COMMON POWERUp 2026

Modernizing COBOL applications to RPG IV can be faster and safer with static analysis, automation, and AI —but it still requires solid engineering. This session explains how analysis tools identify data flow, dependencies, and shared logic before conversion begins. We’ll explore how to combine AI automation with proven analysis and programming discipline to transform COBOL business logic into clear, maintainable RPG IV code. Real examples show planning, testing, and incremental rollout techniques that minimize risk. Attendees will learn how to balance automation, analysis, and AI methods for dependable, low-risk modernization on IBM i. A case study using actual COBOL code will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

`-Understand how static analysis clarifies COBOL logic and dependencies before conversion. -Learn how to combine AI automation with static techniques for accurate modernization. -Apply disciplined planning and testing to ensure reliable COBOL-to-RPG transitions.

One of the most important Features in IBM Rational Developer for i is the Outline Feature. When you - like my Team and I - need to work with a lot of large (and very large) and old (and very old) RPG programs the Outline is such a time saver. But I also miss some features which I send IBM in the RDi "wish list" some years ago... The Outline is also the most important reason why we are still using the RDi instead of VS Code with Code4i. While creating our RPG AI Analyzing Tools we did a lot of work with collecting information about the RPG source and then the idea was born to create our own Outline for VS Code and Code4i which should look and behave like the one in RDi but with all the features I miss for years. In this session you will see our new Outline Tool - Codename Morgana - with all the features we implemented in Version 1 and a first look into the next wave of Features we are working on.

Learning Objectives:

You will learn how you will save a lot of time by using the actual version of our new Outline Add On for Visual Studio Code and Code4i - Codename Morgana - and it's Features, like everything you know from the Outline of RDi as well as opening source code of a procedure or a Display File, Database File or even a CALL with one click without knowing in which Serviceprogram it resides or where the source code is saved. When the RPG Compiler can find these things we can too.