Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing
Job Control Language
(JCL) {IBM}'s supremely {rude}
{script} language, used to control the execution of programs
in IBM {OS/360}'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 memorises 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.
As with {COBOL}, JCL is often used as an archetype of ugliness
even by those who haven't experienced it. However, no
self-respecting {mainframe} {MVS} programmer would admit
ignorance of JCL.
See also {fear and loathing}.
(1999-03-03)