What are the most common commands and their syntax?

Common commands include `CC` for compilation, `LINK` for linking object files, and `RUN` to execute the compiled program. Syntax examples include `CC MYPROG.C` to compile a C source file and `LINK MYPROG.o` to link the object file.

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

Configuration files and interfaces include include files (.h files) for header declarations and system libraries. These files provide access to system-level functions and data structures. The compiler also uses JCL or command-line options for configuration.

What C language features are supported?

C for System370 supports standard C language features, including data types, control structures, functions, and pointers. It also provides access to system-specific functions through header files and libraries.

What is the format of the generated object code?

The compiler generates object code in a format compatible with the System/370 architecture. This object code is then linked with system libraries and other object files to create an executable program.

What business value did C for System370 provide?

C for System370 enabled developers to create system-level applications and utilities on IBM mainframes. It provided a bridge between the C programming language and the System/370 architecture, allowing for efficient code execution.

How did C for System370 improve developer productivity?

By using C, developers could write portable code that could be maintained and updated more easily than assembly language. This improved developer productivity and reduced the cost of software development.

How did C for System370 impact the required skill set for mainframe development?

The compiler allowed organizations to leverage the existing skills of C programmers to develop and maintain mainframe applications. This reduced the need for specialized System/370 assembly language expertise.

How did C for System370 contribute to system performance?

C for System370 facilitated the development of efficient and optimized code for the System/370 architecture. This resulted in improved performance and resource utilization on mainframe systems.

What security features are provided by C for System370?

Security features were primarily provided by the underlying z/OS or z/VM operating systems. C for System370 itself did not include specific security features like authentication or access control.

How was access control managed?

Access control was managed through the operating system's security mechanisms, such as RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) on z/OS. User authentication and authorization were handled at the system level.

What encryption methods were supported?

Encryption was not directly provided by the C for System370 compiler. Encryption of data and communications was handled by the operating system or through external security products.

What audit/logging capabilities existed?

Auditing and logging capabilities were provided by the underlying operating system. Security events and system activities were logged for monitoring and analysis.

What were the main operational tasks?

Operations primarily involved compiling, linking, and running C programs. JCL (Job Control Language) was used to submit compilation and linking jobs on z/OS.

What monitoring capabilities existed?

Monitoring was performed through system-level tools provided by z/OS or z/VM. These tools monitored system resource usage and program execution.

How was logging handled?

Logging was handled by the operating system, with compiler output and program output directed to system logs or user-defined files. JCL could be used to manage log destinations.

What backup and recovery procedures were in place?

Backup and recovery procedures were managed at the system level, ensuring the availability of source code, object files, and executables. These procedures were independent of the C compiler itself.

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C for System370

IBM Not Supported z/OS, z/VM

Programming Language

Vendor

IBM

Product Overview

The architecture of C for System370 comprised several key components. The core component was the compiler itself, which translated C source code into System/370 assembly language. This component utilized a lexical analyzer, a parser, and a code generator.

The compiler interacted with system libraries, which provided access to system-level functions and data structures. The linker was another critical component, responsible for combining object files and libraries to create executable programs. The compilation process typically involved the following steps: preprocessing, compilation, assembly, and linking.

The compiler did not expose any APIs. Communication between components was primarily through file I/O, with the compiler reading source code and writing object code. The system used the underlying z/OS or z/VM file systems for storage.

Security relied on the operating system's access control mechanisms, such as RACF. The main difference from modern compilers is the lack of support and the need for migration to C/370 or z/OS XL C/C++. This migration involves recompiling the code and adapting to any changes in language features or library interfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is C for System370?

C for System370 is a compiler for the C programming language, designed for IBM's System/370 architecture. It allows developers to write and compile C code for z/OS and z/VM environments.

How does the compilation process work?

The compiler translates C source code into System/370 assembly language, which is then assembled and linked to create executable programs. It supports standard C language features and provides access to system-level functions.

What is the primary use case for C for System370?

C for System370 was designed to enable the development of system-level software and applications on IBM mainframe systems. It provides a way to leverage the power and features of the System/370 architecture using the C programming language.

How is the C for System370 compiler invoked?

The compiler was typically invoked using JCL (Job Control Language) on z/OS or through the command line on z/VM. The specific commands and options would vary depending on the installation and the desired compilation settings.

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