Many applications involve running a sequence of programs, one after another in a certain set order. Often it is necessary to specify parameters and task attribute assignments for each of the programs. An operator can initiate the programs individually, providing the needed parameters and task attribute assignments in each case. However, this proves to be too time consuming in an environment where many applications are run during a given work shift.

An alternative, which reduces the labor required of the operator, is to write a small program whose only purpose is to initiate a series of other programs. Such a program can provide a standard set of parameters and task attribute assignments. You can write such a program in ALGOL, COBOL, or WFL. This enables the operator to initiate a single program and leave it to initiate all the others.

WFL is particularly suitable for implementing such programs because WFL programs typically pass through job queues. An operator can use the MQ (Make or Modify Queue) system command to create job queues and assign various job queue attributes to them. The use of job queues enables the operator to submit jobs when it is convenient, while relying on the system to initiate jobs at specified times or according to specified criteria. Job queues are further discussed under Selecting the Queue for a Job in Tasking from Programming Languages.