JCL
JCL (Job Control Language) is a command language used on IBM mainframe operating systems like z/OS to instruct the system on how to execute a batch job or start a system task. It defines the program to run, specifies input/output datasets (files), and allocates necessary system resources and…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1964
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- JCL was created to provide a standardized, machine-readable language for defining and controlling the execution of batch processing jobs on IBM System/360 and its successor mainframes. It solved the problem of manually configuring complex computational workflows, ensuring consistent resource allocation, managing input/output datasets, and orchestrating sequences of programs without direct human intervention during execution.
- Platforms
- IBM System/360, IBM System/370, z/OS, OS/390, MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)
Related technologies
Notable users
- Large financial institutions (banks, insurance companies)
- Large retail and logistics corporations
- Airlines
- Government agencies
- Telecommunication companies