Project Bob: the next-gen AI partner for IBM i and IBM Z application development

Hello everyone,

Today I’d like to draw your attention to a major new announcement from IBM: Project Bob — a powerful AI-first development environment designed to accelerate and modernize application development across platforms including IBM i (RPG, CL) and IBM Z (COBOL). Niklas Heidloff+3IBM+3IBM+3

✅ What is Project Bob?

Project Bob is an integrated development environment (IDE) infused with artificial intelligence, intended to support the full lifecycle of software development — from design and coding to testing, refactoring, deployment and modernization. IBM+1 Key features include:

• An AI partner that understands your intent, your codebase/repo, and your organization’s standards and governance. IBM+1
• Agentic workflows: tasks are broken down and coordinated across code, tests, documentation and pipelines. IBM
• Security-first design: inline vulnerability scanning, secrets detection, compliance features (FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI) built in. IBM
• Multi-platform support: Works on various OS (macOS, Windows, Linux) and can be deployed in cloud or enterprise environments with governance. IBM

🎯 Why it matters for IBM i (RPG) and IBM Z (COBOL)

While many modernization tools focus on Java, microservices or newer languages, the interesting bit for us is that Project Bob explicitly targets legacy enterprise platforms including IBM i and IBM Z. Niklas Heidloff
If you’re working with RPG, CL, legacy ILE applications or COBOL on mainframe, this means you may soon have AI-assisted support for:

• Code review, refactoring, modernization of legacy modules
• Migration or re-platforming assistance with modern workflows
• Automation of repetitive development tasks, freeing developer time for more value-added work

🔍 What to keep in mind

• Project Bob is currently in early preview/private beta — availability across all platforms (including RPG/COBOL) may take some time. Niklas Heidloff
• AI tools bring huge promise but also require governance: code quality, security, compliance, and human oversight remain critical.
• Adopting Project Bob in a legacy environment often means more than just installing software — you’ll likely need to evaluate your toolchain, DevOps practices, team skills and project workflows.

🧭 What you can do now

Here are some proactive steps if you’re working in an IBM i or IBM Z environment and want to prepare:

1. Join the waitlist for Project Bob preview access. community.ibm.com
2. Inventory your legacy codebase: identify modules in RPG, CL or COBOL that are high-value for modernization or that depend on fragile patterns.
3. Evaluate your development toolchain: How are you building, testing and deploying today? Can you benefit from AI-assisted workflows?
4. Engage your team: Discuss the potential impact of an AI-driven IDE—both the opportunities and the risks. Share insights in your community.

📚 Useful References

• IBM official announcement: Introducing Project Bob: Your AI partner for faster, smarter software development — Link IBM
• Product page: Introducing Project Bob. Helping you ship quality software, faster. — Link IBM
• CIO Dive article: IBM unveils vibe coding tool to boost modernization — Link CIO Dive
• Blog overview: Introducing Project Bob for AI based Software Development by Niklas Heidloff — Link Niklas Heidloff