IBM Open XL C/C++ 2.2 for z/OS reaffirms IBM’s commitment to incorporating the open-source Clang and LLVM technology framework and the current C/C++ language standards. It combines the benefits and innovations from the LLVM community with IBM XL C/C++ compiler technology to deliver leading-edge application performance for the latest z17 architecture.

•       Open XL C/C++ 2.2 for z/OS introduces support for integrated CICS translator and IMS subsystems for clients to protect and leverage investments on IBM Z and reduce business and IT risks.

•       This release also adds support for the C++20 language standard to improve compatibility of C++ applications across platforms and is designed for easy migration of C and C++ applications from distributed platforms to z/OS.

•       Usability has been enhanced with the addition of debug information storing in side-files as well as the first phase in bringing listing file support to Open XL C/C++.

Open XL C/C++ 2.2 is a no-charge add-on feature for clients that have enabled the optionally priced XL C/C++ compiler on IBM z/OS 3.1 and later z/OS releases. It enables enhancing and extending emerging technologies on z/OS such as Python, Node.js, Go, Java, and IBM Z Open Automation Utilities (ZOAU). It can also facilitate interoperability among z/OS languages.

IBM Open XL C/C++ 2.2 for z/OS is available as a web deliverable as of October 31, 2025.

Please visit the IBM C/C++ for z/OS for more details and explore documentation to see what’s new.