What problem did the COBOL and CICS/VS Command Level Conversion Aid solve?
The COBOL and CICS/VS Command Level Conversion Aid primarily addressed the need to update older COBOL syntax, specifically targeting OS/VS COBOL, DOS/VS COBOL, and other implementations adhering to the ANSI 74 standard. It facilitated the transition to ANSI 85 syntax, which is compatible with later COBOL compilers like COBOL II and subsequent versions.
What were the main functions of this conversion aid?
The tool's primary function was to convert COBOL code written in older dialects (e.g., OS/VS COBOL) to newer, more standardized COBOL syntax (ANSI 85). It also included features to convert CICS macro level code to command level code, which was a significant shift in CICS programming practices.
What specific commands did it use to perform conversions?
While specific command names are not available, the tool would have provided mechanisms to identify and replace outdated syntax elements with their ANSI 85 equivalents. For CICS, this involved converting macro-level calls (e.g., `DFH macros`) into command-level API calls (e.g., `EXEC CICS` commands).
How was the conversion process configured and controlled?
The tool likely used configuration files to specify conversion rules and options. These files would dictate how specific syntax elements were to be translated. It is also likely that the tool provided a user interface (possibly character-based) for initiating and monitoring the conversion process.