Detailed overview

IBM Bob (formerly IBM watsonx Code Assistant) is an enterprise-focused agentic AI coding tool for generating, modernizing, and explaining applications across business technology stacks, including legacy languages like COBOL and RPG alongside Java, Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript. It offers agentic modes (Ask, Plan, Agent) for planning and executing changes, embeds security checks during code authoring, and provides cost-optimized model routing. Premium packages add deep platform expertise for Java, IBM i, and Z mainframe modernization. Designed for enterprises undertaking application modernization projects within IBM-centric ecosystems.

Pricing details

Free 30-day trial (40 Bobcoins). Pro plan starts at $20.00 USD per instance per month/year. Higher Pro+ and enterprise tiers with premium packages also available.

Visit IBM watsonx Code Assistant

Key features

Agentic modes (Ask, Plan, Agent)
Code generation
Application modernization
Automated test regeneration
Security-first vulnerability detection
Cost-optimized multi-model routing
Enterprise governance and auditability
Premium packages for Java, IBM i, and Z mainframe

Systems you can build

Legacy mainframe applications
Java enterprise applications
IBM i (RPG/COBOL) applications
APIs and MCP servers
Test automation frameworks
Enterprise application modernization projects

Strengths

Strong enterprise governance
Useful modernization workflows
Good hybrid-cloud fit

Limitations

Enterprise sales process
Setup requires planning
Best for IBM ecosystems

Verification sources

Listing details are checked against official sources.

https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-code-assistant