Message severity levels and compiler response

The XL C/C++ compiler uses a multilevel classification scheme for diagnostic messages. Each level of severity is associated with a compiler response. The table below provides a key to the abbreviations for the severity levels and the associated default compiler response.

You can use the -Werror (-qhalt=w) option to stop the compilation for warnings and all types of errors.

You can use the -Werror=unused-command-line-argument option to switch between warnings and errors for invalid options.

Table 1. Compiler message severity levels

Letter	Severity	Synonym	Compiler response
I	Informational	note	Compilation continues and object code is generated. The message reports conditions found during compilation.
W	Warning	warning	Compilation continues and object code is generated. The message reports valid but possibly unintended conditions.
E	Error	error	Compilation continues and object code is generated. The compiler can correct the error conditions that are found, but the program might not produce the expected results.
S	Severe error	error	Compilation continues, but object code is not generated. The compiler cannot correct the error conditions that are found. If the message indicates a resource limit (for example, file system full or paging space full), provide additional resources and recompile. If the message indicates that different compiler options are needed, recompile using those options. Check for and correct any other errors reported prior to the severe error. If the message indicates an internal compile-time error, report the message to your IBM service representative.
U	Unrecoverable error	fatal error	The compiler halts. An internal compile-time error has occurred. Report the message to your IBM service representative.