In COBOL, when specifying an alternate index, the ALTERNATE KEY IS clause is used to define the _______ structure.
- File
- Index
- Key
- Record
The ALTERNATE KEY IS clause in COBOL is used to define the structure of the key field that will serve as an alternate index. It specifies the data item that will be used as the alternate key for indexing records in addition to the primary key.
The REDEFINES clause is used for ___________ a data item to have the same storage area as another data item.
- Allowing
- Forcing
- Ignoring
- Preventing
The REDEFINES clause in COBOL is used for allowing a data item to share the same storage area as another data item. It is particularly useful for reusing memory space efficiently.
Which COBOL debugging tool allows you to step through the program's execution line by line?
- COBOL Inspector
- COBOL Monitor
- COBOL Trace
- COBOL-DB
The COBOL debugging tool that allows you to step through the program's execution line by line is "COBOL Trace." It provides a detailed trace of the program's execution, helping programmers identify and analyze the flow of control during debugging.
How are records typically located and accessed in a relative file?
- By navigating through an index
- By specifying the record key
- By using the file position indicator
- Sequentially, based on record order
In a relative file, records are typically located and accessed by using the file position indicator. This indicator keeps track of the current position in the file, allowing for random access to records based on their relative record number.
COBOL allows you to define your own _____ in the Procedure Division to encapsulate specific functionality.
- Macros
- Paragraphs
- Segments
- Subroutines
In COBOL, the PERFORM statement is used to execute a section of code defined as a subroutine. This allows encapsulation of specific functionality within a procedure, improving code organization and maintainability.
The WRITE verb in COBOL can be used with the ________ clause to handle writing errors.
- ERROR
- EXCEPTION
- FILE STATUS
- INVALID KEY
In COBOL, the WRITE verb is used to write records to a file. The INVALID KEY clause is used to handle writing errors that may occur during the execution of the WRITE statement. It allows the program to take specific actions when a write operation encounters an error.
What is the purpose of arithmetic operations in COBOL programs?
- To control program flow
- To handle string manipulations
- To manage input/output operations
- To perform calculations and manipulate numeric data
Arithmetic operations in COBOL are used to perform calculations and manipulate numeric data. These operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, allowing programs to perform mathematical tasks.
In COBOL, what is the significance of the DEPENDING ON clause when used with the OCCURS clause?
- Define the initial value of an OCCURS clause
- Dynamically determine the number of occurrences at runtime based on a variable
- Set the upper limit for the number of occurrences in an OCCURS clause
- Specify the data type of the OCCURS clause
The DEPENDING ON clause in COBOL, when used with the OCCURS clause, allows you to dynamically determine the number of occurrences at runtime. This flexibility is valuable when the exact size of the array is unknown until the program is executed.
Explain the role of the GIVING clause in COBOL arithmetic statements.
- It defines the range of values for a variable.
- It indicates the result field where the computed value will be stored.
- It is used to initialize variables.
- It specifies the condition to be checked.
The GIVING clause in COBOL arithmetic statements is used to specify the result field where the computed value will be stored. It plays a crucial role in assigning the result of arithmetic operations to a designated variable.
The _____ clause is used to declare the initial value of a COBOL constant.
- ASSIGN
- DEFAULT
- INITIAL
- VALUE
In COBOL, the VALUE clause is used to declare the initial value of a constant. It allows you to assign a value to a data item at the time of its declaration.