What is eXplain?
eXplain is a powerful solution crafted by PKS Software GmbH designed for analyzing code and evaluating legacy systems, particularly focused on conducting thorough assessments of legacy applications on mainframe platforms, such as IBM i (AS/400) and IBM Z. This software provides organizations with valuable insights into the software's structure, content, and helps identify which components could be retained, upgraded, or deprecated. By allowing users to import existing source code into a dedicated "eXplain server," the tool removes the need for installations on the host system and employs advanced parsers to analyze several programming languages, including COBOL, PL/I, Assembler, Natural, RPG, and JCL. Additionally, it examines relevant information from databases like Db2, Adabas, and IMS, as well as job schedulers and transaction monitors. eXplain establishes a centralized repository that acts as a knowledge repository, generating cross-language dependency graphs, data-flow diagrams, interface evaluations, groupings of related modules, and detailed reports on resource and object utilization. This functionality enables users to visualize the interrelationships within their code, thereby deepening their comprehension of the software ecosystem. Furthermore, by providing a clearer understanding of their legacy systems, eXplain equips organizations with the tools needed to make strategic decisions about their software's future. Ultimately, the tool enhances operational efficiency and drives informed technological advancements.