COBOL To Scratch Converter

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Convert hundreds of lines of COBOL code into Scratch with one click. Completely free, no sign up required.

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What Is COBOL To Scratch Converter?

A COBOL To Scratch converter is an online tool that leverages technologies like generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and more to transform COBOL code into Scratch programming language. This conversion process is particularly useful for educators, students, and developers who want to migrate legacy systems or create engaging educational content without diving deep into complex coding.

The tool operates through a straightforward three-step process:

  1. Input: You begin by providing the COBOL code that you want to convert into Scratch.
  2. Processing: The tool analyzes the provided code using advanced algorithms. During this step, it interprets the structure and functionality of the COBOL program, identifying key components, logical flow, and data structures necessary for accurate translation.
  3. Output: A new Scratch code is generated based on the analysis, resulting in code that is ready for use in your projects. This output code is designed to be compatible with Scratch, enabling easy integration for educational or development purposes.

How Is COBOL Different From Scratch?

COBOL, which stands for Common Business-Oriented Language, has been a staple in the programming world for many decades. It is primarily utilized in business, finance, and administrative systems, making it essential for companies and government operations. Its design emphasizes data processing, which is critical for managing large volumes of transactional information. On the other hand, Scratch presents an entirely different approach to programming. This block-based visual language is crafted for beginners, particularly children, and revolves around teaching fundamental programming concepts using an accessible and engaging interface.

Let’s explore the distinct features and purposes of these two programming languages:

  • COBOL:
    • It is a text-based language, heavily focused on data manipulation and reporting, making it ideal for complex business operations.
    • The language excels in file handling and is designed to manage business-oriented tasks, ensuring reliability in financial systems.
    • COBOL is predominantly found in legacy systems that power many established enterprises, showcasing its long-term viability in corporate infrastructures.
  • Scratch:
    • With its visual programming approach, Scratch allows users to create programs by dragging and dropping blocks, making the coding process intuitive and fun.
    • The emphasis on creativity encourages users to design games and animations, making it particularly appealing to younger audiences eager to express themselves.
    • Scratch fosters a collaborative environment, where users can share their projects with a vibrant community, encouraging learning and experimentation.
Feature COBOL Scratch
Programming Paradigm Procedural, Object-oriented Visual, Event-driven
Target Audience Professionals in business and administration Beginners, particularly children
Syntax Text-heavy, verbose Simple, graphical interface
Main Usage Enterprise applications Education, game development

How Does Minary’s COBOL To Scratch Converter Work?

Begin by describing your specific coding task in the detailed input box located on the left side of the interface. This is where you provide the intricacies of what you need, whether it’s converting a specific COBOL program function or outlining an entire process. After entering your details, simply click the “generate” button. This action cues the COBOL To Scratch converter to analyze your request, processing the information to produce a corresponding Scratch code snippet on the right side of the screen.

Once the code is generated, you’ll see it neatly displayed, ready for your use. If you’re satisfied with the output, you can easily copy it by clicking on the copy button at the bottom of the generated code section. The intuitive design saves you time and simplifies your workflow. Additionally, you can provide feedback on the generated code through the vote buttons. Your input will directly contribute to training the system, enhancing its capabilities for future tasks.

As an example, if you type in, “Convert a COBOL program that calculates the factorial of a number into Scratch,” the generator will translate these instructions into the appropriate Scratch code, allowing you to visually represent the algorithm. This makes the COBOL To Scratch converter not just an essential tool but also a bridge between different programming environments, accommodating your projects seamlessly.

Examples Of Converted Code From COBOL To Scratch

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. AverageCalculator.

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION.
FILE-CONTROL.
SELECT InputFile ASSIGN TO SYSIN.

DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01 Num-Count PIC 9(3) VALUE 0.
01 Total-Sum PIC 9(6)V99 VALUE 0.
01 Current-Number PIC 9(5).
01 Average PIC 9(6)V99 VALUE 0.
01 Continue PIC X VALUE ‘Y’.

PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-PROCESS.
DISPLAY “Enter numbers to calculate their average (type ‘0’ to finish):”.

PERFORM UNTIL Continue = ‘N’
DISPLAY “Enter number: “.
ACCEPT Current-Number.

IF Current-Number NOT = 0
ADD Current-Number TO Total-Sum
ADD 1 TO Num-Count
ELSE
MOVE ‘N’ TO Continue
END-IF
END-PERFORM.

IF Num-Count > 0
COMPUTE Average = Total-Sum / Num-Count
DISPLAY “Average of the entered numbers: ” Average.
DISPLAY “Total count of numbers entered: ” Num-Count.
ELSE
DISPLAY “No numbers were entered.”.
END-IF.

