What can be the max compilation return code for a program?

[SuperRa]

Hi,

What can be the max compilation return code for a program? I was not sure on the answer of this question. Interviewer said, you have to think logically but I was not able to answer the question. Does anyone of you know the answer then please share.

[enrico-sorichetti]

You should have asked back ...

for what language ?

the info about the return code for any language compiler is in the manual for that language compiler
for COBOL the COBOL manuals,
for FORTRAN the FORTRAN manuals
for <anycompiler> the <anycompiler> manual

but usually the the max return code is 16 ( IIRC )

[Robert Sample]

Generally:
0 means successful compile
4 means compile with warnings (program may execute but give incorrect results)
8 means compile with errors (program may execute but give incorrect results)
12 means compile with severe errors (compiler may not produce any output)
16 means compiler stopped executing

[SuperRa]

It was for COBOL only. Thanks for the answer Robert.

[zprogrammer]

Also it depends upon how some shops design/customize the products, I have seen places where 8 is regarded as success for compilation (Strange but true )

[SuperRa]

Thanks for all the answers. Thank you!