The process of systematically finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program is known as _____.
- Compiling
- Debugging
- Testing
- Tracing
Debugging is the systematic process of finding and correcting errors in a COBOL program. It involves identifying and fixing issues to ensure the program functions as intended.
What is the benefit of using an index in COBOL arrays and tables?
- Enhanced data validation
- Improved access and manipulation of data
- Reduced storage requirements
- Simplified syntax
Using an index in COBOL arrays and tables provides improved access and manipulation of data. It allows for efficient retrieval of specific elements, making it easier to work with large datasets and enhancing program performance.
How can duplicate records in a COBOL file be identified?
- By comparing each record with a master file
- By performing a sequential search in the file
- By using the DUPLICATES phrase in the SELECT statement
- By utilizing the ALTERNATE KEY clause
Duplicate records in a COBOL file can be identified by using the DUPLICATES phrase in the SELECT statement. This allows the program to detect and handle records with identical key values efficiently.
What is the primary purpose of the COBOL Procedure Division?
- To declare data elements
- To define the file structure
- To handle program termination
- To specify the processing logic for the program
The COBOL Procedure Division is used to specify the processing logic for the program. It contains the statements that define the sequence of operations to be performed during program execution.
In COBOL, what is the primary purpose of the "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause?
- To ensure that exceptions are handled only once
- To exclude specific exceptions from being handled
- To force the program to terminate on any exception
- To handle exceptions that do not match the specified conditions
The "NOT ON EXCEPTION" clause in COBOL is used to exclude specific exceptions from being handled by the associated exception-handling routine. It allows for fine-grained control over exception handling, ensuring that only relevant exceptions are processed while others are ignored.
What are the common methods for handling database errors in a COBOL program?
- Ignoring errors for better performance
- Manual logging of errors in a separate file
- Use of SQLCODE and SQLSTATE
- Using only COBOL DISPLAY statements
In COBOL, handling database errors involves checking SQLCODE and SQLSTATE after each SQL operation. These codes provide information about the success or failure of the database operation and help in implementing appropriate error-handling logic.
Explain the concept of "nested scope" in COBOL with an example.
- It allows variables to be shared across all program blocks
- It limits the visibility of variables to the outermost program block
- It restricts the use of variables to the main program only
- Nested scope refers to the ability to define variables within inner program blocks that are only visible within those blocks
In COBOL, nested scope allows the definition of variables within inner program blocks, making them visible only within those blocks. For example, declaring variables inside a paragraph or a SECTION creates a nested scope.
To handle file errors gracefully in COBOL, you can use the _____ clause to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs.
- EXCEPTION HANDLING
- EXCEPTION PROCEDURE
- FILE STATUS
- ON EXCEPTION
In COBOL, the "ON EXCEPTION" clause is used to specify the procedure to be executed when an exception occurs during file operations. It allows for effective handling of errors and ensures the program can respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
_____ variables in COBOL are those whose values are shared among all instances of a program.
- Common
- External
- Global
- Universal
Common variables in COBOL are those whose values are shared among all instances of a program. These variables are declared in a common area and can be accessed by multiple program modules.
When using a PERFORM loop in COBOL, what is the significance of the THRU clause?
- It defines the exit condition for the loop
- It indicates the continuation of a nested loop
- It is used to terminate the loop prematurely
- It specifies the range of paragraphs or sections to be repeated
The THRU clause in a PERFORM statement in COBOL is used to specify a range of paragraphs or sections to be repeated within the loop. It simplifies the code by avoiding the need to list each paragraph individually.