Managing and modernising IBM i (AS/400, iSeries, RPG) applications can be a challenge.
This is especially true when you have to work with so-called ‘legacy’ code that hasn’t been documented.
As enterprises strive for digital transformation, the need for a robust solution to manage and document legacy code becomes vitally important.
Enter X-Analysis, a powerful tool designed to simplify the intricacies of IBM i application documentation.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The risks of maintaining IBM i applications without documentation.
- How X-Analysis automates IBM i code analysis and application documentation.
- The benefits of automated impact analysis, business rule extraction, and code visualisation for RPG and COBOL applications.
X-Analysis is recognised as the industry-standard for IBM i application documentation and code analysis. Indeed, Proximity have also used X-Analysis as a key part of our IBM i support and maintenance services.
The challenges of maintaining IBM i ‘legacy’ code
Before delving into how X-Analysis aids in application documentation, it’s crucial to appreciate the complex environment of IBM i systems.
Many organisations still rely on IBM i (AS/400, iSeries) applications running RPG and COBOL code.
Over the years, developers have retired or moved on, leaving behind undocumented programs with complex interdependencies.
Common challenges include:
- Lack of documentation makes code maintenance and further development difficult.
- High dependency on senior IBM i developers for knowledge transfer.
- Risk of breaking functionality due to unknown dependencies.
- Slow modernisation efforts due to poor application visibility.
Automate IBM i Application Documentation
X-Analysis by Fresche Solutions is THE leading IBM i code analysis tool that helps businesses document, understand, develop and modernise their legacy applications.
By automating the documentation process, X-Analysis transforms the way organisations manage and understand their IBM i applications. It provides:
- Automated Code Documentation: Generates complete IBM i program documentation, including data flows, dependencies, and business rules. This alleviates the burden of manual documentation, providing a clear map of the existing codebase.
- Graphical Code Visualisation: Converts IBM i RPG and COBOL code into interactive flowcharts and impact analysis diagrams. This makes it easier for teams to conceptualize and understand complex applications.
- Business Rule Extraction: Identifies key business logic embedded within RPG and COBOL programs, essential for IBM i application modernization.
- Impact Analysis & Cross-Referencing: Understanding how changes to one part of the code affect other components is crucial. X-Analysis offers robust impact analysis, highlighting dependencies and potential issues before they arise.
- Integration Capabilities: X-Analysis seamlessly integrates with other development tools, enhancing its utility across different stages of the software lifecycle, including TD/OMS an IBM i Change Management tool.
Business impact of IBM i code analysis
By using X-Analysis, IBM i enterprises can achieve several key benefits, including:
- Enhanced IBM i application understanding with automated documentation, IT senior managers gain a better grasp of their systems, facilitating more informed decision-making.
- Reduce technical debt by automating IBM i code documentation.
- Improved maintenance as developers can quickly identify problem areas and understand the ripple effects of their changes, leading to more efficient maintenance.
- Streamlined development and modernisation: as businesses look to modernise, having a clear understanding of their current state is invaluable. X-Analysis simplifies the transition to modern development languages and frameworks.
- Minimise system downtime by reducing the risk of errors in IBM i software changes.
Real-world use cases of X-Analysis
IBM i enterprises across various industries have used X-Analysis. This tool helps them maintain, support, and develop their IBM i applications.
For example, a major financial institution used X-Analysis to document its many COBOL applications. This significantly cut down the time needed for system audits and upgrades.
A large manufacturing company used the tool to update its RPG applications to a modern framework. This change led to better performance and lower operational costs.
Conclusion: Embracing Change with X-Analysis
For businesses looking to future-proof their IBM i applications, using X-Analysis for automated code analysis and documentation is a game-changer.
By making ‘legacy’ RPG and COBOL code transparent and easy to understand, IT teams can confidently maintain, enhance, and modernise their applications.
Ready to streamline your IBM i application documentation? Learn more about X-Analysis here.
We have created a video demonstration available on YouTube. It shows how to develop IBM i applications confidently using X-Analysis.
Check out the other IBM i software tools for development, modernisation and maintenance we provide.
Want to read more about IBM i Application Documentation?
Read (and watch the accompanying video) in this article entitled: Document, Manage, Enhance and Evolve Your IBM i Applications with Confidence with X-Analysis
