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.
A (poorly documented, naturally) shell simulating JCL syntax is
available at the Retrocomputing Museum `http://www.ccil.org/retro'.
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