What is the difference between COBOL and JCL?

In Short: COBOL is the actual code to be executed and JCL is the language will help the system to manage and execute the task or the Job.

What is Ddname in mainframe?

A DDNAME parameter on a DD statement in a cataloged or in-stream procedure allows you to postpone defining the data set until a job step calls the procedure; the data set must be defined in the calling job step. Syntax.

What is the purpose of DD statement in JCL?

A DD-NAME identifies the dataset or input/output resource. If this is an input/output file used by a COBOL/Assembler program, then the file is referenced by this name within the program.

What is linkage section in COBOL?

LINKAGE SECTION defines the data items to receive the data from called program to the current program by using CALL. LINKAGE SECTION also defines the data items to receive the data from JCL through PARM operand. The data items should match the PIC clause declaration in both calling and called programs.

What is Avgrec U in JCL?

Specifies the multiplier for Primary and Secondary allocation units when allocating based on the number of records. U. Indicates that the PRI and SEC parameters specify the number of records to allocate for.

What is Sysprint in JCL?

SYSPRINT is the usual way you obtain printed output from a z/OS program. Typically its is coded in JCL as. //SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=A. The effect of this statement is to have JES2 (or JES3) provide some temporary disk space on the “SPOOL” device to hold the printed information.

What is the purpose of linkage section?

The Linkage Section describes data made available from another program through the CALL statement. It can also be used to describe the format of data accessed by using the ADDRESS OF special register.

What is the use of addjcl in COBOL?

JCL is just used to invoke those logic and pass files and other control information. Note: CICS and IMS DC modules (Written in COBOL) are not invoked by JCL. Only Batch COBOL modules are invoked by JCL. To compile modules written in COBOL, again JCL is used.

Is it necessary to learn JCL to learn COBOL?

If you have a mainframe id, it is an advantage to learn JCL but it is not mandatory. No Previous programming language in any other language is required to learn JCL if you have experience with COBOL, it is advantageous. If you know basic TSO/ISPF, it will always help you to master JCL easily.

How do I run a COBOL program?

A COBOL program will run through JCL. JCL provides all the resource and information such as the file names, a location of the file, associated file name, compiled module location, statements, parameters and much more. JCL will run in a Batch mode we will cover this topic as we progress further.

Which scripting language is used to run COBOL on mainframe?

JCL is the most important Scripting language used to run COBOL on Mainframe. JCL is very easy scripting language and it provides all the options to execute a COBOL program. There are multiple utilities which help in executing tasks in an easier and better way.