RW2 is a precompiler that enables the use of COBOL Report Writer language features with IBM Enterprise COBOL compilers on z/OS. It functions by translating Report Writer statements into standard COBOL code, allowing organizations to migrate to newer COBOL compiler versions without rewriting existing report generation logic. The core component is the RW2 precompiler, which parses COBOL source code and generates equivalent COBOL code.
RW2 is configured using JCL parameters and configuration files. The precompiler takes COBOL source code as input and produces standard COBOL source code as output. This output is then compiled using a standard COBOL compiler.
RW2 integrates with the z/OS security environment, leveraging RACF for access control. It generates listing output for monitoring and troubleshooting. RW2 Architecture:
1.
**Input Module**: Reads COBOL source files containing Report Writer statements. 2. **Parsing Engine**: Analyzes the COBOL source code and identifies Report Writer statements.
3. **Code Generation Module**: Translates Report Writer statements into equivalent standard COBOL code. 4.
**Output Module**: Writes the generated COBOL code to an output file. RW2 relies on the z/OS file system for input and output. Communication between components is primarily through internal function calls.
Competing products might involve manual migration efforts or alternative report generation tools. RW2 distinguishes itself by providing an automated precompilation process, minimizing manual intervention and preserving existing COBOL Report Writer investments.