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.ccil.org/retro.