Correct Answer: Syntax: SORT file-1 ON ASCENDING/DESCENDING KEY key USING file-2 GIVING file-3 USING can be substituted by INPUT PROCEDURE IS para-1 THRU para-2 GIVING can be substituted by OUTPUT PROCEDURE IS para-1 THRU para-2 file-1 is the sort workfile and must be described using SD entry in FILE SECTION file-2 is the input file for the SORT and must be described using an FD entry in FILE SECTION and SELECT clause in FILE CONTROL file-3 is the outfile from the SORT and must be described using an FD entry in FILE SECTION and SELECT clause in FILE CONTROL file-1, file-2 & file-3 should not be opened explicitly INPUT PROCEDURE is executed before the sort and records must be RELEASEd to the sort work file from the input procedure OUTPUT PROCEDURE is executed after all records have been sorted Records from the sort work file must be RETURNed one at a time to the output procedure
5. What are different file OPEN modes available in COBOL?
Correct Answer: Open for INPUT, OUTPUT, I-O, EXTEND 1INPUT : for read only purpose 2OUTPUT : for write only purpose 3EXTEND : for appending records 4I-O : for read and write(using EXTEND) purpose
6. What are the differences between COBOL and COBOL II?
Correct Answer: There are some differences: COBOL II supports structured programming by using in line Performs and explicit scope terminators It introduces new features (EVALUATE, SET TO TRUE, CALL BY CONTEXT, etc) It permits programs to be loaded and addressed above the 16-megabyte line It does not support many old features (READY TRACE, REPORT-WRITER, ISAM, etc) It offers enhanced CICS support
7. What guidelines should be followed to write a structured COBOL program ?
Correct Answer: Following guidelines to be following while writing Cobol program: - Use ? EVALUATE ? statement for constructing cases - Use scope terminators for nesting - Use in-line Perform statement for writing ?do? constructions - Use Test Before and Test After in the Perform statement while writing Do-While statements