Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: It refers to including copy members that bring in IDMS subschema and binding control blocks so that the program can access database records and sets
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on how COBOL programs are prepared to use IDMS databases. To access IDMS records and sets, a program must include certain copy members that define the subschema and communication blocks. The phrase Copy IDMS Subschema Binds is often used to describe the inclusion of these copybooks. Understanding this concept is important for anyone maintaining or generating IDMS data access programs.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In IDMS, the subschema defines the specific view of the database that a program uses. The compiler or precompiler needs this information, along with communication control blocks, to generate correct DML calls. These definitions are usually stored as copy members and included in the COBOL source with COPY statements. The term Copy IDMS Subschema Binds simply means bringing these definitions into the program so that the program is bound to the correct subschema. The correct option must refer to including copy members for subschema and binding structures.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Associate the words Copy and Subschema with COBOL copybooks and IDMS database views.
Step 2: Note that binding in this context refers to linking the program to the IDMS subschema and related control blocks.
Step 3: Look for the option that describes inclusion of copy members that define records, sets, and communication structures.
Step 4: Discard options that describe backup of logs, full database conversion, or disabling security rules, because these are not related to subschema binds.
Step 5: Choose the explanation that fits standard IDMS programming practice for including subschema definitions.
Verification / Alternative check:
If you have seen COBOL IDMS programs, you will remember COPY IDMS or COPY IDMS SUBSCHEMA statements in the working storage or linkage section. These copybooks bring in definitions such as the subschema control block and the record layouts. That is exactly what the phrase Copy IDMS Subschema Binds refers to. No standard IDMS documentation uses this phrase for backup or automatic conversion utilities, which confirms the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b: Copying log files to backup tape is a system operation and is not described with this phrase in application coding.
Option c: No simple utility can convert a complex network database into a relational design without analysis; the phrase does not refer to such a tool.
Option d: Disabling subschema security would be a serious security risk and is not the intention of subschema binds, which actually enforce what the program can see.
Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is to overcomplicate the term binds and assume it involves advanced dynamic linking. In IDMS COBOL programming, it is mainly about including the right copybooks so that the compiler and run time know which subschema and records to use. Another pitfall is to confuse operational activities such as backup or logging with application level binding concepts. Remember that Copy IDMS Subschema Binds belongs to the program source, not to system utilities.
Final Answer:
It refers to including copy members that bring in IDMS subschema and binding control blocks so that the program can access database records and sets.
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