Using knowledge-based transformations to reverse-engineer COBOL programs

We describe a program restructuring tool under development. The tool is constructed using program transformations executed by the TAMPR program transformation system. We discuss the knowledge embodied in the transformations and how they restructure an example COBOL program developed in the mid-1970s. While the tool needs to be extended further to produce a robust commercial product, early use for restructuring COBOL programs demonstrates the power and flexibility of this transformational approach.