ADS – Automatisierte Entwicklung für COBOL und PL/I
Plattformunabhängige Entwicklung für zukunftssichere Back-End-Anwendungen.
Life starts at 40 something: Delta ADS turns 45 this year
Developing software is looking to the future, but sometimes it is good to turn around and look back. As we did, we discovered that the foundations of our products were made almost half a century ago.
The Beginning - 1972 The first Idea
In 1972 Professor Reinhold Thurner, Zürich University, published ‘Entscheidungstabellen: Aufbau, Anwendungen, Programmierung’. He founded the Sodecon AG that implemented his ideas in DETAB/GT (Decision Tables/Generator).
In the beginning, DETAB/GT was able to produce COBOL, PL/I and Fortran and not much later also Assembler.
The Evolution - 1976 ADS was released
Resolving decision tables was only a first step. The idea of generating (slightly) different variants (targets) of programming code from one single source proved a fruitful idea. Over the next years the generator system Delta was developed and released in 1976. The foundation for this development tool is that an application contains a lot of functionality that are just slightly different implementations of each other (File I/O, Screen I/O, Printfiles, reports etc). The generators in Delta contain the abstraction of this implementation with the result that the developer only has to specify the parameters of this specific implementation to be able to get needed functionality.
Besides an increase in productivity (up to three times compared to traditional hand coding, according to some publications) one of the other main advantages is portability. It is that portability that enables software developing companies to sell their products on a number of different platforms without the full developing efforts. It also enables companies to migrate from one platform to another without having to rewrite their applications.
“I am pleased that after almost 50 years, Delta ADS is still being used successfully for the development and migration of large and complex applications.”
Dr. Reinhold Thurner
The concept was very successful: by 1982 there were already 130 installations worldwide and was available for 12 different platforms.
Till today, the majority of installations are found in banking and insurance, governmental institutions and software solution sellers.
The Future - 2021 and beyond
Like Delta DETAB, Delta ADS for COBOL and PL/I (as it is officially named today) remains a part of our product portfolio. Over the years an estimated 2+ billion unique lines of code have been generated with our generator system, a number that is still growing each year. Initially, DETAB and Delta ADS were only available for the platforms for which they generated code. Today they are also integrated into modern development environments such as Eclipse or Visual Studio and can generate cross-platform.
As the advantages of this generative approach to software development is still valued by our customers we remain committed to supporting them with our tools. The current release 6 of Delta ADS will certainly not be the last as we will continue to find solutions for the challenges our customers experience in their software development process.
Download Language: Englisch - Version: MT21094.01
Life starts at 40 something: Delta ADS turns 45 this year
Developing software is looking to the future, but sometimes it is good to turn around and look back. As we did, we discovered that the foundations of our products were made almost half a century ago.
Read more
Delta DETAB helps software developers to specify complex issues in an easily understandable way and to efficiently implement the decision logic. The use of Delta DETAB simplifies the communication with the business departments and reduces development and maintenance costs.
Decision Tables for a Clear Presentation of Complex Issues
Decision tables are an excellent method to clearly and understandably specify complex issues, processes and system of rules. They are used to present complex dependencies between several conditions and the individual actions to be performed in a clear, complete and consistent manner.
Decision tables are much easier to understand and validate than code, so they are often used for the specification of complex systems. As they are language-neutral as well, they simplify the communication and coordination between the technical departments and the software development. In addition, decision tables facilitate the development of test cases and the business rule management.
Delta DETAB for the Automatic Conversion into Error-free Code
Delta DETAB supports the decision-table technology in the analysis and programming. The automated, generative implementation of decision tables into target-platform-specific, optimized source code using DETAB accelerates and simplifies the software development:
- Strong reduction of the testing and maintenance effort:
Comprehensive examination of the decision tables for completeness, consistency and contradictions, redundancies, overlaps, ambiguities, and many more. - Efficient implementation:
The corresponding error-free, optimized source code for the desired target platform is automatically generated in COBOL or PL/I. - Test aids
simplify the troubleshooting and documentation of tests. - Exact and clear documentation
Our customers successfully use Delta DETAB to easily specify complex decision logic, simplify the communication with the business departments and to reduce the development and maintenance costs.
