COBOL and CICS Command Level Conversion Aid for z/OS (CCCA)

IBM COBOL and CICS® Command Level Conversion Aid for z/OS® (CCCA) converts CICS and non-CICS COBOL source programs and copybooks from old 68 COBOL Standard and 74 COBOL Standard languages to the 85 COBOL Standard language. IBM® Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 3 and later compilers require source code to be at the 85 COBOL Standard level or later.

For a list of COBOL compilers, see COBOL compiler versions, required runtimes, and support information.

CCCA is bundled with IBM Debug for z/OS (IDz) 14.2 or earlier versions, and it is removed since IDz 15.0. After IDz 14.2 reached EOS on September 30, 2022, you can download CCCA from here at no charge.

CCCA is updated for reserved word conversions for Enterprise COBOL V5.1 by the PTF for APAR PM86253. For V5.2, CCCA is updated for reserved word conversions by the PTF for APAR PI32750. For V6.1, CCCA is updated for reserved word conversions by the PTF for APAR PI55980.

CCCA is designed to automate identifying incompatible source code and converting it to Enterprise COBOL source. Using CCCA should significantly reduce your conversion effort.

CCCA requires that you have an Enterprise COBOL, IBM COBOL, VS COBOL II, or OS/VS COBOL compiler available when converting CICS programs.

The key CCCA facilities:
  • Conversion of most syntax differences between OS/VS COBOL or VS COBOL II programs and Enterprise COBOL programs
  • Elimination of conflicts between OS/VS COBOL, VS COBOL II, and IBM COBOL user-defined names and Enterprise COBOL reserved words
  • Flagging of language elements that cannot be directly converted
  • Statement-by-statement diagnostic listing
  • Conversion management information, including where-used reports for COPY books and files
  • Conversion of EXEC CICS commands
  • Removal or conversion of the BLL (Base Locator for Linkage) section mechanism and references

CCCA is designed so that you can tailor it to fit the needs of your shop. CCCA LCPs (Language Conversion Programs), which determine the conversions to be performed, are written in a COBOL-like language. You can modify the supplied LCPs or add your own.

For more details, see the IBM COBOL and CICS Command Level Conversion Aid User's Guide.