IBM® Open XL C/C++ for Linux® on Power is IBM’s next-generation C/C++ compiler, facilitating the creation and maintenance of applications written in C/C++ for use on IBM Power platforms. With full exploitation of the latest Power10 architecture, IBM Open XL C/C++ for Linux on Power can generate code that leverages the capabilities of Power10 to maximize your hardware utilization.
IBM Open XL C/C++ for Linux on Power fully incorporates the Clang and LLVM compiler infrastructure for C/C++ so you can enjoy the combination of open-source technology and IBM's strength in compiler optimization technology. LLVM is an open-source compilation framework that is actively maintained by a large development community, supporting multiple architectures and programming languages. Clang is part of the LLVM compiler infrastructure that provides a language front-end and tooling infrastructure for the LLVM project.
The infrastructure of IBM Open XL C/C++ for Linux on Power allows you to benefit from modern C/C++ language including C++17 features, common LLVM optimizations, and GCC Compiler compatibility.
Legacy IBM XL C/C++ for Linux compilers are still available for use. Go to the resources tab to learn more.
Capitalize on Power10 architecture, such as Matrix Multiply Accelerator (MMA), and maximize your return on investment with full hardware exploitation.
Take advantage of both common LLVM optimizations and IBM’s industry-leading technologies to improve workload performance.
Provide Clang/LLVM diagnostic and reporting capabilities and offer various LLVM-based utilities to make your development work more efficient.
Faster build speed helps to shorten the development cycle, enable faster iterations, and provide continuous delivery for business-critical applications on Linux.
Offer new monthly licenses per the virtual process core (VPC) charge unit. Enable license of IBM Open XL compilers on virtual servers per the needed capacities when you transition to hybrid cloud.
Come with superior IBM service and support.
Fully incorporates the Clang and LLVM compiler infrastructure for C/C++. Enables you to enjoy modern C/C++ language features and common LLVM optimization features such as LLVM diagnostic and reporting capabilities.
Fully exploits Power10 architecture. Provides Power10 architecture options, built-in functions, and tuned library functions to maximize the hardware ROI.
Provides program optimization during linking. Enables you to take advantage of intermodular optimizations without making any significant changes to the makefiles or build system.
Provides compiler optimization technique in computer programming that uses profiling to improve program runtime performance.
Provides a set of libraries for high-performance mathematical computing including the Mathematical Acceleration Subsystem (MASS) and Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) libraries.
Provides information to help you utilize compiler features to optimize your applications.
Provides language extensions to support vector multimedia extension (VMX) and vector scalar extension (VSX) programming.
Software requirements
- Red Hat® Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8.4, 8.6, or 9.0
- Ubuntu 20.24 or 22.04
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15 SP3
Hardware requirements
Use any IBM Power server as long as it is supported by your operating system distribution.
- Approximately 200 MB for product packages
- Minimum of 2 GB hard drive space for paging
- Minimum of 512 MB for temporary files
- 2 GB RAM minimum; 4 GB or more RAM recommended
A high-performance compiler for developing complex C programs.
A high-performance compiler for developing complex C/C++ programs.
A high-performance compiler for developing complex Fortran programs.
A high-performance compiler for developing complex Fortran programs.
IBM compilers build improved system performance into applications that fully exploit IBM architectures.
One license per unique user
Starting at
USD 3,930.00*
per authorized user
Shared access for multiple users
Starting at
USD 11,900.00*
per concurrent user
Monthly license charged per virtual processor core (VPC)
Starting at
USD 88.60*
per VPC per month
The number of licenses required is the number of unique users using the compiler
The number of licenses required is the maximum number of users using the compiler at the same time
The number of licenses required is based on the capacity of the env in which the compiler is used
Purchased through IBM® Passport Advantage® (PA) or Entitled Software fulfillment system
Purchased through PA or Entitled Software fulfillment system
Purchased through PA, Entitled Software fulfillment system, or online through Purchase now button
Non-shareable license
Potential lower price than multiple Authorized user licenses
More flexible pricing option (pay monthly as you go)
Includes 12 months of 24x7 support and access to new software features
Includes 12 months of 24x7 support and access to new software features
Includes 24x7 support for the purchased term and access to new software features
IBM Open XL C/C++ for Linux on Power 17.1.1 adopts the Clang and LLVM infrastructures and supports IBM Power10 processor-based systems.
A comprehensive reference written from a benefit perspective that outlines functionality, advantages, and capabilities.
Information about how to maintain and use IBM Open XL C/C++ for Linux on Power 17.1.1.
Resources for IBM XL C/C++ for Linux
Information about how to maintain and use IBM XL C/C++ for Linux 16.1.1.
A comprehensive reference written from a benefit perspective that outlines functionality, advantages, and capabilities.
The licensed version of IBM XL C/C++ for Linux 16.1.1 for download.
Resources for IBM XL C/C++ for Linux
Information about how to maintain and use IBM XL C/C++ for Linux 16.1.1.
A comprehensive reference written from a benefit perspective that outlines functionality, advantages, and capabilities.
The licensed version of IBM XL C/C++ for Linux 16.1.1 for download.
Change details to the documentation of XL C/C++ and Fortran compilers on AIX® and Linux starting from 2020.
A typical roadmap to boost your application step-by-step with IBM XL compilers.
A quick overview of different features and capabilities you can enjoy when using XL compilers.
An overview of the history, unique capabilities, performance overview, and a summary of strategic advantages.
An overview of IBM XL C/C++ compilers and how their features can help you with your C and C++ development needs.
An introduction of the most important optimization capabilities, source constructs, and techniques that you can use to maximize the performance of your application.
Other resources
A collection of announcement letters, product documentation, and white papers.
A complete listing of releases, refreshes, and fix packs that are sorted by version.
Choose the GA image download method based on your ordering channel (PA or AAS).
Review the most frequently asked questions about the licensing model of IBM Compilers on AIX and Linux on Power.
Understand the full value of your products and plan for upgrades. Effectively plan your software investment and avoid any gaps in support.
Use the Request for Enhancement (RFE) community to collaborate directly with IBM product development teams and other users.