Is the program called statically or dynamically?

[Vijay Chikala]

Hello,

This is another question which I founf weird...how can one identify by seeing the program that it is called statically or dynamically? I don't know if there is a way. Both type of sub program will have PROCEDURE DIVISION USING... but will there be something different than this?

After searching I got to know that, if the called program is given in double quotes it is static call, like:

Code: Select all

CALL "sub-program" using some-paramerters

And if the called program name is moved to a variable. It's dynamic

Code: Select all

MOVE "sub-program" to WS-variable. 
CALL WS-variable using some-parameters.

Is it correct?

[enrico-sorichetti]

...how can one identify by seeing the program that it is called statically or dynamically

You can find out if the CALLER call something statically or dynamically

but You cannot do it just looking at the CALLED program

[William Collins]

By just looking at the program source it is impossible to tell whether a CALL will be static or dynamic for a CALL "literal" because it is a compiler option which determines that.

[Anuj Dhawan]

Somehow I find this question very aimless! If I'd know a way to tell that the program is called statically or dynamically by looking at code then <pause> okay I know it now but what is next? How this information which is being asked can be used further in some constructive way?! Even if there is no way by simply looking at program, well, I'll know it if I'll need to know, no?

[enrico-sorichetti]

the question in se is useless,
but the interviewers have to ask something

[William Collins]

Interviewers seem to think it is a question which separates the COBOL Men from the COBOL Boys. There is no practical benefit in knowing the answer.

Although the question can be easily located by search-engineing, I'd guess there are also wrong answers out there.

[enrico-sorichetti]

asking obscure questions is a way for the interviewers to tweak the interview results

[Vijay Chikala]

Interviewers seem to think it is a question which separates the COBOL Men from the COBOL Boys. There is no practical benefit in knowing the answer.

Although the question can be easily located by search-engineing, I'd guess there are also wrong answers out there.

Are there some COBOL Women and COBOL Girls out there? What did you mean by Men and Boy?

[William Collins]

Just the usual.

It is not possible that the enforced corruption of the English language to impose specific gender on non-gender-specific use of specific gender words means that people can't understand each other any more?

Sad, but I guess it is possible.

I'll note for future reference that whatever words you use mean what I intend instead of what you intend (check out Alice and Humpty Dumpty) so expect me not to take any notice of what you write and to admire the confusion of others who blithely take your words at face value. Happy New Year.

[Vijay Chikala]

Just the usual.

It is not possible that the enforced corruption of the English language to impose specific gender on non-gender-specific use of specific gender words means that people can't understand each other any more?

Sad, but I guess it is possible.

I'll note for future reference that whatever words you use mean what I intend instead of what you intend (check out Alice and Humpty Dumpty) so expect me not to take any notice of what you write and to admire the confusion of others who blithely take your words at face value. Happy New Year.

I have not understood it all but I hope I have not destroyed my opportunity to get future answers on this board?