When explaining it to newcomers I describe JCL as a special type of scripting language where the logic flows in just one direction. No loops, no backwards branching, etc. ironically, JCL’s limitations in that regard make it easier to develop scheduling and restart management software. Being user unfriendly is just a bonus. :-)
On Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 20:21 Bob Bridges < 00000587168ababf-dmarc-requ...@listserv.ua.edu> wrote: > Hm, I may have to cede this point. It's why I like these discussions. > > --- > Bob Bridges, robhbrid...@gmail.com, cell 336 382-7313 > > /* Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd. -Voltaire > */ > > -----Original Message----- > From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf > Of Schmitt, Michael > Sent: Monday, November 11, 2024 14:48 > > I plant my stake firmly in the "JCL is not a programming language" camp. > It is a /control/ language. > > Whether it could be considered a scripting language or not depends on your > definition. I'll say /yes/: some scripting languages are also programming > languages but not all. > > For example, you can have a simple language for scripting TN3270 screens, > that just plugs in values and waits for the response, but has no other > decision or branching logic. Or take BTI (Batch Terminal Interface) scripts > for CA-7: they're just a series of commands, but no logic. > > As for /why/ JCL isn't a programming language: as was pointed out, it > isn't self-sufficient. It can't even run without reference to other > programs, which are /not/ part of JCL or JES. It can't do input or output. > It can't set variables while running. While it can sort of branch based on > return codes, it has no way to set the return codes. It can't even display > "Hello, World". > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, > send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