Platforms
As with Delta ADS, we distinguish between the development platform where the development is performed and the runtime platform the applications are generated for and run productively.
The platform support of Delta DETAB is continuously extended. If your platform is not listed below, please contact our sales representatives to discuss your specific requirements.
Development Platforms for Delta DETAB
Delta DETAB can be used for the development on different platforms – stand-alone as well as an integrated part of the development system Delta ADS.
Input for standalone usage is a COBOL or PL/I program that includes decision tables. Delta DETAB is then used as a pre-processor that translates the decision tables into the appropriate COBOL or PL/I code for the desired target platform.
NEW: As a component of Delta ADS, DETAB is already available for the development on Eclipse for some time. Now we also provide DETAB standalone for the integrated development on Eclipse. Thus, the advantages of the modern development environment can now also be used for DETAB stand-alone, and the development of decision tables with DETAB can seamlessly be integrated into current processes.
Development Platforms
- PC systems:
Microsoft Windows - optional integrated in Eclipse or Microsoft Visual Studio - Unix / Linux – different manufacturers
- Mainframe:
HP NonStop, Guardian
IBM VSE/ESA
IBM z/OS
Target Platforms for Delta DETAB
With Delta DETAB, source code for COBOL and PL/I applications can be generated for all target platforms that are also supported with Delta ADS.
- Bull DPS7, Bull DPS8
- Fujitsu BS2000/OSD
- HP-UX
- HP NonStop, Guardian
- HP OpenVMS
- IBM AIX
- IBM VSE/ESA
- IBM z/OS
- Microsoft Windows
- Unisys OS/2200
- Unix / Linux – different manufacturers
Get to know Delta DETAB
We would like to introduce you to Delta DETAB or Delta DETAB on Eclipse. Get in touch with us and benefit from the advantages of the decision table technology.
Delta ADS
Delta ADS
ADS is Delta's proven solution for the generative development of operational back-end applications in COBOL and PL/I. ADS enables you to develop, maintain and support your online and batch programs independent of platform specific considerations such as operating system, database management system and TP monitor.
ADS is one of the most successful IT application development systems ever released in the enterprise market. A sophisticated and comprehensive generator technology enables the tool-based creation of platform independent online applications and batch applications in COBOL and PL/I. In order to facilitate the object-based database integration, ADS also contains extensive support for generating Data Access Servers.
The developer creates ADS programs with easily maintainable, logical language elements. Powerful generators connect the system neutral descriptions of the applications with the specific code for the selected target platform, including operating system, compiler, database system and TP monitor.
ADS generates high performance applications in the native COBOL or PL/I code of the selected target platform. The generated code is compiled and linked in exactly the same way as a traditionally developed program. Once the code has been generated ADS is no longer involved – there is no interpretive runtime or such approaches with ADS. Thanks to our native code technology all system management, debugging, testing, audit, security control and other system tools can be used with ADS applications.
This process of program assembly is reproducible anytime. Maintenance and further development of the applications is performed at the logical level that is input to the generator. It is never necessary to modify any of the generated code.
"The Delta products bring a tremendous boost to productivity in development and maintenance. We know that based on more than 20 years of experience. This is real added value."
Rainer Neuhaus, Development Manager, Kanton Aargau, Switzerland
Our customers have implemented extremely large applications by using Delta ADS: including billions of generated LOC and hundreds of thousands of programs. According to statements of our customers, only a few developers are needed to maintain and further develop thousands of programs. The development with ADS is stable, reliable and very efficient.
The New ADS 6 for Even More Productivity in Application Development
ADS 6 provides the functions that help you to better understand your Delta ADS applications. The new functions and language extensions improve the readability and maintainability of the applications. With the new release of ADS the development and maintenance gets even more efficient.
Delta ADS celebrates its 45th anniversary!
"I am pleased that after almost 50 years, Delta ADS
is still being used successfully for the development
and migration of large and complex applications.",
says Dr. Reinhold Thurner, the „father of Delta ADS“.
We have summarized for you how Delta ADS has evolved over the past 45 years, why it has been and still is so successfull.
