IJ17713: CONSTANT AREA BEING DELETED FOR PROGRAMS WITH NO COMPILE UNIT

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• The compiler incorrectly removes the Constant Area for the
  following testcase:
  
  ===== COMPILE COMMAND:
  xlC -c test.cpp -o test.o
  
  ===== TESTCASE:
  $ cat test.cpp
  
  extern "C" { static const char *rcsid = "$Header:
  msopomphase.lcc 120.125.12020000.39 2019/05/07 21:25:00 meyang
  ship $"; };
  
  int a=0;
  
  $
  
  ===== ACTUAL OUTPUT:
  $ strings test.o | grep Header
  $
  
  ===== EXPECTED OUTPUT:
  $ strings test.o | grep Header
  $Header: msopomphase.lcc 120.125.12020000.39 2019/05/07 21:25:00
  meyang ship $
  $
  

Local fix

• A workaround is to add a dummy function to the same file so that
  the constant area is not removed.
  

Problem summary

• USERS AFFECTED:
  Users who compile with XL C/C++ for AIX, V12.1 and later and
  have files with only static strings and no compilatin units are
  affected by this issue.
  
  PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
  unused static strings is not put into .data and as a result the
  compiler deletes the information.
  

Problem conclusion

• Users should ideally change their source. But for those who
  can't an option has been added to keep the static strings via
  -qdebug=forcedata
  

Temporary fix

Comments

APAR Information

• APAR is sysrouted FROM one or more of the following:

• APAR is sysrouted TO one or more of the following:

Fix information

• Fixed component name

  XL C FOR AIX

• Fixed component ID

  5725C7100

Applicable component levels