What is the purpose of JCL (Job Control Language) in mainframes?

JCL (Job Control Language) is a scripting language used on mainframe systems to provide instructions to the operating system on how to execute batch jobs. The main purpose of JCL is to define and manage the sequence of job steps, specify input and output files, allocate resources, and control the execution of programs or utility routines.

By using JCL, system programmers and operators can efficiently execute multiple tasks in a batch processing environment, ensuring that the jobs are run in a controlled and organized manner. JCL also helps in automating recurring tasks, streamlining job scheduling, and optimizing system resources.

Overall, JCL plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of mainframe systems by facilitating the execution of batch jobs and managing system resources effectively.