ABSTRACT Conversion Utility (ACU) is an add-on to the base ABSTRACT product that addresses some additional needs encountered in some RPG development projects.
ACU's Impact Analysis module provides a more granular level of source manipulation of database fields. For example, it shows how specific fields are manipulated within programs (such as in work fields or data structures) and are then passed as variables to external programs.
The Conversion module is designed to automate many of the most time-consuming tasks related to field expansion projects. Specifically, the Conversion module will:
The Impact Analysis and Conversion modules are described in more detail below.
ACU's Impact Analysis module provides on-line inquiries and reports that show the scope and impact of necessary changes. Impact analysis information includes high-level summary statistics, project costing estimates and details on each line of source (CMD, DDS, RPG, RPG ILE and CL) that needs to be changed. The Impact Analysis module can be licensed separately or is included within the complete product.
After identifying database fields, you'll be able to submit a menu
option that generates an impact analysis. The impact analysis uses
the cross-reference database, package defaults and conversion attributes
specified for each field to determine the scope and impact of necessary
changes. It also rigorously analyzes source code to identify all
program-defined work fields that also need to be expanded.
When the impact analysis is complete, you can print impact analysis
reports or review the impact analysis information on-line. Three
general classifications of reports and inquiries are available:
Project cost estimates for programmer resource requirements and programmer costs are based upon impact analysis data and user-defined costing factors. These estimates reflect the cost of completing the conversion effort without the assistance of ACU.
The automated conversion process is where ACU really pays for itself. It eliminates weeks and even months of manual effort. You can initiate a batch job from an ACU screen that completes the conversion for you.
The Conversion module automatically converts existing source code. It expands field references when converting applications, while new source members are created based on existing source and the conversion attributes you have selected. You have the flexibility to expand each field using either global or field-specific conversion attributes. When the conversion steps are complete, ACU will automatically create new files, rebuild file relationships and recompile programs. Data from existing databases will be converted to new formats as necessary.
During the conversion process, changes are not made to your existing source members, but to members copied by either ACU or your change management system. ACU converts RPG, ILE RPG, CL, DDS, internally-described record layouts, and command definitions. After the automated conversion step is complete you can review all changes before you recompile members. ACU inserts a “CU” (or your choice of characters) in positions 3 and 4 of every line of converted source so you can easily track what changes are made. You can also set an optional default to comment-out and retain original lines of source for a good “before and after” view of what was changed.
ACU automates and simplifies the otherwise time-consuming tasks of recreating file relationships, recompiling affected programs and converting data. This option lets you submit a batch request that will complete all these tasks at once. You also have the ability to partition the effort into multiple requests as your needs dictate.
ACU recreates physical files and all associated logical files. It also recreates any database or device files that reference converted files via the REF or REFFLD keywords. All current data is preserved, along with file attributes, physical/logical structure and journalling. Files are generally compiled into a new library, leaving the original library unchanged. Programs that are dependent upon the converted files are also recompiled. If an error is encountered while a file is being compiled, built-in error recovery restores the physical and logical files to the original status. Data from the original files is mapped into a new database containing expanded date fields during the recompile or as a separate process.
Cooperative development has produced seamless links between ACU and Aldon CMS from Aldon Computer Group and TurnOver from Soft Landing Systems, two leading change management packages (CMP’s) for the System i.
ACU tells the CMP what source needs to be modified during
the conversion process. The CMP checkout function copies this
source into a development library and initiates a ACU function
to convert the source. When ACU completes the conversion,
the CMP will automatically recreate all object relationships
and recompile programs so you do not have to do these tedious
tasks yourself. (ACU includes similar functions). After testing
is complete, the CMP will manage the promotion of source and
objects into production. In addition, it then initiates an
ACU function that expands production data to the new format.
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