64-bit object capability

The XL C/C++ compiler's 64-bit object capability addresses increasing demand for larger storage requirements and greater processing power.

The AIX® operating system provides an environment that allows you to develop and execute programs that exploit 64-bit processors through the use of 64-bit address spaces.

To support larger executables that can be fit within a 64-bit address space, a separate 64-bit object form is used. The binder binds these objects to create 64-bit executables. Objects that are bound together must all be of the same object format. The following scenarios are not permitted and will fail to load, or execute, or both: On both 64-bit and 32-bit platforms, 32-bit executables will continue to run as they currently do on a 32-bit platform.

XL C/C++ supports 64-bit mode mainly through the use of the -q64 and -qarch compiler options. This combination determines the bit mode and instruction set for the target architecture.

For more information, see Using 32-bit and 64-bit modes.