STOP RUN.

when green flag clicked
define averageCalculator
set [Num-Count v] to [0]
set [Total-Sum v] to [0]
set [Current-Number v] to [0]
set [Average v] to [0]
set [Continue v] to [Y]

ask [Enter numbers to calculate their average (type ‘0’ to finish):] and wait

repeat until <(Continue) = [N]>
ask [Enter number:] and wait
set [Current-Number v] to (answer)

if <(Current-Number) != [0]> then
change [Total-Sum v] by (Current-Number)
change [Num-Count v] by [1]
else
set [Continue v] to [N]
end

end

if <(Num-Count) > [0]> then
set [Average v] to (Total-Sum / Num-Count)
say (join [Average of the entered numbers: ] (Average))
say (join [Total count of numbers entered: ] (Num-Count))
else
say [No numbers were entered.]
end
end

when green flag clicked
averageCalculator

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. EmployeeSalaryReport.

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION.
FILE-CONTROL.
SELECT EmployeeFile ASSIGN TO ’employee.dat’
ORGANIZATION IS LINE SEQUENTIAL.

DATA DIVISION.
FILE SECTION.
FD EmployeeFile.
01 EmployeeRecord.
05 Emp-ID PIC 9(5).
05 Emp-Name PIC X(30).
05 Emp-Salary PIC 9(9)V99.
05 Emp-Department PIC X(20).

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01 WS-Total-Salary PIC 9(10)V99 VALUE 0.
01 WS-Employee-Count PIC 9(5) VALUE 0.
01 WS-Highest-Salary PIC 9(9)V99 VALUE 0.
01 WS-Lowest-Salary PIC 9(9)V99 VALUE 999999999.
01 WS-Highest-Paid-Name PIC X(30).
01 WS-Lowest-Paid-Name PIC X(30).
01 WS-Highest-Paid-Department PIC X(20).
01 WS-Lowest-Paid-Department PIC X(20).

01 EOF-FLAG PIC X VALUE ‘N’.

PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-PARAGRAPH.
OPEN INPUT EmployeeFile
PERFORM UNTIL EOF-FLAG = ‘Y’
READ EmployeeFile INTO EmployeeRecord
AT END
MOVE ‘Y’ TO EOF-FLAG
NOT AT END
ADD Emp-Salary TO WS-Total-Salary
ADD 1 TO WS-Employee-Count

EVALUATE TRUE
WHEN Emp-Salary > WS-Highest-Salary
MOVE Emp-Salary TO WS-Highest-Salary
MOVE Emp-Name TO WS-Highest-Paid-Name
MOVE Emp-Department TO WS-Highest-Paid-Department
WHEN Emp-Salary < WS-Lowest-Salary MOVE Emp-Salary TO WS-Lowest-Salary MOVE Emp-Name TO WS-Lowest-Paid-Name MOVE Emp-Department TO WS-Lowest-Paid-Department END-EVALUATE END-READ END-PERFORM CLOSE EmployeeFile PERFORM PRINT-REPORT STOP RUN. PRINT-REPORT. DISPLAY 'Total Salary Expense: ' WS-Total-Salary DISPLAY 'Employee Count: ' WS-Employee-Count DISPLAY 'Highest Paid Employee: ' WS-Highest-Paid-Name DISPLAY 'Department: ' WS-Highest-Paid-Department DISPLAY 'Salary: ' WS-Highest-Salary DISPLAY 'Lowest Paid Employee: ' WS-Lowest-Paid-Name DISPLAY 'Department: ' WS-Lowest-Paid-Department DISPLAY 'Salary: ' WS-Lowest-Salary.

when green flag clicked
set [total salary v] to [0]
set [employee count v] to [0]
set [highest salary v] to [0]
set [lowest salary v] to [999999999]
set [highest paid name v] to [” ]
set [lowest paid name v] to [” ]
set [highest paid department v] to [” ]
set [lowest paid department v] to [” ]
set [EOF flag v] to [0]

open [employee.dat v]

repeat until <(EOF flag) = [1]>
if > then
set [employee record v] to [read line from [employee.dat]]

// Assuming employee record format is: Emp-ID,Emp-Name,Emp-Salary,Emp-Department
set [emp ID v] to (item 1 of (split [employee record v] by [‘,’ ]))
set [emp name v] to (item 2 of (split [employee record v] by [‘,’ ]))
set [emp salary v] to (item 3 of (split [employee record v] by [‘,’ ]))
set [emp department v] to (item 4 of (split [employee record v] by [‘,’ ]))

change [total salary v] by (emp salary)
change [employee count v] by (1)

if <(emp salary) > (highest salary)> then
set [highest salary v] to (emp salary)
set [highest paid name v] to (emp name)
set [highest paid department v] to (emp department)
end

if <(emp salary) < (lowest salary)> then
set [lowest salary v] to (emp salary)
set [lowest paid name v] to (emp name)
set [lowest paid department v] to (emp department)
end
else
set [EOF flag v] to [1]
end
end

close [employee.dat]

broadcast [print report v]

when I receive [print report v]
say (join [Total Salary Expense: ] (total salary))
say (join [Employee Count: ] (employee count))
say (join [Highest Paid Employee: ] (highest paid name))
say (join [Department: ] (highest paid department))
say (join [Salary: ] (highest salary))
say (join [Lowest Paid Employee: ] (lowest paid name))
say (join [Department: ] (lowest paid department))
say (join [Salary: ] (lowest salary))

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