The process begins with the parsing of a single source and its copy modules into a metadata format. The parsed information is fed into the language converter along with additional information that may be pertinent to the conversion, including data types, prototypes, conversion parameters, and overrides. The additional information provides the flexibility that is needed to ensure each conversion covers the client's needs.

For instance, some conversions require the creation of additional data types if a particular data type is not built into the target language. If source code is being converted to an object-orientated language, certain base classes are usually required that may not have existed in the original code. Prototypes are another essential component in the conversion process. Depending on the language, implicit data conversions would be performed by the compiler, allowing a caller to call a routine with differing data types for parameters. For languages that do not support the implicit conversion, explicit conversions need to be inserted into the code. Sometimes it is also necessary to implement functionality overrides. For instance, pathnames to files may need to be modified due to inconsistencies between operating system platforms. Lastly, conversion parameters must be fed to the converter, which will define rules pertinent to the conversion type. For example, to change all source code that is written in mixed case to lowercase (excluding quoted strings), a conversion parameter would be used to do this. Datatek's goal is to make the final result as maintainable as possible to the end user, according to their coding standards.

Once all of these components have been passed to the converter, information is extracted out that is required for other modules, such as variable, parameter, and subroutine usage. From this, a determination must be made about how variables are used. For example, a routine that passes a variable must be examined to determine whether the variable is to be passed by value or reference.

The conversion process then becomes iterative. With each successive pass through the entire code set, additional information is generated, since a change to one module can create the domino effect of requiring modifications in other modules. Changes to those modules, can then require modifications to another set of modules, and so on. By having the ability to quickly and repetitively parse through entire code sets, making additional modifications on-the-fly, it is clear that automated language conversions are the most cost effective and reliable way to convert between programming languages.