to-java-migration

SkillDev tools

Migrate COBOL code to idiomatic Java, preserving business logic while following Java best practices. Use for COBOL modernization projects.

Available today. Use it from your connected AI after setup.

Connect ahel once, and every AI you use reads what you have installed.

Then ask your AI: use the to-java-migration skill

What this skill tells your AI

The instructions your AI receives, as published by openhands/extensions in plugins/cobol-modernization/skills/to-java-migration/SKILL.md and read by ahel’s review.

Migrate COBOL code to idiomatic Java, preserving all business logic.

Code Style Requirements

Write idiomatic Java, NOT literal COBOL translations:

  • Use Java conventions: camelCase names, standard collections (List, Map)
  • Use Java standard library instead of rolling your own
  • No god classes — split into cohesive, single-responsibility classes
  • No TODO comments or stub implementations — fully implement everything

Robustness Requirements

  • Validate inputs at method entry (null checks, range validation)
  • Use try-catch for all I/O and external operations
  • Use try-with-resources for files, streams, connections
  • Handle errors gracefully with meaningful messages

Configuration Requirements

  • No hardcoded file paths or credentials — use environment variables
  • No magic numbers — use named constants
  • Make limits and timeouts configurable

Documentation Requirements

  • Add COBOL references: // COBOL equivalent: BNK1CRA.cbl 145-167
  • Document assumptions made during conversion
  • Add Javadoc to public methods

Testing Requirements

If test fixtures exist (see cobol-build-setup skill):

  • Create a JUnit test class for each migrated program
  • Load inputs from fixtures, assert output matches expected (golden) output
  • All tests must pass before migration is complete

References

Done When

✓ Code compiles without errors ✓ All JUnit tests pass (Java output matches COBOL golden output) ✓ No TODO or stub implementations remain ✓ COBOL references documented in comments

Signals

GitHub stars
143
Forks
83
Last commit
Sep 2026
Advanced
Catalog kind
skill
Gateway key
to-java-migration
Source
github.com/openhands/extensions