Transforming Legacy: IBM Watsonx Translates COBOL to Java with Generative AI
In a move aimed at assisting IBM Z systems customers in modernizing their applications, IBM is enhancing its generative AI tool, Watson Code Assistant, to include the translation of COBOL code into Java.
This expansion comes as a response to the declining availability of COBOL-proficient developers and the challenges posed by the rapid development of applications for mainframe systems. IBM’s goal is to streamline and accelerate the adaptation of legacy COBOL applications to more contemporary Java environments.
Initially previewed in May, the enhanced tool, now named Watsonx Code Assistant for Z, leverages Watsonx.ai’s foundational model to automatically generate Java code tailored for execution on the Z operating system.
According to an IBM spokesperson in a demo video, Watsonx Code Assistant for Z will feature automated code refactoring capabilities. This functionality will facilitate the extraction of critical business services from monolithic COBOL applications, thereby enabling more modular and agile development practices.
Code refactoring, in this context, involves the transformation of code into Java while preserving its core functionality, behavior, and output. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the application throughout the modernization journey.
IBM further emphasizes the importance of using their application discovery and delivery intelligence tool (ADDI) in conjunction with Watsonx Code Assistant for Z. Currently in development, ADDI will aid developers in comprehensively understanding the dependencies of target applications and generating a metadata repository essential for seamless code translation and integration.
In summary, IBM’s initiative with Watsonx Code Assistant for Z represents a significant step towards modernizing legacy COBOL applications by harnessing the power of generative AI and automated code refactoring. This approach not only addresses the skills gap in COBOL but also enhances the agility and efficiency of application development on IBM Z systems.