What is the function of a linkage record?

What is the function of a linkage record?

• A. It defines report formatting
• B. It stores user credentials
• C. It tells the system how to network from the base search master file to a new master file
• D. It sets default columns

Answer: (C)

Linkage records act as a navigational bridge between master files. They specify how the system should move from the base search master file to a related or new master file, effectively defining the path and rules for joining data across files. This enables retrieving related records in a single operation by connecting the base file to the next file in the network. The other options describe formatting, authentication, or display settings, which do not address how data is linked or navigated between master files.

Linkage records act as a navigational bridge between master files. They specify how the system should move from the base search master file to a related or new master file, effectively defining the path and rules for joining data across files. This enables retrieving related records in a single operation by connecting the base file to the next file in the network. The other options describe formatting, authentication, or display settings, which do not address how data is linked or navigated between master files.