COBOL-to-Python Converter

The COBOL-to-Python Converter is a utility tool that converts COBOL source code into Python. This tool aims to simplify the process of migrating legacy COBOL applications to modern Python-based systems, while also generating Python code that adheres to the functional structure of the original COBOL program.

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Features

• Automatic Translation: Converts COBOL code, including variable declarations, records, and procedures, into Python classes and methods.
• File Parsing: Supports parsing file assignments and generates Python code with proper file handling.
• Customizable Parsing Rules: Leverages regex patterns to interpret COBOL structures like WORKING-STORAGE and PROCEDURE DIVISION.
• Detailed Output: Generates Python scripts with the corresponding logic based on COBOL field lengths and offsets.

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Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Python 3.7 or higher installed on your system. You can download it here.
• Basic knowledge of running Python scripts via the command line.

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Cod-e-Codes/cobol-to-python.git
   cd cobol-to-python

2. No additional installations are required for this project.

Usage

To convert a COBOL file to Python:

python cobol_converter.py <input_cobol_file> <output_python_file>

Example:

python cobol_converter.py payroll_system.cob payroll_system.py

This command will generate payroll_system.py with Python code translated from payroll_system.cob.

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Input Data Format

The converter assumes specific field layouts for COBOL records. Below is the expected input data format for the employees.dat file:

Field	Length (Chars)	Position
Employee ID	5	0-4
Space	1	5
Employee Name	20	6-25
Space	1	26
Department	19	27-45
Space	1	46
Salary	8	47-54
Space	1	55
Tax Rate	5	56-60

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Output Example

For a COBOL input program like this:

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. PAYROLL-SYSTEM.
...

The converter generates Python code like:

import decimal

class PAYROLL_SYSTEM:
    class EMPLOYEERecord:
        def __init__(self):
            self.emp_id = 0
            self.emp_name = ""
            self.emp_department = ""
            self.emp_salary = 0.0
            self.emp_tax_rate = 0.0

    def __init__(self):
        self.employee_file_path = 'employees.dat'
        ...

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Running the Generated Script

After generating the Python script, run it with:

python <output_python_file>

Example:

python payroll_system.py

Ensure the input data file (employees.dat) exists in the same directory as the script.

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Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you find any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please create an issue or submit a pull request.

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

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Author

CodēCodes
GitHub: Cod-e-Codes

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Future Enhancements

• Add support for more COBOL constructs.
• Include unit tests for the converted Python code.
• Enhance error handling during conversion.