z/OS XL C/C++

z/OS V1R8 offers, as an optional priced feature, the z/OS V1R8 XL C/C++ compiler.

This compiler shares a common code base, including IBM's most advanced compiler optimization technology, with other members of the XL C/C++ and XL Fortran compiler families.

z/OS V1R8 XL C/C++ offers the following performance and usability enhancements in this new release:

z/OS XL C++ support for C99 (ISO/IEC 9899:1999) standard features
z/OS V1R8 XL C++ supports the following set of C99 features:

• Restrict qualifier

• Valid universal character name ranges

• __func__ identifier for debugging assistance

z/OS XL C++ GNU enablement
z/OS V1R8 XL C++ supports the #include_next directive.

New compiler options
z/OS V1R8 XL C/C++ introduces the following new compiler options:

• HGPR

• HOT

• SPLITLIST

New compiler suboptions
z/OS V1R8 XL C/C++ introduces the following new compiler suboptions:

• LANGLVL(C99__FUNC__) (C++ only)

• TARGET(zOSV1R8)

Stabilization of the prelinker
The prelinker was designed to process long names and support constructed reentrancy in earlier versions of the C compiler on the MVS™ and OS/390 operating systems. The prelinker, shipped with z/OS Language Environment, provides output that is compatible with the linkage editor that is shipped with the binder. The binder is designed to include the functions of the prelinker, the linkage editor, the loader, and a number of APIs to manipulate the program object. Its functionality provides a high level of compatibility with the prelinker and linkage editor, but provides additional functionality in some areas. IBM has stabilized the prelinker. Further enhancements will not be made to the prelinker. IBM recommends that you use the binder instead of the prelinker and linker, since only the binder will continue to be enhanced in future releases.

GONUMBER supports 64-bit applications
The GONUMBER compiler option generates line number tables for both 31-bit and 64-bit applications.

Storage limitations removed when optimizing complex applications using IPA
The IPA optimizer is running in the 64-bit address space and no longer exhibits the storage limitations that restricted the use of the IPA optimizer during previous releases.

The as command for High Level Assembler (HLASM) invocation
The as command enables the user to process assembler source files and invoke the HLASM assembler to produce object files.

Support for CICS Transaction Server 3.1 & 3.2 Integrated Translator
Integrated CICS translation is supported for use with CICS Transaction Server for z/OS V3R1 and above. The integrated CICS translator enables users to embed CICS statements in C/C++ source and pass them through the compiler without the need for an explicit preprocessing step. This permits a more seamless operation of C/C++ within the CICS environment. See APAR PK50186 for more information.