Find out what advantages Delta ADS offers you for your future application development.
https://delta-software.com/link.php?en=6327
ADS 6
ADS 6
Being successful already for decades, Delta's generative development system ADS for enterprise back-end applications in COBOL and PL/1 has been used to develop extremely large applications. Decisions about the further development, the modernisation and the orientation of these applications regarding new technologies require profound understanding and reliable assessment of these core applications.
The new ADS 6 focuses on these requirements: ADS 6 improves the understanding of the ADS applications by offering new functions. Language extensions for ADS MACRO simplify the development and maintenance of the application frameworks. Analyses and reports provide reliable information for the assessment.
Download ADS 6 - Product Flyer
Delta ADS – Proven Efficiency in the Application Development
Our customers have implemented extremely large applications by using Delta ADS: including billions of generated LOC and hundreds of thousands of programs. According to statements of our customers, only a few developers are needed to maintain and further develop thousands of programs. The development with ADS is stable, reliable and very efficient.
"The new ADS 6 enables us to further improve the efficiency and quality of our software development and maintenance. For example new functions for the detailed documentation and description of the generating process help us to securely and fast perform changes and enhancements on our large scale and complex applications."
Oswald Klackl, Head of Architecture & Quality Management, B+S Banksysteme
Do You Understand Your Software?
Delta ADS applications have grown over a long period. They are an active business value that comprises significant investments. Over time, the knowledge of the implementation often got lost. As a result, the costs for maintenance and usage increase.
With ADS 6 we help you to re-document your applications and to analyse the implemented logic.
This way you understand your software!
Understand Your Software!
"Understanding the existing applications gets more and more important. With ADS 6 we want to provide profound information on the applications to ensure that our customers have a reliable basis for the decisions about the future of their core applications. This information directly results in considerable savings for the development and maintenance of these large applications." says Rüdiger Schilling, CEO, Delta Software Technology.
The New ADS 6 for Even More Productivity in Application Development
ADS 6 provides the functions that help you to better understand your Delta ADS applications. The new functions and language extensions improve the readability and maintainability of the applications. With the new release of ADS the development and maintenance gets even more efficient. ADS 6 provides:
- Discovery and application mining for ADS applications
- Extensions for ADS MACRO
- ADS 6 on Eclipse as new development environment
- Integrated in Micro Focus EDz (Enterprise Developer for z) and IBM RDz (IBM Rational Developer for System z)
Application Mining
Application Mining for ADS Applications
During the generation, ADS 6 collects all information about interfaces, definitions, macro usage and much more. Using easy-to-configure reports you get detailed documentation, you can perform statistical and dynamic analyses and assess your code. In addition, individual analyses are possible as well, e.g. to estimate efforts or to prepare decisions for modernisations.
How are the modules connected with each other? Who calls whom, how, when and where?
Which files are used, where and how?
Is this code really necessary?
Post-Generation Debugger
Post-Generation Debugger
With ADS 6 we also provide our new Post-Generation Debugger. With this tool we support an absolutely new and innovative concept for the generative development. The Post-Generation Debugger enables you to watch the generator at work retrospectively.
You can understand and follow the generation process step-by-step – across all layers and across all modules involved in the generation. The dynamic navigation leads you directly to the right place – without any time-consuming, prior setting of breakpoints. You can freely navigate by yourself, going backwards and forwards in the generation. You see the contents of all variables before and after the execution of the statements.
Post-Generation Debugger - Which macro statements are executed in which order? What are the parameters’ values before and after the execution of the statement?
Post-Generation Debugger - Which module and which statement generated a specific line of code?
With the new Post-Generation Debugger you easily track the source of a generated line of code by a simple click, find out which module was responsible for the generation and due to which parameter contents and conditions.
Clear markings highlight the relevant information. You see the structure of the modules and have a clear view of all layers. In this way, development and testing get really easy.
ADS MACRO
Extended Syntax for ADS MACRO
ADS MACRO is the key element of the ADS development system for the systematic multiple re-use of code. Some enterprises even have developed their own generator systems by using ADS MACRO.
