Using the right runtime options

Under Language Environment, some of the options available under the OS PL/I run time are no longer available, and some have been renamed, redefined, or merged with other options. In addition, some important new options are now available.

Dropped options

  • COUNT
  • FLOW

Renamed and merged options

  • HEAP redefines HEAP
  • NATLANG replaces LANGUAGE
  • RPTSTG replaces REPORT
  • STACK merges ISASIZE and ISAINC
  • TRAP merges SPIE and STAE

Important new options

  • ABTERMENC
  • ALL31
  • DEPTHCONDLMT
  • ERRCOUNT
  • MSGFILE
  • STORAGE
  • XUFLOW

For more and complete information about runtime options, see the z/OS Language Environment Programming Reference, but note the following key points:

  • For compatibility with OS PL/I, use the following options:
    • ABTERMENC(RETCODE)
    • DEPTHCONDLMT(0)
    • ERRCOUNT(0)
    • TRAP(ON)
    • XUFLOW(ON)
  • You must specify the following options in your AMODE(24) applications:
    • ALL31(OFF)
    • STACK(,,BELOW)
  • Never use RPTSTG(ON) in any performance-critical application.
  • Never use STORAGE(,,00) in any performance-critical application.
  • You must specify POSIX(ON) in any multithreaded application.