US Patent 10489151 Locating business rules in application source code

A method, system and computer program product for locating business rules in application source code. Static code analysis is performed on the application source code to collect variable usage and statement information, which is stored in a repository. Variables that are used in conditions and computational statements are identified using the stored information, including determining the usage distribution of these variables in such conditions and computational statements and whether such conditions and computational statements are within copybooks. A score is assigned to these identified variables based on usage and if their usage is shared in copybooks. Those variables with a score exceeding a threshold value are selected to be inserted in a list of business terms. Usage locations of the variables in the list are extracted. The business rules in the application source code containing the logic using these variables are then identified based on the extracted usage locations.