JCL

JCL

Job Control Language.

JCL is a set of control statements punched onto computer cards used to direct the execution of computer programs and describe the input/output devices used on IBM computers running the OS/360 and later operating systems. JCL serves as a means of communication between the user's program and the system. JCL statements tell the system how to execute a job, request needed system facilities, and describe the required I/O devices. (Paraphrased from "System/360 Job Control Language" by Gary Deward Brown, 1970)

Contributed by Kenneth Nellis.