In a relative file, records are identified by their _____, which is an integer value.
- Index Key
- Prime Key
- Record Key
- Relative Key
In a relative file, records are identified by their Relative Key, which is an integer value assigned to each record. This key is used to directly access records based on their relative position in the file.
You are working on a complex COBOL project with multiple programs. Which clause or method would you use to ensure that a particular variable can be accessed by all programs in the project?
- COMMON-LINKAGE section
- EXPORT statement
- External clause
- Global clause
In COBOL, you can ensure that a variable is accessible by all programs in a project by defining it in the COMMON-LINKAGE section. This section contains variables that are shared among all programs in the project, allowing them to exchange data.
How can you efficiently navigate through a file containing variable-length records in COBOL?
- Implement the READ NEXT RECORD statement
- Use the RELATIVE key in the file control entry
- Utilize the NEXT RECORD statement
- Utilize the RECORD CONTAINS clause
In COBOL, the efficient navigation through a file with variable-length records is achieved using the READ NEXT RECORD statement. This statement reads the next record in the file, regardless of its length, allowing seamless traversal.
When using intrinsic functions, what is the result of the FUNCTION NUMVAL("123.45") in COBOL?
- 0
- 123.45
- 12345
- Error
The FUNCTION NUMVAL("123.45") in COBOL returns the numeric value 123.45 after converting the given alphanumeric string into a numeric format.
In a multi-user environment, you need to ensure that only one user can update a specific record in an ISAM file at a time. How would you implement file locking for this purpose?
- Apply a system-level lock using operating system utilities
- Implement record-level locking using a separate lock file
- Use the COBOL LOCK clause for exclusive access
- Utilize COBOL SYNC clause for synchronization
To ensure exclusive access to a record in an ISAM file, using the COBOL LOCK clause for exclusive access is a common approach. It prevents other users from updating the same record simultaneously, avoiding data inconsistency.
You are tasked with implementing a COBOL program to track employee working hours for a large organization. How would you use arrays or tables to handle this task effectively?
- Both Array and Table
- Neither Array nor Table
- Use a table
- Use an array
For tracking employee working hours in a large organization, a table in COBOL would be more effective. A table allows for dynamic storage allocation based on the number of employees, facilitating efficient management of variable-sized data sets. Arrays might limit flexibility and could be less practical in handling a dynamic workforce.
The "ON EXCEPTION" phrase can be used to specify the _____ that should be taken when a specific exception condition is encountered.
- Action or actions
- Condition code
- Procedure division
- State transition
The "ON EXCEPTION" phrase in COBOL allows you to specify the action or actions to be taken when a specific exception condition is encountered during program execution. This facilitates the handling of errors and exceptions in a structured manner.
The OCCURS clause is used to define _________ data items in COBOL.
- Complex
- Repeating
- Special
- Unique
The OCCURS clause in COBOL is used to define repeating data items. It allows the definition of arrays or tables, enabling the storage of multiple occurrences of the same data structure.
When working with VSAM and ISAM files, the _____ clause defines the organization of the file.
- ACCESS
- KEY
- ORGANIZATION
- RECORD
In COBOL, the ORGANIZATION clause is used to define the organization of a file, particularly when dealing with VSAM and ISAM files. It specifies whether the file is sequential, indexed, or relative.
In COBOL, what is the difference between a data item defined in the WORKING-STORAGE section and a data item defined in the FILE SECTION?
- Data items in the WORKING-STORAGE section are temporary, while those in the FILE SECTION are permanent
- WORKING-STORAGE section is for data definitions, and FILE SECTION is for program logic
- WORKING-STORAGE section is for input/output files, and FILE SECTION is for internal variables
- WORKING-STORAGE section is for program logic, and FILE SECTION is for data definitions
The WORKING-STORAGE section in COBOL is used for variables that need to retain their values throughout the program execution, primarily for program logic. The FILE SECTION, on the other hand, is used for defining file-related data items and is not typically used for program logic.