COBOL Interview Questions and Answers
Experienced / Expert level questions & answers
Ques 1. How do you handle errors in COBOL programs?
Errors in COBOL programs are often handled using the ON EXCEPTION clause or the use of condition names. This allows for the graceful handling of errors.
Example:
READ FILE-1 INTO WS-RECORD ON EXCEPTION
DISPLAY 'Error reading file'
END-READ.
Ques 2. What is the purpose of the REDEFINES clause?
The REDEFINES clause in COBOL is used to share storage between two or more data items. It allows multiple data descriptions for the same physical storage.
Example:
01 EMPLOYEE-NAME PIC X(20).
01 EMPLOYEE-NAME-REDEFINED REDEFINES EMPLOYEE-NAME PIC 9(9).
Ques 3. What is the purpose of the MERGE statement?
The MERGE statement in COBOL is used to merge two or more sorted input files into a single sorted output file. It is often used for sorting and merging files.
Example:
MERGE FILE-1, FILE-2 INTO SORTED-FILE.
Ques 4. Explain the concept of the REWRITE statement in COBOL.
The REWRITE statement in COBOL is used to modify the contents of a record in a file. It is typically used in conjunction with the READ statement to update existing records.
Example:
READ FILE-1 INTO DATA-RECORD.
REWRITE DATA-RECORD.
Ques 5. What is the purpose of the EXIT PROGRAM statement?
The EXIT PROGRAM statement in COBOL is used to terminate the entire program. It is often used in conjunction with a condition or as part of an error-handling routine.
Example:
IF ERROR-FLAG = 'Y' THEN
EXIT PROGRAM.
END-IF.
Ques 6. What is the significance of the RESERVE statement in COBOL?
The RESERVE statement in COBOL is used to allocate storage space for large data items. It ensures that sufficient memory is reserved to accommodate the specified data.
Example:
01 LARGE-DATA PIC X(1000).
RESERVE 1000 CHARACTERS FOR LARGE-DATA.
Ques 7. Explain the concept of the SET ENVIRONMENT statement.
The SET ENVIRONMENT statement in COBOL is used to specify or change environment settings, such as the currency symbol, decimal point character, or date format.
Example:
SET ENVIRONMENT CURRENCY-SYMBOL '$'.
Ques 8. What is the purpose of the REJECT statement in COBOL?
The REJECT statement in COBOL is used to return a record to an input file after it has been read. It is often used in conjunction with the REWRITE statement.
Example:
READ INPUT-FILE INTO DATA-RECORD.
IF CONDITION
REJECT DATA-RECORD.
END-IF.
Ques 9. What is the purpose of the ALTER statement in COBOL?
The ALTER statement in COBOL is used to modify the properties of data items at runtime. It allows dynamic changes to the length, picture, or usage of data items.
Example:
ALTER ITEM-DESCR TO PIC X(30).
Ques 10. What is the purpose of the GENERATE statement in COBOL?
The GENERATE statement in COBOL is used to dynamically create new paragraphs or sections during program execution. It enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the program.
Example:
GENERATE 'NEW-PARAGRAPH'.
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