Develop high-performing C/C++ applications and system programs on z/OS while maximizing hardware use and improving application performance
Overview
The IBM® C/C++ for z/OS® compilers, including the classic z/OS XL C/C++ compiler and the newly introduced Open XL C/C++ for z/OS compiler, are advanced optimizing C and C++ compilers on z/OS that use IBM Z® features to produce high-performing business applications.
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, adhering to the C17/C18 and C++17 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 z/OS XL C/C++ compiler supports embedded CICS and SQL statements in C/C++ source, simplifying the operation of C/C++ within CICS and Db2 environments.
Features
Specify the architectural level for which the executable program's instructions will be generated. This allows for delivering hardware-level capabilities directly through compiler options without modifying source codes.
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, which are 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++.
Increase programmer productivity and code generation with a cost-effective way of diagnosing potential language semantics adherence, including support for IBM z/OS Debugger.
Use the Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS) and Open Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (OpenBLAS) libraries for accelerated execution of math and algebra functions used in business analytics.
Use advanced compilation and optimization technology to improve application performance.
Specify the architectural level for which the executable program's instructions will be generated. This allows for delivering hardware-level capabilities directly through compiler options without modifying source codes.
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, which are 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++.
Increase programmer productivity and code generation with a cost-effective way of diagnosing potential language semantics adherence, including support for IBM z/OS Debugger.
Use the Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS) and Open Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (OpenBLAS) libraries for accelerated execution of math and algebra functions used in business analytics.
Use advanced compilation and optimization technology to improve application performance.
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.
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
METAL C for system programming capabilities
Support for embedded CICS and SQL statements
Improves compatibility with distributed platforms
Supports current C/C++ language standards
*Prices shown are indicative, may vary by country, exclude any applicable taxes and duties, and are subject to product offering availability in a locale.
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.
IMS and z/OS XL C/C++ together can 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.
Learn about the AutoSIMD optimization introduced in the z/OS 2.2 XL C/C++ compiler.
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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