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1.	What is JCL (Job Control Language)?
Answer» The most commonly used operating systems on IBM mainframe computers are MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) and Z/OS. If you want MVS or z/OS to PERFORM work for you, you must describe the tasks you want, and what you need from them. For each job that you submit, you need to specify where the input should be found, how it should be processed, and what should be done with the output. This is where JCL comes in. Job Control Language (JCL) is a scripting language and command language of MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) that describes jobs (units of work) to the IBM mainframe operating system. As a result, JCL functions as an INTERFACE between your application program or jobs (e.g., COBOL, PL/1, etc.) and the mainframe OS (e.g., MVS, Z/OS). Basically, it consists of job control statements (JOB, EXEC, and DD statements) that tell the OS what needs to be done in order to run a job/application program. Giving OS an idea of who you are. Telling OS what your time and space needs are. Informing OS about what programs (load modules) you require. Informing OS what data sets the programs to require. In a mainframe environment, programs can be executed either in BATCH or online mode, and JCL can be used if you want to run a program in batch mode i.e., EXECUTION of a series of programs or jobs on a computer without manual intervention.

What is JCL (Job Control Language)?

Answer»

The most commonly used operating systems on IBM mainframe computers are MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) and Z/OS. If you want MVS or z/OS to PERFORM work for you, you must describe the tasks you want, and what you need from them. For each job that you submit, you need to specify where the input should be found, how it should be processed, and what should be done with the output. This is where JCL comes in.

Job Control Language (JCL) is a scripting language and command language of MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) that describes jobs (units of work) to the IBM mainframe operating system. As a result, JCL functions as an INTERFACE between your application program or jobs (e.g., COBOL, PL/1, etc.) and the mainframe OS (e.g., MVS, Z/OS). Basically, it consists of job control statements (JOB, EXEC, and DD statements) that tell the OS what needs to be done in order to run a job/application program.

Giving OS an idea of who you are.
Telling OS what your time and space needs are.
Informing OS about what programs (load modules) you require.
Informing OS what data sets the programs to require.

In a mainframe environment, programs can be executed either in BATCH or online mode, and JCL can be used if you want to run a program in batch mode i.e., EXECUTION of a series of programs or jobs on a computer without manual intervention.

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