Migrating from COBOL with SQL to Java and C#

A growing trend among COBOL applications is the transition from using VSAM files to SQL relational databases. This shift has notably enhanced data maintenance capabilities and streamlined integration with non-COBOL applications.

COBOL applications that employ EXEC SQL for data access are prime candidates for migration to modern platforms like Java or C#. This migration aligns general application maintenance with enhanced data management practices.

It's important to highlight that COBOL SQL applications also benefit from an incremental migration approach.

Key Features of SoftwareMining's DB2 COBOL Translation

• SQL Dialect Transition: COBOL to Java & C#

  For the embedded SQL code to function in the updated system, the SQL dialect must transition from COBOL to Java or C#. This involves adapting COBOL host variables (like :FIELD) to the parameter passing conventions of Java and C#, using '?' or '@'. SoftwareMining's tools automate this process.

• Database Vendor Change

  Post the COBOL to Java migration, one might consider switching the database vendor, such as transitioning from DB2 to Oracle or MySQL. A significant challenge here is the SQL return codes hardcoded in the application that vary across database servers. SoftwareMining's migration method facilitates runtime configuration and substitution of SQL codes, thereby simplifying database shifts.

• Migrating COBOL Stored Procedures to Java or C#

  SoftwareMining's solutions aid in migrating COBOL Stored Procedures to Java or C#. The resulting Java or C# stored procedures are compatible with multiple databases, including Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server. Leveraging object orientation, exception handling, and framework-based architecture enhances the maintainability of Java/C# stored procedures over traditional Transact SQL or PL SQL scripts. These new procedures execute within the target database environment, ensuring optimal performance.

• Optimized Performance

  Many SQL COBOL applications are batch programs, necessitating completion within specific daily time frames. Hence, migrating these systems should prioritize performance. SoftwareMining's Translation Tool adopts a strategy of optimizing the output code by omitting extraneous statements. For instance, while DB2 offers a high-precision date/time function compared to COBOL, some COBOL programs retrieve date-time from DB2. Persisting with this design in the translated Java/C# code might induce performance lags due to database access-related network costs. To mitigate this, SoftwareMining replaces such statements with Java/C# library functions delivering similar results.

SQL COBOL to Java/C# Migration Project Phases - Further reading

• Managing COBOL to Java / C# Conversion Projects
• Gradual migration of COBOL applications to Java: one piece at a time - reducing costs and risks.

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