How to Translate FORTRAN to COBOL

FORTRAN and COBOL are early programming languages first used with IBM computers. Though not used as much today, programmers can still write code in FORTRAN and COBOL and Windows computers can still run it. If you have FORTRAN code you want to translate into COBOL, there are several programs that will help you do so. They will process millions of lines of code in a matter of minutes and inform you when incompatibilities crop up.

Things You'll Need

• Prism-CS, Transoft OpenVMS Migration or Datatek (see References)

Instructions

1. Translate FORTRAN to COBOL with Prism-CS. This program offers a variety of code conversion options, FORTRAN to COBOL included. You simply upload your FORTRAN code and run the conversion from the main window. Like most such programs, Prism-CS operates on a sliding scale price model depending on your needs.

2. Translate FORTRAN to COBOL with Transoft OpenVMS Migration. This program is geared more towards server migration, but can convert code even if you are using it locally. It offers an easy-to-understand user interface and solid support features if you run into trouble.

3. Translate FORTRAN to COBOL with Datatek. This program is more advanced (and, generally, expensive) than the others and is best suited for massive code conversions. Datatek conversions are done on a case-by-case basis, and if you have mountains of FORTRAN data to convert, a company representative will set you up.

References

• Prism Conversion System
• Transoft: Migrate From OpenVMS
• Datatek: FORTRAN Conversions