The ADS 6 extensions for ADS MACRO provide more flexibility and clarity, better readability and understanding during the development. The main key words are:
- Extended syntax: descriptive parameter names, free formatting, clear indentation, mixed-case support
- Macro Source Optimizer with automatic conversion “Old to new”
- Post Generation Debugger
- Coverage and dead-code analyses, cross-references
- Detailed macro analyses with results in HTML format, clear and easy to evaluate
"The Delta products bring a tremendous boost to productivity in development and maintenance. We know that based on more than 20 years of experience. This is real added value."
Rainer Neuhaus, Development Manager, Kanton Aargau, Switzerland
Macro Source Optimizer
ADS MACRO enables the systematic multiple use of code. Some of our customers have used this powerful tool to develop application frameworks with thousands of modules.
To ensure that you can use the new extended macro syntax not only in case of new development but also for your existing macros, we provide the Macro Source Optimizer with ADS 6. With Macro Source Optimizer you can convert your existing macros from the old syntax to the new syntax very easily. Even though the syntax is changed the generated code remains the same as before. As a result, you also understand your already existing macros faster and better – automatically.
See the difference here:
Automatically optimized macros with new syntax, identifiers, indentation
ADS 6 for PL/I
ADS 6 for PL/I
With its new functions ADS 6 for PL/I helps to develop, maintain and test the PL/I applications generated with ADS and the application frameworks created with ADS MACRO more efficiently:
- ADS 6 for PL/I improves the comprehension of the PL/I applications developed with ADS.
- Language extensions for ADS MACRO simplify the development and maintenance of application frameworks.
- The Macro Optimizer ensures a better readability and maintainability of the existing macros.
- The Post-Generation Debugger simplifies the comprehension and the test of the generation process.
- Reports support the maintenance and help to (re)document the applications.
- Analyses provide reliable information for the assessment of the applications.
ADS on Eclipse - PL/I
With the final release ADS 6 for PL/I is now available for all target platforms (operating systems, TP monitors und databases). Please find here an overview of all target platforms.
Supported Platforms
Supported Platforms
With its successful generator technology, ADS enables the creation of platform independent batch and online applications in COBOL and PL/I for the most common platforms and database systems.
With cross-platform support the migration of existing applications to another platform becomes a trivial matter. With cross generation the development of mainframe-based applications in a PC environment is equally straightforward. Applications are developed and tested on the PC and then regenerated for the host platform.
With the concept of entire data encapsulation ADS supports all of the most important database systems in the enterprise environment. Data access within these applications is coded with system neutral commands. Generators convert them into high quality, target system specific data access statements.
Platforms
- Bull DPS7, TDS7
- Bull DPS8, DM4
- Bull DPS8, TP8
- Fujitsu BS2000/OSD, openUTM (Siemens BS2000/OSD, openUTM)
- HP HP-UX
- HP NonStop, Guardian Pathway
- HP VAX OpenVMS
- IBM AIX
- IBM VSE/ESA, CICS
- IBM z/OS, CICS
- IBM z/OS, IBM/IMS TM (IBM IMS/DC)
- ICL VME, TPMS
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Microsoft Windows Vista
- Microsoft Windows 7
- Microsoft Windows 8
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012
- Sun Solaris
- Unisys OS/2200, DPS/1100
- Unix – Various manufacturers
Databases
- Bull IDS2
- Bull Interel
- Fujitsu LEASY (Siemens LEASY)
- HP NonStop SQL/MP
- HP RDB
- IBM DB2
- IBM DL/I
- IBM IMS/DB
- IBM Informix
- ICL IDMS/X
- Ingres
- Oracle
- Software AG Adabas
- Sybase
- Unisys RDMS
Delta ADS platform support changes over time so your platform may not be included in the above list. Please contact your local sales organization to discuss your specific requirements.
Development Environments
Development Environments
ADS on Eclipse
ADS on Eclipse
Many enterprises use different platforms for their software development: Eclipse for the Java and (web)front-end development, Microsoft Windows or even mainframes for generative back-end development with Delta ADS. The parallel operation of different working environ-ments for the development is intricate and expensive. ADS on Eclipse helps you to reduce these efforts.
With ADS on Eclipse you now can standardize your working environments for the application development.
