IBM introduces Watsonx AI model for translating old Cobol code on Z mainframes
IBM introduces its AI code assistant watsonx Code Assistant for Z. This AI model should help users convert Cobol code to Java on their IBM Z mainframes. The model will be available in the last quarter of 2023.
Watsonx Code Assistant for Z is a new addition to the watsonx AI platformwhich IBM already introduced in May, the company writes in a press release. With the new version, the code assistant also becomes available for IBM’s Z mainframes. According to IBM, this should make it easier for developers to ‘selectively and step by step’ modernize applications based on old-fashioned Cobol code on their mainframes to Java.
Cobol stands for Common Business Oriented Language and this programming language for business applications dates back to 1959. Business-critical applications written in that language are still in use on IBM systems in particular. IBM says to VentureBeat, among others that approximately 84 percent of its mainframe customers run Cobol applications. However, fewer and fewer developers are familiar with Cobol, so maintaining that code can be difficult. The Watsonx model allows companies to gradually transition to more modern and easier-to-read Java code.
The model does not work by converting Cobol syntax line by line to Java, IBM CTO Kyle Chartet told media including VentureBeat. According to IBM, this would make the code virtually unreadable and difficult to maintain. Instead, the model figures out the intent of the Cobol code and converts it into regular Java code with the same functionality. The inputs and outputs of the code are validated after generation; any ‘hallucinations’ of the model should be easily noticed, as the code will then not work properly.
The Watsonx Code Assistant for Z will be available for IBM’s Z mainframes later this year. This must be done in the last quarter. There is no concrete release date yet. The assistant will gradually be expanded with additional functionality, the company says.
A video demonstration of IBM’s watsonx Code Assistant for Z