Language Environment

IBM® XL C/C++ for z/VM® exploits the runtime library and common library of base routines available with z/VM and the C/C++ Language Environment® for z/VM (referred to as Language Environment.) The C/C++ Language Environment for z/VM is based on z/OS® Language Environment.

The following libraries are provided with Language Environment product. Language Environment establishes a common runtime environment and common runtime services for language products, user programs, and other products.

Figure 1. Libraries Comprising Language Environment
The figures shows specific libraries for the C/C++, COBOL, and PL/I languages, plus a common library for base routines and common services.
The common execution environment is made up of data items and services performed by library routines available to a particular application running in the environment. The services that Language Environment provides to your application may include:
  • Services that satisfy basic requirements common to most applications. These include support for the initialization and termination of applications, allocation of storage, and inter-language communication (ILC) and condition handling.
  • Extended services often needed by applications. These functions are contained within a library of callable routines and include interfaces to operating system functions and a variety of other commonly used functions.
  • Runtime options that help the execution, performance tuning, performance, and diagnosis of your application.
  • Access to operating system services—OpenExtensions services are available to an application programmer or program through the IBM XL C/C++ for z/VM language bindings.
  • Access to language-specific library routines, such as the IBM XL C/C++ for z/VM functions.