Mainframe COBOL to Java, C# & Cloud


Converting VAX COBOL to Java / C#

VAX dialect of COBOL is fairly close to ANSI COBOL 74/85 Standards.
The main differences is the extensions to COBOL language, Screens definitions, use of DBMS32 (Codasyl) Database and API.

VAX DBMS32 Database Migration

VAX COBOL programs typically utilise DBMS32 database system and API. DBMS32 is a CODASYL designs, which support Master-Child type relationships.
SoftwareMining Converter can use the exported DBMS32 schemas to regenerate the database as a Relational Database. The Master-Child relationships are translated to "foreign-key" relationships. The system will also generate Object-Relational data access classes for each of the tables. These classes will continue to represent the Master-Child relationships as associations in Object-Oriented classes.

The following diagram outlines the artefacts genrated from translation of DBMS32 tables
codasyl databases
Click here for further information on DBMS32 and CODASYL database design.

VAX Screens Definition


VAX Screens definitions are typically defined in external files. VAX COBOL screens tend to be used within Conversational programs, designed for a "client-server" type deployment. SoftwareMining converts such Conversational applications to a Application-Server architecture. The screen definitions are tranlated to XML/XSLT architecture which works with an Web-Server, to produce HTML screens at run-time. Although in HTML, The translated screens would still have a "green-screen" look and feel. As a part of an application modernization project, many sites redesign the screens to benefit from a new look and feel.


VAX DBMS32 COBOL to Java/C# Migration Project Phases

The Migration of COBOL applications to Java or C# involves:
  • Asset Management: Identify all the artefacts required for translation .
  • Translate to target language
  • Database and Data Migration
  • Migrate JCL
  • Create and Populate of Test Database
  • System acceptance testing
  • User Acceptance Testing
  • (Optional): Other Improvements: Screen Redesign, SOA Integration, Cloud Deployments, Coding Improvements and clean up

Comparing COBOL to translated code

Comparison of Converted code: COBOL to Java
Comparison of Converted code: COBOL to C#
COBOL to Java / C# Conversion Tool - Download Trial (Release 2020-07-15)

Related White Papers

VAX DBMS32 Migration, Modernization and Re-hosting References

VAX
CODASYL Database designs




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