JCL \JCL\, n. [all capitals] (Computers)
   Job Control Language. [Acronym]
   [PJC] JD

	

	JCL
     Job Control Language (IBM, OS/360)

	

	JCL /J-C-L/ n. 1. IBM's supremely rude Job Control Language. JCL is
   the script language used to control the execution of programs in IBM's
   batch systems. JCL has a very fascist syntax, and some versions will,
   for example, barf if two spaces appear where it expects one. Most
   programmers confronted with JCL simply copy a working file (or card
   deck), changing the file names. Someone who actually understands and
   generates unique JCL is regarded with the mixed respect one gives to
   someone who memorizes the phone book. It is reported that hackers at IBM
   itself sometimes sing "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 Mouse Club"
   theme to express their opinion of the beast. 2. A comparative for any
   very rude software that a hacker is expected to use. "That's as bad as
   JCL." As with COBOL, JCL is often used as an archetype of ugliness
   even by those who haven't experienced it. See also IBM, fear and
   loathing.

   A (poorly documented, naturally) shell simulating JCL syntax is
   available at the Retrocomputing Museum `http://www.tuxedo.org/retro'.

	

	JCL
     
        Job Control Language