AI-Assisted RPG Modernization: From Fixed-Format to Free-Format and Beyond
AI-assisted RPG modernization tends to get discussed as if it were the whole modernization story. In practice, it is one piece: the source-code conversion layer, most directly addressed today by IBM Bob, IBM's GA AI coding agent for IBM i since March 2026. A complete modernization project usually touches several other layers as well.
The layers of an IBM i modernization project
Where AI-assisted conversion fits
| Layer | What It Covers | Typical Vendor Type |
|---|---|---|
| Source code conversion | Fixed-to-free-format RPG conversion, code explanation | AI coding agent (IBM Bob) |
| DevOps / lifecycle | Source code management, testing, CI/CD for RPG and COBOL | DevOps vendor (e.g. ARCAD Software) |
| Application analysis | Understanding and documenting what existing applications do before changing them | Modernization analysis vendor (e.g. Fresche Solutions) |
| User interface | Converting green-screen interfaces to modern web or low-code front ends | UI modernization vendor (e.g. Profound Logic) |
A realistic sequencing
Shops that get good results tend to sequence this work rather than tackling every layer at once: understand and document the existing application first, convert format with AI assistance next, wrap the conversion in proper source control and testing discipline throughout, and treat any UI modernization as a separate, later decision rather than a prerequisite.
AI-assisted conversion reduces manual effort at the source-code layer specifically. It does not replace the need for testing, code review, or the other modernization layers a real project involves.
Sources
Related Tools & Vendors
IBM Bob (Project Bob)
IBM's current, generally available AI coding agent for IBM i, built as a fork of Visual Studio Code and tuned for RPG, CL, DDS, and SQL development and modernization work.
ARCAD Software
An IBM i DevOps and application lifecycle management vendor offering source code management, testing, and modernization tooling relevant to AI-assisted RPG modernization projects.
Fresche Solutions
An IBM i modernization vendor known for RPG application analysis and transformation tooling, relevant to shops planning AI-assisted or vendor-led RPG modernization.
Profound Logic
An IBM i modernization vendor focused on converting RPG applications to modern web and low-code interfaces, relevant to shops pairing AI-assisted code work with a UI modernization project.
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