Job Control Language (JCL) is a mainframe scripting language used for preparing data files and initiating application programs. Due to its unique statements and syntax, JCL may pose challenges for developers well-versed in Java, C#, MS Windows, and Unix. Thus, one primary goal of the translation process is to produce more readable scripts.
Key JCL Translation Considerations
Language Transition - converting JCL statements to Unix shell scripts or MS Windows batch files
Support for Mainframe Features - such as starting programs (EXEC PRG), data-file operations like SORT/COPY, data export (IDCAMS), GDG versioning, etc.
SoftwareMining offers JCL script conversion to Unix shell scripts or MS Windows batch files. These resultant scripts are tailored to execute the SoftwareMining translated Java or C# applications. Nonetheless, some modifications might be needed for compatibility with migrated COBOL applications. Prominent mainframe utilities like SORT (DFSORT), COPY, IDCAMS, and core ICETOOL functions are supported within the SoftwareMining framework libraries. These are optimized to integrate seamlessly with the translated applications and data. Additionally, the system facilitates the transition from EBCDIC to ASCII for data files and vice versa.
For effective timing and runtime scheduling of these scripts, integration with system utilities like Unix CRON or MS Schedule Task is necessary.
SoftwareMining provides Java implementation of the following JCL Functions / Utilities:
EXEC PGM Used to run translated Java/C# Programs which are launched from command-line.
EXEC PROC Procedures are translated to other shell-scripts, which are launched in standard way.
Sort & DFSort - functions implemented in Java and .NET SoftwareMining's Java Sort/DFSOPRT utility contains 90% of the functions provided by DFSORT or SyncSort.
For the full list of features please see SoftwareMining Sort Documentation
Note: IF/THEN and JOIN-KEYS Functionality are distributed under a separate license.
Copy - functions implemented in Java and .NET The java COPY utility utilizes SoftwareMining's implementation of Sort/DFSORT
IDCAMS / REPO IDCAMS / REPO used for tnhe export of data from SQL (replacement of VSAM KSDS). For a full list of features please see SoftwareMining ExportDb Documentation.
IEBGENER - functions implemented in Java and .NET Used for copying and printing Sequential files.
IEFBR14 - functions implemented in Java and .NET Used for renaming and deleting Sequential files.
IKJEFT01 Mainframe utility typically used for one of the following purposes
Launching translated programs
Copying, renaming or deleting VSAM data-files (translates to operating system utilities)
Call other Mainframe routines - such as DSNTEP2 or DSNTEP4 used for executing SQL statements on the database. (translated to calls to SoftwareMining's SQLLoader)
GDG - functions implemented in Java and .NET GDG Versioning utility for flat files. For a full list of features please see SoftwareMining GDG Documentation
ICETOOL - functions implemented in Java and .NET (Distributed under a separate License)
Most widely used ICETOOL features include COPY, SELECT and SPLICE are all supported. Support for additional features can be requested.
