Job Control Language

job control language

[′jäb kən‚trōl ‚laŋ·gwij] (computer science) command language

Job Control Language

(language, operating system)(JCL) IBM's supremely rudescript language, used to control the execution of programsin IBM OS/360's batch systems. JCL has a very fascistsyntax, and some versions will, for example, barf if twospaces appear where it expects one.

Most programmers confronted with JCL simply copy a workingfile (or card deck), changing the file names. Someone whoactually understands and generates unique JCL is regarded withthe mixed respect one gives to someone who memorises the phonebook. It is reported that hackers at IBM itself sometimessing "Who's the breeder of the crud that mangles you and me?I-B-M, J-C-L, M-o-u-s-e" to the tune of the "Mickey MouseClub" theme to express their opinion of the beast.

As with COBOL, JCL is often used as an archetype of uglinesseven by those who haven't experienced it. However, noself-respecting mainframe MVS programmer would admitignorance of JCL.

See also fear and loathing.