VX/C - OpenVMS C to ANSI C

Overview

VX/Cpp is Sector7’s automated tool for converting VMS / OpenVMS C source code into portable, POSIX-compliant ANSI C. It identifies, flags, and corrects VMS-specific issues, ensuring the generated code is optimized for Linux and Windows.

• Fully automated source code conversion

• POSIX-compliant ANSI C output

• Detects & fixes VMS-specific syntax and dependencies

• Works with existing Makefiles & build systems

• Supports VMS-specific #include handling & macros

VX/Cpp Operation

VX/Cpp functions similarly to a C compiler. It parses C source files and generates formatted reports, fix scripts, and POSIX-compliant source code.

Command Line Usage

VX/Cpp follows a standard compilation-like invocation:

vxcpp [switch_list] file_name [, file_name_list]

• switch_list: A list of switches, prefixed by -, to control VX/Cpp’s behavior.

• file_name: The C source file(s) to process.

VX/Cpp also provides configuration file support for setting default options.

VX/Cpp Features

VX/Cpp identifies and resolves key VMS / OpenVMS C issues, such as:
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Example Fixes

VX/Cpp automatically corrects issues and generates a SED script for easy integration.

Fixing Missing Arguments

VMS / OpenVMS C

lib$set_logical(prim_log(1:12), primary_file);

Migrated ANSI C

lib$set_logical(prim_log(1:12), primary_file, 0, 0, 0);

Fixing Function Prototypes

VMS / OpenVMS C

int exampleFunction(); // No argument specification

Migrated ANSI C

int exampleFunction(void);

Configuration & Output

VX/Cpp provides three types of output:

1. Formatted Reports (stderr output)

2. Database Files (tab-separated logs)

3. SED Scripts (automated code fixes)

Sample Report Output

testx1.c:7: display 08.04 integer used as pointer
testx1.c:17: display 08.02 Multiple character constant
testx1.c:26: fix 16.02 Mismatched return type
testx1.c:57: replace atest with int atest

Applying Fixes Using SED

To apply automated fixes:

sed -f testx1.c.sed testx1.c > new_testx1.c

Why Choose VX/Cpp?

✅ Fully automated, reducing manual migration time

✅ Ensures consistent code output

✅ Supports continuous integration workflows

✅ Proven in high-complexity migrations

VX/Cpp simplifies the transition from VMS / OpenVMS to ANSI C, ensuring seamless portability across Linux and Windows environments.