ADS on Eclipse smoothly integrates all ADS tools into your individual Eclipse environment:
- ADS editors
- ADS generators
- ADS Post-Generation Debugger
- ADS reports und analyses
- ADS documentation
- DETAB decision tables generator
ADS Editors
The ADS editors assist you when creating and editing ADS source codes, such as macros, programs, SCREEN definitions and others with:
- Chroma coding
- Code folding
- Code assistants with extendable templates for macro statements and processor calls
- Outline views for easy navigation in larger source codes.
Easy to operate ADS development in Eclipse
ADS Generators
You can start the ADS generators directly from the Eclipse environment. The configuration is conveniently defined using the standard property dialogs.
An individual view is available for displaying the generation lists. In addition, the macros called during the generation will be displayed in a separate cross reference view.
You will see the generator messages directly at the right place within the source code as well as collected in the Problems View for the entire project.
Download ADS on Eclipse - Product Flyer
ADS Post-Generation Debugger
The Post-Generation Debugger is integrated as an individual perspective and you can switch between the code editing and the debugger at any time.
ADS Report Wizard
A wizard supports you in creating and configuring reports and analyses. You will gain detailed documentation about your applications directly in your working environment: coverage and dead code analyses, call trees, cross-reference reports and many more.
Please use our contact form to order the release now.
"The guaranteed long-term support of Delta tools is and always was of vital importance for us. This also includes their continuous enhancement to fit new demands, to always be state of the art. An excellent example for this is the comprehensive integration into the standard Eclipse. This perfectly matches our strategy of a modern and future-proof development landscape."
Peter Bauch, COO, B+S Banksysteme
More About ADS on Eclipse
You want to know how to easily perform your application development with ADS under Eclipse? Please get in touch with us.
ADS on EDz / IDz / LzWorkbench
ADS on Micro Focus EDz or IBM IDz or LzWorkbench™
Many of our customers who develop with ADS use development platforms from Micro Focus, IBM and LzLabs at the same time. These platforms provide the functionality for the integrated development of mainframe applications, for example the development of COBOL and PL/I for IBM z/OS on workstations with Microsoft Windows. In close cooperation with Micro Focus, IBM and LzLabs integrated solutions for ADS and the development platforms of these providers have now been created.
Due to the consolidation of the development environments a uniform, productive, graphical and modern working environment for the development of Java and (web)front-ends as well as of COBOL-, PL/I- and ADS applications is provided to the developers.
Delta ADS on Micro Focus Enterprise Developer for Z
As a result, we now offer our customers, besides ADS on SCOUT² and ADS on Eclipse, ADS for other development environments:
- ADS on Micro Focus EDz (Enterprise Developer for z)
- ADS on IBM IDz (Rational Developer for System z)
- ADS on LzWorkbench™
- ADS on Compuware Topaz
All these development environments are based on the open source platform Eclipse. In this way, ADS on Eclipse is integrated into the Micro Focus Workflow Manager. Thus a code generation can be performed as part of the workflow.
COBOL code generated by ADS can automatically be transferred to a dataset on the z/OS host due to the connection between ADS and IDz. A Compile/Link job can automatically be started on the host for this code as well.
Delta ADS on IBM RDz
The following advantages result from the integration of the development tools under Eclipse:
- Uniform interface for ADS, COBOL, PL/I, C/C++, Java, …
- Functionalities of modern development techniques:
- Graphical debugging
- Syntax completion
- Real time syntax check
- Smart Editor
- Further integration with Eclipse-based tools
- Connection of SCM systems like Serena ChangeMan and ERO
- Local and remote development
- and more
The following benefits can be achieved by transferring the development to the PC:
- A higher level of productivity during the development and maintenance of applications
- Shorter development cycles
- Relief of the mainframe by saving MIPs
- The mainframe becomes more attractive for junior employees
- and more
Due to the integration of tools and avoidance of media breaks the development and test processes are shortened significantly.
More Information
Insurer reviews unified Micro Focus development environment with Delta Software - A modern development environment is the goal for the software developers of a large insurer. Together with Micro Focus and Delta Software Technology, the insurance company examined the connection of Delta ADS to Micro Focus Enterprise Developer for Z.
LzLabs teams up with Delta Software to ensure seamless application maintenance & development on open systems
ADS on Visual Studio
ADS on Visual Studio
ADS on Visual Studio integrates the Delta ADS development tools into the modern development environment Microsoft Visual Studio.
