JCL
JCL (Job Control Language) is a scripting language used on IBM mainframe operating systems, primarily z/OS, to define and control batch jobs. It specifies the resources, programs, and data files required for job execution, including job steps, program execution parameters, and data management. JCL acts as an interface between the user and the operating system, enabling automated processing of large-scale batch workloads.
Developers should learn JCL when working with legacy IBM mainframe systems, particularly in industries like banking, insurance, and government where batch processing is critical for tasks such as payroll, billing, and report generation. It is essential for system programmers, application developers, and operators managing z/OS environments to automate job scheduling, resource allocation, and data handling efficiently.