Choosing between TEST and DEBUG compiler options

If you are compiling with z/OS® C/C++, Version 1.5 or earlier, you must choose the TEST compiler option.

The C/C++ compiler option DEBUG was introduced with z/OS C/C++ Version 1.5. z/OS Debugger supports the DEBUG compiler option in z/OS C/C++ Version 1.6 or later. The DEBUG compiler option replaces the TEST compiler option that was available with previous versions of the compiler.

If you are compiling with z/OS C/C++, Version 1.6 or later, choose the DEBUG compiler option and take advantage of the following benefits:
  • For C++ programs, you can specify the HOOK(NOBLOCK) compiler option, which can improve debug performance.
  • For C and C++ programs, if you specify the FORMAT(DWARF) suboption of the DEBUG compiler option, the load modules are smaller; however, you must save the .dbg file in addition to the source file. z/OS Debugger needs both of these files to debug your program.
  • For C and C++ programs compiled with z/OS XL C/C++, Version 1.10 or later, if you specify the FORMAT(DWARF) suboption of the DEBUG compiler option, the load modules are smaller and you can create .mdbg files with captured source. z/OS Debugger needs only the .mdbg file to debug your program.
  • For C and C++ programs compiled with z/OS XL C/C++, Version 2.3 or later, if you specify the FORMAT(DWARF) and NOFILE suboptions of the DEBUG compiler option, along with the compiler option GOFF, the program objects are larger but you do not need to save the .dbg file. z/OS Debugger needs only the source file to debug your program.