Micro Focus APS

Micro Focus APS's architecture comprised several key components. The Code Generation component translated application specifications into COBOL source code. The Compilation component then compiled the generated COBOL code into object code.

The Binding component linked the object code with necessary libraries to create executable programs. These components communicated through the z/OS operating system. APS used the z/OS file system for storing source code, object code, and executable modules.

The command-line interface provided access to these components. For example, the `GENERATE` command would invoke the code generation process, using control files to define the application's structure and database interactions. The `COMPILE` command would then compile the generated COBOL code.

Security relied on z/OS security features, including user authentication and access control mechanisms. APS did not expose any APIs. The primary advantage of APS was its code generation capabilities, which streamlined the development process.

Micro Focus Mainframe Express provides a migration path. Competitors like IBM Rational Developer for z Systems offer integrated development environments (IDEs) with debugging and testing features.