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JCL


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.