Chapter 18. Porting Applications to Linux on the Mainframe

As a general rule, it is easy to port UNIX applications (including Linux applications on other hardware architectures) to Linux on the mainframe. Some software vendors were surprised to discover that their application ran after just recompiling their source.^[36] Of course, it is not always that easy. This chapter gives guidance on how to decide if a port is feasible for a particular application.

^[36] For a sample of reports on porting experiences, visit http://www.ibm.com/servers/enable/linux/quotes.html.

We address questions such as:

• Why port an application to Linux on the mainframe?

• What is required for porting an application?

• How much effort will the port take?

• Where to get more information?