In COBOL, what is the LEVEL number used for in the data description entry (FD)?
- To assign a priority level to the data item
- To define the number of occurrences in an OCCURS clause
- To indicate the level of nesting in nested programs
- To specify the hierarchy of a record
The LEVEL number in COBOL's FD (File Description) entry is used to specify the hierarchy or level of a record. It indicates the position of a data item in the hierarchy of the record structure.
When working with indexed files, what is the purpose of the "alternate key" in performance optimization?
- To act as a backup key in case of primary key failure
- To add redundancy to the index file
- To improve search and retrieval performance
- To provide an alternative method for sorting the file
The "alternate key" in indexed files serves to enhance search and retrieval performance by providing an alternative means of accessing data. It allows for efficient retrieval based on criteria other than the primary key, optimizing file access.
What is the purpose of the "Input" file access mode in COBOL?
- To perform both read and write operations on the file
- To read records sequentially from the file
- To update records in the file
- To write records to the file
The "Input" file access mode in COBOL is used to read records sequentially from the file. It allows the program to retrieve data from the file but does not permit any changes or additions to the file.
When dealing with VSAM and ISAM files, it's important to implement proper ________ strategies to avoid data inconsistencies.
- Indexing
- Locking
- Merging
- Sorting
Implementing proper Locking strategies is crucial when dealing with VSAM and ISAM files to avoid data inconsistencies caused by concurrent access from multiple users. Locking ensures that only one user can modify a record at a time, preventing conflicts and maintaining data integrity.
When using the REDEFINES clause in COBOL, you can create a different view of the same ________ item.
- Group
- Level
- Memory
- Occurs
The REDEFINES clause in COBOL allows you to create a different view of the same memory space occupied by a group item. It is used for reinterpreting the storage allocated to a data item, providing flexibility in data representation.
In COBOL, what is an embedded SQL statement used for in the context of database connectivity?
- Connecting COBOL programs to multiple databases
- Creating backup copies of COBOL programs
- Executing SQL statements within COBOL programs
- Generating reports from COBOL programs
An embedded SQL statement in COBOL allows the execution of SQL queries, updates, and other database operations directly within COBOL programs. This integration facilitates database connectivity and enables COBOL programs to interact with database systems seamlessly.
The ______ clause in COBOL is used to specify the action to be taken when an exception occurs.
- EXCEPTION-CONDITION
- EXCEPTION-CONTROL
- EXCEPTION-HANDLER
- ON EXCEPTION
The EXCEPTION-HANDLER clause in COBOL is used to specify the action to be taken when an exception occurs during program execution. It allows the programmer to define custom error-handling logic for specific exceptions.
In COBOL, what is a stored procedure, and how is it used in database connectivity?
- A COBOL program that directly accesses the database
- A dynamic SQL statement generated at runtime
- A precompiled set of SQL statements stored in the database
- An external subroutine that manipulates data in COBOL programs
In COBOL, a stored procedure is a precompiled set of SQL statements stored in the database. It is invoked using EXEC SQL statements in COBOL programs. Stored procedures enhance modularity, security, and performance in database connectivity.
To handle file-related exceptions, you can use the ______ statement to specify alternative actions.
- EXCEPTION-FILE
- FILE CONTROL
- FILE EXCEPTION
- FILE HANDLING
The FILE EXCEPTION statement in COBOL is used to handle file-related exceptions. It allows the programmer to specify alternative actions to be taken when exceptions related to file operations occur.
You are designing a COBOL program to calculate the factorial of a number using a recursive subprogram. Which type of recursion is involved in this scenario?
- Direct Recursion
- Indirect Recursion
- Mutual Recursion
- Tail Recursion
In this scenario, Mutual Recursion is involved when two or more subprograms call each other to calculate the factorial. It creates a cycle of calls among the subprograms.