What is the significance of the "RECORD VARYING" clause in COBOL file handling?
- It allows processing variable-length records without explicitly specifying their length
- It indicates that the records can vary in size during program execution
- It sets the maximum and minimum lengths for variable-length records
- It specifies the use of varying-length records in sorted files
The "RECORD VARYING" clause in COBOL file handling is significant as it indicates that the records can vary in size during program execution. This flexibility is useful when dealing with files containing variable-length records.
When working with databases in COBOL, what does SQL stand for?
- Sequential Query Language
- Structured Query Language
- Synchronized Query Logic
- Systematic Question Language
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a standardized language used to interact with relational databases, enabling operations such as data retrieval, insertion, updating, and deletion.
You are tasked with designing a COBOL program that needs to access records in an indexed file using a unique key. Which access mode and file organization would you choose, and why?
- Option 1: Dynamic Access, Sequential File Organization
- Option 2: Random Access, Indexed File Organization
- Option 3: Dynamic Access, Indexed File Organization
- Option 4: Sequential Access, Relative File Organization
Dynamic Access with Indexed File Organization would be the appropriate choice. This allows efficient access using a unique key, enabling direct retrieval of records based on the key value. Dynamic access provides flexibility in navigating through the file, making it suitable for scenarios requiring key-based searches.
In COBOL, what is the significance of the FILE STATUS clause in the context of file handling errors?
- It defines the file structure and layout
- It is used to declare file names in the FILE SECTION
- It provides a status code after each file operation, indicating the success or failure of the operation
- It specifies the file organization and access mode
The FILE STATUS clause in COBOL is used to provide a status code after each file operation. This code indicates the success or failure of the operation, allowing the program to take appropriate actions based on the file handling result.
Which file processing technique is suitable when you need to read records in the order they were added to the file?
- Dynamic file processing
- Indexed file processing
- Relative file processing
- Sequential file processing
Sequential file processing in COBOL is suitable when you need to read records in the order they were added to the file. This ensures that records are processed in the same sequence they were inserted, which is beneficial in scenarios where chronological order matters.
In COBOL, how can you handle multiple conditions efficiently using the "EVALUATE" statement?
- By employing the "ELSE" clause
- By specifying different conditions using "WHEN" clauses
- By using nested "IF" statements
- By utilizing the "ALSO" keyword
The "EVALUATE" statement in COBOL allows efficient handling of multiple conditions by using "WHEN" clauses. Each "WHEN" clause represents a different condition, providing a clear and structured way to handle various cases.
The COBOL intrinsic function FUNCTION ______ is commonly used for string manipulation.
- LENGTH
- REVERSE
- TRIM
- UPPER-CASE
The FUNCTION TRIM in COBOL is commonly used for string manipulation. It allows you to remove leading and trailing spaces from a string, providing a cleaner and more controlled data representation.
In COBOL, what is the primary purpose of the INVALID KEY phrase when using the READ verb?
- It indicates the end of the file
- It is a syntax error
- It is used to specify actions to be taken if an I/O operation fails
- It signifies an invalid condition in the data being read
The INVALID KEY phrase in the READ verb is used to handle situations where there is an invalid condition in the data being read. This can include data conversion errors or data integrity issues, allowing the program to take specific actions when such conditions occur.
You are working on a mission-critical COBOL application that must continue running even in the presence of non-fatal errors. Which error recovery strategy should you implement to achieve this?
- Graceful degradation
- Process termination
- Use of the PERFORM THRU statement
- Use of the STOP RUN statement
Graceful degradation is an error recovery strategy in COBOL where the application continues to run even in the presence of non-fatal errors. It involves handling errors in a way that allows the program to provide partial functionality while ensuring overall stability.
When debugging a COBOL program, what does it mean if you encounter a "syntax error"?
- A logical error in the program
- An issue with hardware
- The program is running successfully
- There is a mistake in the program's structure or language rules
Encountering a "syntax error" during COBOL debugging indicates a mistake in the program's structure or language rules. This could include incorrect usage of COBOL statements, missing periods, or other syntax-related issues that prevent the program from being compiled or executed.