with Indexed file organization is suitable. This allows direct access based on a key value.
You are working on a COBOL program that needs to store employee records with multiple fields like name, age, and salary. Which section of the COBOL Data Division would you use to define these data items?
- FILE SECTION
- LINKAGE SECTION
- REPORT SECTION
- WORKING-STORAGE SECTION
In a COBOL program, the WORKING-STORAGE SECTION is used to define variables and data items that are needed during the execution of the program. It is suitable for storing temporary data like employee records, ensuring they are retained throughout the program's execution.
In VSAM files, what is the role of the Alternate Index (AIX)?
- Acts as a backup index for the primary index
- Facilitates sequential access only
- Organizes records in reverse order
- Provides an alternate path to the data records based on a key field
The Alternate Index (AIX) in VSAM files serves as an alternate path to access data records based on a key field other than the primary key. It allows for efficient retrieval and random access to records using a secondary key.