COBOL-to-Java converter announced

COBOL-to-Java converter announced

Synkronix demonstrated a COBOL to Java migration suite as part of the SIG-Java meetings at IPROF last month, showing off a tool that helps in converting COBOL applications to Java. PERCobol was ported from IBM’s RS/6000 systems to MPE/iX, transforming COBOL II code to Java 1.1 programs by converting each COBOL program to a Java class and each COBOL paragraph to a Java method. The product, which is being distributed by Bradmark Technologies (800.621.2808), was set to ship at the start of April. It doesn’t include native facilities to handle TurboIMAGE intrinsics that would normally occur in COBOL II, but its suppliers noted that such non-Java calls could be handled by embedding PERCobol’s Java output into existing COBOL.

The demonstration at IPROF centered around converting a COBOL application for real estate listings to Java, creating an event-driven graphical user interface. Synkronix officials also touted the tool as a means to add GUI features to COBOL applications. The software won’t have a layout editor on first release, although the developer demonstrating the product said programmers could create layouts on grid paper to determine coordinates for screens.

Mike Yawn, the HP engineer in charge of Java/iX, said he saw several ways the tool could benefit the HP 3000 installed base. “I don’t see it as a wholesale replacement for COBOL II,” Yawn said. “It can complement it by being strong in some areas that COBOL II is weak.”