Question

What is the value of RESULT after execution of the following COBOL code? Assume that VALUE1 has the value 100 . MOVE VALUE1 TO VALUE2. ADD 1 TO VALUE2. ADD VALUE1 TO VALUE2. ADD VALUE1 TO VALUE2 GIVING RESULT.

Short answer

RESULT equals 301.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Initial Conditions

Initially, we know that \( VALUE1 = 100 \). We are first moving the value of \( VALUE1 \) to \( VALUE2 \), so \( VALUE2 \) also starts as 100.

Add 1 to VALUE2

Next, the code adds 1 to \( VALUE2 \). Therefore, \( VALUE2 = 100 + 1 = 101 \).

Add VALUE1 to VALUE2

Now, \( VALUE1 \) is added to \( VALUE2 \). So now, \( VALUE2 = 101 + 100 = 201 \).

Calculate RESULT Using VALUE2 and VALUE1

Finally, the code adds \( VALUE1 \) (which is 100) to \( VALUE2 \) (which has become 201) and stores the result in RESULT. Thus, \( RESULT = 201 + 100 = 301 \).

Key concepts

Variable Assignment

In COBOL programming, variable assignment is straightforward but crucial. Assigning a value from one variable to another is done using the "MOVE" statement. For example, in the provided code, MOVE VALUE1 TO VALUE2 assigns the value of VALUE1 (which is 100) to VALUE2. This transfers the value directly without any changes.
This kind of assignment makes tracking and managing data within a program easier. It helps to manipulate data by copying values between variables for further operations.

• MOVE Value: Transfers data from one variable to another.
• Immediate effect: The change is instantaneous and affects subsequent operations.

The main thing to remember is that after you use MOVE, both variables contain the same data, which sets up the next steps in your logic.

Arithmetic Operations

In COBOL, arithmetic operations are executed using straightforward verbs like ADD, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY, and DIVIDE. They are essential for performing calculations and data manipulation.
In our example code, multiple additions occur:

• We add 1 to VALUE2 (which was 100 just after the MOVE), making it 101.
• We then add the original VALUE1 (still 100) to VALUE2, resulting in VALUE2 becoming 201.
• Lastly, VALUE1 (100) is added again to VALUE2's new value, and the sum is stored in RESULT, totaling 301.

These operations are sequential and affect the final outcome. Each step builds on the last, which highlights how arithmetic in programming is often about progressive calculations.

Programming Logic

Programming logic in COBOL, as in other languages, involves a sequence of statements that perform logical and mathematical operations to solve problems. It dictates the flow and outcome based on initial conditions and executed statements.
In our problem, the logic flow is simple but illustrative:

• Start with initial conditions: VALUE1 set to 100.
• Use MOVE to set VALUE2, creating a baseline for arithmetic operations.
• Perform arithmetic operations to alter VALUE2 incrementally, demonstrating how step-by-step calculations can lead to the desired RESULT.
• Ensure calculations are done in the right sequence, as each operation builds on the result of the previous.

The logic here clearly demonstrates how organized steps and understanding of initial states result in correct and predictable outputs in a COBOL program.