Jol is a high‑level, English‑like command language designed to simplify, modernize, and automate IBM mainframe batch operations. It replaces much of the complexity of traditional JCL while adding powerful capabilities for scheduling, dataset management, and workflow orchestration. Jol enables organizations to maintain the reliability of their mainframe environments while dramatically improving productivity, maintainability, and onboarding efficiency.
Jol was created to address the long‑standing challenges of JCL: rigid syntax, steep learning curves, and error‑prone coding. By offering a readable, free‑form language, Jol reduces operational risk and accelerates development. It empowers both experienced staff and new talent to work more efficiently in mainframe environments.
English‑like syntax replaces complex JCL statements
Free‑form structure eliminates positional rules and cryptic parameters
Jobs become easier to write, review, and maintain
Native support for day‑based scheduling (e.g., MON, HOLIDAY, WORKDAY)
Job dependencies and network definitions without external schedulers
Conditional submission and workflow automation
Automatic lookup of dataset attributes (RECFM, LRECL, SPACE, UNIT, etc.)
Built‑in commands for allocate, copy, sort, delete, rename, and catalog
Reduces coding effort and minimizes dataset‑related failures
Generate optimized JCL for compatibility with existing environments
Or bypass JCL entirely using Jol’s dynamic allocation mode
Supports modernization without disrupting legacy workflows
Automatic restart logic and GDG recalculation
STARTAT functionality for safe step‑level reruns
User exits for enforcing standards, naming conventions, and security
Macro system allows organizations to create custom Jol commands
Many Jol features are implemented as macros, demonstrating its flexibility
Organizations adopting Jol typically see:
Reduced development and maintenance time for batch jobs
Lower operational risk through clearer syntax and automated safeguards
Faster onboarding for new staff unfamiliar with JCL
Improved consistency and governance across batch workloads
Enhanced modernization capability without replacing the mainframe
Jol provides a strategic advantage for enterprises that rely on mainframe systems but want to streamline operations, reduce complexity, and future‑proof their batch environments.