ZCrafter is a command-line interface (CLI) tool designed to make working with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe systems faster, more intuitive, and more approachable—especially for developers who are new to the platform. By integrating AI-assisted capabilities directly into the command line, ZCrafter allows users to ask natural-language questions, analyze code for bugs, troubleshoot errors, and get instant, contextual answers about mainframe development workflows.
Built on top of the Open Mainframe Project’s Zowe framework, ZCrafter leverages modern, open source tooling to bring familiar developer experiences to IBM Z environments. Instead of navigating complex documentation or legacy workflows, developers can interact with their mainframe code in real time, gaining clarity and confidence as they learn and build.
ZCrafter was created by students at Northern Illinois University as part of the IBM Z Student Ambassador Program, demonstrating the growing impact of student-led innovation within the mainframe ecosystem. The project highlights how the next generation of developers is using open source, AI, and modern interfaces to reimagine how mainframe skills are learned and applied—helping ensure enterprise computing remains relevant, accessible, and future-ready.
In this video, NIU students Victor Taiwo, Sang Pham, Oyewale Adeoye, and Paris Richards share their experience with Zowe and showcase all of the cool things you can do with ZCrafter.
If you enjoyed this blog checkout more Zowe blogs here. Or, ask a question and join the conversation on the Open Mainframe Project Slack Channel #Zowe-help or #Zowe-onboarding. If this is your first time using the OMP slack channel register here.
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