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.catb.org/retro/.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {dd}{EOF}{retrocomputing}]