Mainframe, MVS and zOS Discussion

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.

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 )

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

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

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 )

Thanks for all the answers. Thank you!