Steps to compile stuff with the IBM XL C/C++ Compiler toolkit on AIX.
Notes:
- xlC is usually available for download as a 60-day trial program.
- I switched to xlC 11.1 from September 2010 and marked the older versions obsolete, however, they should give the results listed below.
- The older releases were built on AIX 5.3 TL10-11 and AIX 6.1 TL2-3 with xlC v10.x.
- Most programs in the list should work well with AIX 5.3, see the cross-compile options in the compiler references.
- AIX 5.3 old TLs are not supported by xlC v11.1.
- Most of the programs listed below are used on a daily basis.
- Improvements, hints are welcome.
- I have no C/C++ programming knowledge at all.
- If you only need binary builds, I recommend perzl.org.
- Always keep up to date, check the compiler fix packs released by IBM.
- I try to use xlC as xlc_r (ISO C99 +IBM extensions) where possible, without optimization (mostly client programs, little benefit from -O)
- Install the bos.adt.syscalls fileset! (other bos.adt.* filesets may also be useful)
- Don't mix libraries in various locations (eg. /opt/freeware vs /usr/local) and/or libraries produced with different compilers (gcc vs xlc)!
- "You can use -qcpluscmt to have the C compiler accept C++ style comments as a workaround." (LI75163)