New Open XL C/C++ compiler available on z/OS

IBM Open XL C/C++ 2.1 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 modern z/Architecture. This release is the follow-on to IBM Open XL C/C++ 1.1 for z/OS which was the first IBM C/C++ compiler on z/OS fully built with the LLVM and Clang open-source framework, providing 64-bit compilation mode for the z/OS UNIX System Services environment. Open XL C/C++ 2.1 release adds 32-bit non-XPLINK and XPLINK compilation modes, z/OS batch support, and additional features to expand C/C++ development capabilities on z/OS.

• Open XL C/C++ 2.1 for z/OS release is fully based on the open-source Clang and LLVM 18 technology framework and supports up to C17/C18 and C++17 language standards. This improves compatibility for C/C++ applications across platforms and allows easy migration of C/C++ applications from distributed platforms to z/OS.
• Open XL C/C++ 2.1 supports 32-bit code generation and runtimes (32-bit non-XPLINK and 32-bit XPLINK with the AMODE 31 compilation option). This enables the development of z/OS native applications that can leverage the latest IBM hardware advancements.
• Open XL C/C++ 2.1 added z/OS features including JCL compilation of C/C++ source code under z/OS batch, data set to support compiling and linking source files, and enhanced High Level Assembler (HLASM) support for inline assembly statements.
• Open XL C/C++ supports the latest hardware capabilities.  Application developers can recompile using the ‘-march=z16’ or ‘-march=arch14’ compiler options to instruct the compiler to optimize code for IBM z16. This translates into immediate support of the latest z/Architecture and improved application performance without any source code changes.
• Open XL C/C++ 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++ 2.1 for z/OS is available as a web deliverable as a no-charge add-on feature for clients that have enabled the optionally priced z/OS XL C/C++ compiler on IBM z/OS 2.4 and later z/OS releases. The following table compares the compiler technology components of z/OS XL C/C++ and Open XL C/C++ compilers:

 
The IBM Open XL C/C++ 2.1 for z/OS web deliverable is available as of April 30, 2024.

Resources:

IBM C/C++ for z/OS

Open XL C/C++ 2.1 Product Information                         

Open XL C/C++ 2.1 Download Site