{"id":34553,"date":"2025-09-09T13:04:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T07:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prolifics.com\/usa\/?p=34553"},"modified":"2025-09-09T13:09:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T07:39:53","slug":"ibm-watsonx-code-assistant-for-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prolifics.com\/usa\/resource-center\/news\/ibm-watsonx-code-assistant-for-i","title":{"rendered":"Reinventing IBM i: How watsonx Code Assistant Transforms RPG Modernization with AI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Enterprises relying on IBM i modernization (formerly AS\/400 modernization) systems know it’s a powerhouse for mission-critical operations\u2014trusted for reliability, performance, and cost efficiency. Yet modernizing legacy RPG-based applications<\/mark><\/a> remains a major hurdle: technical debt, scarce RPG expertise, and the risk of disrupting critical workflows transform a high-stakes challenge. To bridge this gap, IBM is introducing IBM watsonx Code Assistant for i, a generative AI powered coding assistant purpose-built to accelerate modernization with context-aware assistance directly in the developer\u2019s IDE. IBM watsonx Code Assistant for i<\/mark><\/a> is at the center of a new wave of IBM i modernization, helping enterprises tackle RPG code challenges with AI-powered efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purpose-Built for RPG & IBM i Workloads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Built on IBM\u2019s flagship Granite code model<\/mark><\/a>, fine-tuned specifically for RPG and IBM i modernization applications, the assistant empowers developers\u2014novices and veterans alike\u2014with features to explain, document, and eventually generate or transform RPG code. Starting with context-aware code explanations, future updates will enable unit test generation, code transformations<\/mark><\/a>, and more, all integrated into Visual Studio Code environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This contextual intelligence addresses a glaring enterprise pain point: shrinking pools of RPG-trained developers. The RPG Code Assistant acts as a virtual mentor, helping newcomers understand complex codebases and veterans to accelerate enhancements\u2014reducing ramp-up time and preserving institutional knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Private Preview to Public Launch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Initially unveiled in early 2025 at IBM Think and later showcased at COMMON POWERUp, watsonx for IBM i<\/strong> is currently in private preview, with a public beta rolling out to early adopters soon. The first release will focus on code explanation features, with generation and test support arriving later in the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clients will have cloud, on-prem, or hybrid deployment flexibility, aligning with governance models and data<\/mark><\/a> requirements. With AS\/400 modernization becoming a pressing need, this flexibility ensures enterprises modernize at their own pace while maintaining compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It Matters\u2014Now<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Accelerated Modernization<\/strong> \u2013 Developers can quickly comprehend and document legacy code, speeding up modernization projects and reducing delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Minimized Risk<\/strong> \u2013 Built-in intelligence and context-aware guidance help mitigate common errors and reduce disruption to critical business applications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Talent Enablement<\/strong> \u2013 Bridging skill gaps ensures continuity even as seasoned RPG developers retire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Future-Ready<\/strong> \u2013 With IBM AI coding tool transformation and test generation on the roadmap, enterprises can look forward to tangible productivity gains.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Prolifics: Your Trusted AI Modernization Partner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    At Prolifics, we specialize in blending emerging AI capabilities into your core legacy modernization journey, safely and effectively. Here\u2019s how we can help you activate IBM watsonx Code Assistant for i:<\/p>\n\n\n\n