| # Know Where You're Going Before You Start

You probably just can't wait to get going with the actual code and data changes. But until you analyze the applications, code, data records, JCL, data, and so on, you do not know what the changes need to be. You should have people who know the applications do the analysis. These are probably the more senior members of your staff. Or maybe even that retired programmer who used to sit down the hall who knows things inside and out. Is lunch in order? Maybe even a contract. Those doing the analysis then create a detailed implementation plan for (perhaps lower-level) programmers to follow.

To get started on your analysis work, make WorkFrame, part of VisualAge COBOL, your command center. WorkFrame, particularly on OS/2, enables you to access and organize your projects easily and naturally, You work on all the components as objects whether they are on the host or the workstation or some mixture. Because each type of object has inherent actions, it is a very efficient (and customizable) development environment. All of your project files are kept together in folders as you choose to organize them. to get a look at a screen image of a folder.

Given that the changes involved tend to be numerous and detailed, writing editor macros to encapsulate the changes helps ensure that the changes are made as planned and with greater accuracy than other forms of specification.

©1997 IBM Corporation