When debugging, using a _____ allows you to save the current state of your COBOL program for later analysis.
- Breakpoint
- Checkpoint
- Snapshot
- Watchpoint
In COBOL debugging, a "Snapshot" allows you to capture the current state of the program at a specific point. It includes the values of variables, registers, and other relevant information for later analysis, aiding in identifying and resolving issues.
Your COBOL program processes student exam scores. If a student's score is below 40, they fail; if it's between 40 and 60, they pass; and if it's above 60, they excel. Which COBOL statement would you use to handle this situation efficiently?
- EVALUATE
- IF...ELSE
- PERFORM VARYING
- UNSTRING
The EVALUATE statement in COBOL is suitable for efficiently handling multiple conditions. In this scenario, you can use it to evaluate different score ranges and determine whether a student fails, passes, or excels.
When an exception occurs in a COBOL program, what information is typically included in the exception message?
- Detailed program execution log
- Line number, error code, and a descriptive message
- Only a generic error code
- Only the error code and program name
Exception messages in COBOL typically include crucial information such as the line number where the exception occurred, a specific error code for identification, and a descriptive message providing insights into the nature of the error. This information aids in debugging and resolving issues efficiently.
When dealing with large datasets, how can you minimize the impact of disk I/O on performance in COBOL?
- Implement "READ NEXT" operation
- Implement indexing on the files
- Use the "REWRITE" statement for efficient updates
- Utilize sequential file access
Implementing indexing on files helps minimize the impact of disk I/O by providing direct access to specific records, reducing the need for sequential scanning of the entire file.
What types of locks can be used in COBOL file handling to prevent concurrent access conflicts?
- Exclusive locks and Shared locks
- Primary locks and Secondary locks
- Read-only locks and Write-only locks
- Record-level locks and File-level locks
COBOL file handling supports two types of locks: Exclusive locks, which allow only one program to access the file at a time, and Shared locks, which permit multiple programs to access the file concurrently for reading purposes.
Which file organization in COBOL allows for both sequential and random access to records?
- Dynamic
- Indexed
- Relative
- Sequential
Indexed file organization in COBOL allows for both sequential and random access to records. While records can be read sequentially, the presence of an index allows for direct access based on a key, providing flexibility in record retrieval.
Which COBOL statement is commonly used to capture and handle exceptions that occur during file operations?
- EXCEPTION-CONDITION
- FILE STATUS
- ON ERROR
- TRY-CATCH
The FILE STATUS clause in COBOL is commonly used to capture and handle exceptions that occur during file operations. It provides information about the status of the file operation, allowing the program to take appropriate actions in case of errors.