Depending on the library type specified by SYSLMOD, the binder creates either program objects or load modules. Program objects include and extend the functions of load modules. They are stored in partitioned data set extended (PDSE) program libraries or z/OS UNIX files instead of partitioned data set program libraries and have fewer restrictions than load modules. For example, a program object can have a text size of up to 1 gigabyte, whereas the text size of a load module is limited to 16 MB. The block size of a program object is also fixed, eliminating the need to reblock when you copy programs between devices. You can use IEBCOPY to convert between program objects and load modules, as described in Using utilities for Program Management.
Program objects support an unlimited number of data classes, representing multiple text classes, additional control information and user or compiler-specified data known as ADATA. Program text, the instructions and data that constitute the executable portion of the module, can be divided into class segments, each of which can be loaded into separate storage locations. Associated Data (ADATA) is information about the module that is created by the language translator but not required for linking, loading, or execution. Virtually any type of data that is associated with a module or its constituent sections can be saved in a program object. Some restrictions apply.