Maximize hardware use and improve application performance
Use leading-edge compiler optimization technology with modern IBM Z to enhance the performance of C/C++ applications on the highly secure and resilient z/OS platform. This initiative helps expedite return on investments and mitigate both business and IT risks.
Open XL C/C++ is fully based on the open source Clang and LLVM technology framework, supporting up to the C17/C18 and C++20 language standards. This approach aims to reduce migration efforts when transitioning C/C++ applications from distributed platforms to z/OS.
Open XL C/C++ helps extend modern z/OS languages and utilities such as Python, Node.js, Go, Java™ and IBM Z Open Automation Utilities (ZOAU) to enhance their functionality and build application packages to advance technology adoption.
The Open XL C/C++ compiler now supports embedded CICS® and IMS statements in C/C++ source, simplifying the operation of C/C++ within CICS and IMS environments.
Features
Specify the architectural level for which the executable program’s instructions are going to be generated. It allows for delivering hardware-level capabilities directly through compiler options without modifying source codes.
Open XL C/C++ now supports integrated CICS translator, embedded CICS statements and IMS to improve how C/C++ applications integrate with these z/OS subsystems more efficiently.
Increase programmer productivity and code generation with a cost-effective way of diagnosing potential language semantics adherence, including support for IBM z/OS Debugger. Open XL C/C++ now supports DWARF5, with the ability to generate the debug information into a separate side file.
Get support for z/OS UNIX System Services and z/OS batch under 32-bit non-XPLINK, 32-bit XPLINK and 64-bit XPLINK compilation modes—ideal for existing z/OS applications and porting applications from distributed platforms.
Use this compiler to integrate IBM Developer for z/OS Enterprise Edition tools, a robust toolset for developing and maintaining IBM z/OS applications through the implementation of DevOps practices. This suite also encompasses IBM Debug for z/OS, offering debugging capabilities and code coverage for applications written in C/C++.
Use advanced compilation and optimization technology to improve application performance. Mathematical Accelerate Subsystem (MASS) and Open Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (OpenBLAS) are high-performance libraries to help you accelerate the execution of math and algebra functions used in business analytics.
Specify the architectural level for which the executable program’s instructions are going to be generated. It allows for delivering hardware-level capabilities directly through compiler options without modifying source codes.
Open XL C/C++ now supports integrated CICS translator, embedded CICS statements and IMS to improve how C/C++ applications integrate with these z/OS subsystems more efficiently.
Increase programmer productivity and code generation with a cost-effective way of diagnosing potential language semantics adherence, including support for IBM z/OS Debugger. Open XL C/C++ now supports DWARF5, with the ability to generate the debug information into a separate side file.
Get support for z/OS UNIX System Services and z/OS batch under 32-bit non-XPLINK, 32-bit XPLINK and 64-bit XPLINK compilation modes—ideal for existing z/OS applications and porting applications from distributed platforms.
Use this compiler to integrate IBM Developer for z/OS Enterprise Edition tools, a robust toolset for developing and maintaining IBM z/OS applications through the implementation of DevOps practices. This suite also encompasses IBM Debug for z/OS, offering debugging capabilities and code coverage for applications written in C/C++.
Use advanced compilation and optimization technology to improve application performance. Mathematical Accelerate Subsystem (MASS) and Open Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (OpenBLAS) are high-performance libraries to help you accelerate the execution of math and algebra functions used in business analytics.
Product comparison
The latest advanced optimizing C and C++ compiler on z/OS supports the current C/C++ language standards with the open source Clang interface for improved compatibility with distributed platforms. It now provides CICS and IMS subsystem support.
An advanced optimizing C and C++ compiler on z/OS that supports Metal C and z/OS subsystems, such as CICS, Db2® and IMS.
World-class IBM support
Licensing
Distribution channel
Web deliverable
Part of z/OS optional features
Support for z/OS subsystems
CICS and IMS
CICS, IMS and SQL/Db2
Improves compatibility with distributed platforms
Supports current C/C++ language standards
METAL C for system programming capabilities
Integrate with other products
When you use z/OS XL C/C++, you can write programs that use the power of other IBM products and subsystems.
You can use the CICS command-level interface to write C/C++ application programs. The CICS command-level interface provides data, job and task management facilities that are normally provided by the operating system.
Open XL C/C++ and z/OS XL C/C++ can work with IMS to include IMS statements and coordinate error handling.
Both z/OS Language Environment and z/OS XL C/C++ provide an interface to the IBM Db2 universal database licensed program. An XL C/C++ program requests Db2 services by using SQL statements embedded in the program.
Resources
Interested in migrating to new LLVM and Clang compiler infrastructure? Discover migration tips to make the process of migrating from XL C/C++ to Open XL C/C++ easier.
Discover how IBM actively supports and advances the LLVM open source project through community collaboration. Learn how IBM’s contributions for IBM Z and Power drive innovation in code generation, portability and toolchain enhancements.
Check out a complete list of releases, refreshes, fix packs and interim fixes sorted by version for IBM z/OS XL C/C++.
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