Overview
Extend IBM Bob with AI-powered workflows for end-to-end modernization of mainframe applications including COBOL and PL/I.
The IBM Bob Premium Package for Z is an AI-powered extension for IBM Bob IDE and Bob Shell. It enables end-to-end modernization of mainframe applications. It combines structured workflows, automation, and AI-driven insights to help enterprises analyze, refactor, document complex mainframe codebases such as COBOL and PL/I.
Available workflows
Generate data dictionary
Build semantic understanding of application variables with automatic identification and JSON-based metadata storage.
Generate documentation
Automatically produce comprehensive documentation for mainframe source files including business rules and logic flow.
Refactor COBOL or PL/I program
Modularize legacy applications by extracting discrete business logic into reusable, standalone service programs.
Generate refactored service program
Transform extracted code segments into fully functional, standalone COBOL or PL/I service programs.
Explain code
Understand legacy codebases with multi-perspective explanations for architects, developers, and business stakeholders.
End-to-end transformation
Combines implementation planning, code generation, and validation into complete, traceable modernization pipelines.
How it works
The IBM Bob Premium Package for Z is a workflow-driven modernization platform that integrates analysis, transformation, validation, and documentation into guided, repeatable processes.
Workflow-based automation
Structured, guided workflows standardize complex modernization tasks — from data dictionary generation to service extraction.
Deep legacy understanding
Understands COBOL, PL/I, JCL, REXX, and HLASM programs including dependencies, copybooks, and control-flow paths.
Integrated documentation
Generates documentation and extracts business rules alongside every transformation.
End-to-end transformation
Combines implementation planning, code generation, and validation into complete, traceable modernization pipelines.
Language and middleware support
The package supports mainframe languages including COBOL, PL/I, JCL, REXX, and HLASM, with middleware support for CICS, IMS, MQ, and DB2.
Skills and tools
The package provides a set of built-in skills and tools used across workflows:
Skills: Implementation planning · Impact analysis · Data dictionary management · Code explanation · Coding standards enforcement
Tools: Source code scanning and control-flow analysis · Data dictionary tools · Transformation rule generators · Refactoring and service extraction tools
Use cases
- Enterprise COBOL modernization with transformation, validation, and documentation
- Automated documentation generation for legacy mainframe systems
- Business rule extraction for compliance and audit requirements
- Breaking monolithic programs into reusable, service-oriented components
- Impact analysis before making changes to production systems
Getting started
Review prerequisites
Ensure your environment and project meet all requirements before starting.
For more information, see Prerequisites.
Choose a workflow
Review the available workflows and identify which one fits your modernization goal.
For more information, see Workflows.
Start the workflow
Initiate your chosen workflow using the Start Workflow button in the Bob chat panel, or use slash commands such as /init, /refactor, or /explain.
For more information, see Getting started.