SOLUTIONS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS for S&S Chapter 1

SOLUTIONS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS: Chapter 1

I. True-False Questions

1.   F The compiler does not detect logic errors.
2.   F All symbolic programs need to be compiled in order to create a machine-language program ready for execution.
3.   F Other languages are more suitable for scientific applications.
4.   F The sequence is IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, DATA, and PROCEDURE.
5.   F It is the ENVIRONMENT DIVISION that specifies the computer device to be used.
6.   T
7.   T
8.   T
9.   T
10. T

II. General Questions

1. a. A program is a set of instructions that enables a computer to process data.
    b. A compiler is a system software program that translates a symbolic language source program into a machine language object program.
    c. A source program is a set of symbolic language instructions written by a programmer, which must be converted into machine language before it can be executed.
    d. An object program is a set of machine language instructions which is produced by a compiler, that is ready for execution by the computer.

2. A symbolic programming language consists of English-like instructions or symbolic phrases, whereas machine language utilizes complex binary instructions and memory addresses. Symbolic programs must be translated into machine language prior to execution.

3. COBOL has become a popular language because of its English-like style which makes it easy to learn and code. Also, its English-like style makes COBOL easy to understand and relatively self-documenting. It is well suited for commercial applications and thus popular among business environments.

4. Structured programming is a standard approach to program design and development that creates programs as a set of interrelated modules. Debugging is simplified because branch points (GO TOs) are eliminated from programs.

5. ANS COBOL is the standardized version of the COBOL language. The American National Standards Institute is the supporting body for COBOL standards and oversees development of new releases of the COBOL language.

6. Operating system software is software supplied by the manufacturer of the computer to control the overall operations of the computer. This software is the interface between users of the computer and the hardware itself. Application software is software designed by application programmers which is specially developed to perform particular tasks required by users.

7. A syntax error is a violation of the rules of the programming language.

8. The PICTURE clause defines the size and type of each field being used by a program.

9. The SELECT statement assigns a name to a file and specifies the device on which the file is located.

10. The WORKING-STORAGE SECTION defines and describes all work areas and data fields which are not part of input or output files but are required for processing. This section can also be used to define separate areas for input and output files.