What are some potential advantages of using variable-length records in COBOL file handling, such as reduced storage space and improved efficiency?
- complex data structures, increased storage requirements, slower file access
- fixed record lengths, reduced processing time, static storage allocation
- flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths, efficient memory usage
- random access, sequential processing, indexed files
Using variable-length records in COBOL file handling offers several advantages, including flexible storage allocation, dynamic record lengths based on data requirements, and efficient memory usage. This allows for optimal storage utilization and can result in reduced storage space requirements and improved efficiency in file processing operations.
What is the purpose of the OCCURS clause in COBOL?
- To declare constants
- To define repeating data fields or arrays
- To initialize variables
- To specify file access mode
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define repeating data fields or arrays. It allows the programmer to specify the number of times a particular data item or group of data items is repeated in a record or record group. This is especially useful for handling repetitive data structures like arrays.
The _______ statement in COBOL is often used to switch control to the next iteration of a loop.
- CONTINUE
- EXIT
- ITERATE
- NEXT
The ITERATE statement in COBOL is used to transfer control to the next iteration of a loop. It allows for skipping the remaining statements in the loop and proceeding with the next iteration.
In a COBOL program, you have encountered a situation where you need to exit the program due to a critical error. Which statement should you use to ensure a clean program termination?
- EXIT PARAGRAPH
- EXIT PROGRAM
- GOBACK
- STOP RUN
The STOP RUN statement in COBOL is used to terminate the program gracefully. It releases resources, closes files, and performs necessary cleanup before ending the program.
The _____ statement is used to transfer control to another paragraph in the Procedure Division.
- CALL
- EXIT
- GO TO
- PERFORM
The GO TO statement in COBOL is used to transfer control to another paragraph within the same program. While it provides flexibility, it should be used judiciously to maintain code readability.
In COBOL, which statement is used to add two numeric values together?
- ADD
- DIVIDE
- MULTIPLY
- SUBTRACT
The ADD statement in COBOL is used to add two or more numeric values together. It supports various formats and can be used for both integer and decimal arithmetic operations.
The FUNCTION _______ intrinsic function is utilized to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value.
- FLOOR
- INTEGER
- TRUNC
- ROUND
The correct option is INTEGER. The INTEGER intrinsic function in COBOL is used to obtain the integer portion of a numeric value by truncating the fractional part.
In a COBOL application, you are required to validate user input for a date field. Which intrinsic function can help you ensure that the entered date is valid?
- FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE
- FUNCTION NUMCHECK
- FUNCTION NUMVAL
- FUNCTION VALIDATE
The FUNCTION DATE-VALIDATE intrinsic function in COBOL helps validate user input for date fields, ensuring that the entered date is in a valid format. It is useful for maintaining data integrity in date-related operations.
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the ________ phrase to handle file closing errors.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- REPORT
- STATUS
The CLOSE verb in COBOL can be used with the EXCEPTION phrase to handle file closing errors. It provides a way to manage errors that may occur during the closing of a file.
When does the CONTINUE statement get executed in a COBOL program?
- After encountering an error
- At the end of the program execution
- It is never executed
- When a specific condition is met
The CONTINUE statement in COBOL is generally used at the end of a paragraph or section to indicate the end of processing for that specific section. It gets executed when the program reaches that point during its normal flow.