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This stage of the Applications Programming course involves the reading of further study manuals and the production of a programming project. The study material deals with further features of the COBOL programming language needed in order to complete the advanced programming project for the City and Guilds 425 examination. These features include the use of the Report Writer and screen handling sections of the language. The material also covers topics of general interest to programmers. The knowledge of this extra material may be tested by the visiting City and Guilds examiner during the oral examination session. Section 1: The COBOL compiler This discusses the components and tools used by The COBOL programmer to produce finished Programs that can be run independently from the Development environment. Topics include: ~ Static and dynamic linking ~ Link libraries ~ The run time system (RTS) ~ The Animator (debugging tool) ~ Program directives Section 2: Report Writer This chapter covers all the necessary syntax and logic needed to generate professional reports using Report Writer section of the COBOLlanguage. Section 3: Screen Handling This chapter covers all the necessary syntax andlogic needed to produce effective interactive screens and menus that can be incorporatedinto on-line or interactive programs. This makesextensive use of the screen section element of theCOBOL language Section 4: Transaction Processing This chapter discusses possible environments in which programs perform their tasks. Topics covered are many and varied, and include: ~ Batch and on-line systems ~ Multi-user operating systems ~ Systems software ~ User requirements ~ Communications systems ~ Transaction Processing Monitors (TPM) ~ Memory management ~ Fallback procedures Section 5: Database Systems This chapter discusses the database environment and various database systems.Topics include. ~ Entities and attributes ~ Components of a database system ~ Network databases ~ What is SQL? ~ The data dictionary ~ Access control, data locking and security Section 6: Applications Development Tools This chapter discusses the various generations of programming languages from the first generation through to 4GLs. It also takes the elements from the previous chapters in this stage and puts them into perspective by discussing when and why they should (or should not) be used. Stage 4a Project This project is seen as an extension of the City and Guilds 424 project. As well as producing new programs to expand the existing 424 suite, the student will be required to amend an existing program so that it conforms to the 425 project specification.This project incorporates on-line input and validation using the screen section, the use of line sequential and random access for the production of reports, and sorting, referencing and updating data files. Requirements are similar to those of the 424 project but a higher standard is expected. Also, the specification is written in very general terms, forcing the student to decide on appropriate designs and strategies. |
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