Using different development platforms is uncomfortable and inefficient. For this reason many enterprises want to standardize their development environments. Besides Eclipse, Microsoft Visual Studio is the most used development environment. That is why we now provide ADS on Visual Studio in addition to ADS on Eclipse. In this way, you can comfortably develop with ADS, C#, Java, COBOL, PL/I and other languages in one integrated development environment.
With ADS on Visual Studio you can now standardize your working environments for the application development. ADS on Visual Studio smoothly integrates all ADS tools into your individual development environment on Microsoft Visual Studio:
- ADS editors
- ADS generators
- ADS Post-Generation Debugger
- ADS reports and analyses
- ADS documentation
ADS Generators
You can start the ADS generators directly from the Visual Studio environment. The configuration is conveniently defined using the standard property dialogs.
An individual window is available for displaying the generation lists. In addition, the macros called during the generation will be displayed in a separate Cross Reference window.
You will see the generator messages directly at the right place within the source code as well as collected in the Error List window for the entire solution.
Download Bedag Relies on Delta ADS on Visual Studio
More about ADS on Visual Studio
You want to know how to easily perform your application development with ADS on Visual Studio? Please get in touch with us.
Now available for Visual Studio 2022 ...
ADS 6 on SCOUT²
ADS 6 on SCOUT²
With ADS 6 on SCOUT² you now can comfortably integrate the new functions of ADS 6 into your development processes and thus further improve the development and maintenance of your applications.
Download ADS 6 on SCOUT² - Produktflyer
Macro Source Optimizer
ADS 6 provides an extended syntax for ADS MACRO. The Optimize process of SCOUT² allows you to automatically transform single macros or entire collections into the new syntax. You will get better structured and easier to understand macro code.
Post-Generation Debugger
With the Post-Generation Debugger you can exactly follow the generation process of your programs, screens and data access servers in the project context of your SCOUT² environment. You start the Post-Generation Debugger for a selected source of your SCOUT² project. The debugger then starts in a separate window. The dynamic navigation of the Post-Generation Debugger leads you directly to the proper location in the right modules – without any time-consuming, prior setting of breakpoints. You can freely navigate, going backwards and forwards in the generation.
Reports and Analyses
ADS 6 on SCOUT² supports you in the creation and configuration of reports and analyses for macros, programs, screens and data access servers.
You can compile analyses for single sources or entire collections as well as globally for the entire knowledge base: coverage and dead code analyses, call trees, cross-references and much more.
The results of the analyses will be generated as individual HTML documents and stored within your current SCOUT² workspace directory. You can view the reports directly in the SCOUT² preview or in a web browser.
Downloads / Documents
Documents about Delta ADS
Download Language: Englisch - Version: MT21094.01
Life starts at 40 something: Delta ADS turns 45 this year
Developing software is looking to the future, but sometimes it is good to turn around and look back. As we did, we discovered that the foundations of our products were made almost half a century ago.
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: MT21090.01
Aquila Heywood improves its Delta ADS software development by moving to Eclipse and Update to ADS 6.
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: mt21086-01
The Bedag Informatik AG modernises its development environment and combines the development in C# and Delta ADS in a .NET framework under Microsoft Visual Studio.
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: MT21011.04
Grupo Edson Queiroz selects generator-based tools from Delta Software Technology for major migration project from Bull DPS7 to UNIX
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: MT21013.04
Grupo Edson Queiroz selects generator-based tools from Delta Software Technology for major migration project from Bull DPS7 to UNIX
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: MT21061.02
Schorch transferred their production management system quickly, easily and securely from Fujitsu BS2000/OSD mainframe to a Microsoft Windows environment –using ADSplus Legacy Platform Development and SCOUT² Development Platform from Delta Software Technology.
Read moreDownload Language: Englisch - Version: MT21072.04
ADS 6 and ADS on Eclipse
Increased Efficiency and Quality in the Software Development.
Download Language: Englisch - Version: MT21073.04
ADS on Eclipse
Comfortable Development in Eclipse for Delta ADS COBOL and PL/I
Technical Documentations
To view the technical manuals, please log in to our Support Area. Then close the pop-up window and reload this page.