In constructing a load module, the linkage editor frequently is requested to combine multiple CSECTs, or it may process an existing load module as input, combining it with additional CSECTs or performing a CSECT replacement.
The linkage editor determines the RMODE of each CSECT. If the RMODEs are all the same, the linkage editor assigns that RMODE to the load module. If the RMODEs are not the same (ignoring the RMODE specification on common sections), the more restrictive value, RMODE 24, is chosen as the load module's RMODE.
The RMODE chosen can be overridden by the RMODE specified in the PARM field of the linkage editor EXEC statement. Likewise, the PARM field RMODE can be overridden by the RMODE value specified on the linkage editor MODE control statement.
The linkage editor does not alter the RMODE values obtained from the object module or load module when constructing the new load module. Any choice that the linkage editor makes or any override processing that it performs affects only the PDS.