ABSTRACT Conversion Utility

The ABSTRACT Conversion Utility (ACU) is an add-on to ABSTRACT that handles special RPG development project needs. During conversion, the ACU re-creates physical files and associated logical files while preserving the current data plus file attributes, the physical and logical structure, and journaling. The files are compiled into a new library to leave the original library intact, and any programs dependent on the converted files are recompiled. Data from the original files is mapped into a new database containing expanded date fields. The ACU has links to two change management packages for the System i: Aldon Lifecycle Manager from Aldon Computer Group and TurnOver from SoftLanding Systems.

The ACU contains two modules—Impact Analysis and Conversion.

Impact Analysis

The Impact Analysis module provides online inquiries and reports that show the scope and impact of necessary changes. The information includes high-level summary statistics, project cost estimates, and details on each line of source code (CMD, DDS, RPG, RPG ILE, and CL) that needs to be changed. Impact Analysis can be licensed separately, or included with ABSTRACT.

Conversion

The Conversion module automatically converts existing source code, which can eliminate weeks or months of manual effort! This module automates many of the time-consuming tasks of field expansion projects by:

• Generating a member-level impact analysis
• Expanding database fields within affected objects
• Re-creating object relationships

When the Conversion module converts applications, it expands field references and creates new source members based on existing source code and the conversion attributes you selected. When the conversion is complete, the ACU automatically creates new files, rebuilds file relationships, recompiles programs, and converts data from existing databases to new formats as needed.

During conversion, no changes are made to your existing source members (the ACU uses copied versions). The ACU converts RPG, ILE RPG, CL, DDS, internally-described record layouts, and command definitions. After the conversion, you can review all of the changes before you recompile the members.(The ACU inserts a marker of your choice in each converted line so you can easily track changes.) You can even comment-out and retain the original source code for a “before and after” view.