TOPS-10/TOPS-20 Batch Reference Manual

This manual provides user procedures and commands for controlling jobs within the TOPS-10 and TOPS-20 batch systems. It covers the creation and structure of the batch control file, detailing line identifiers, labels, comments, and comprehensive error processing and recovery commands (e.g., IF, GOTO, BACKTO, CHKPNT, %ERR, %TERR, %FIN). The document also explains job control mechanisms for managing batch jobs, including how to examine, modify, and cancel jobs in input and print queues, and how to coordinate related jobs using dependency switches. Two main methods for submitting jobs are described: directly from a timesharing terminal via the SUBMIT command, and from punched cards processed by the SPRINT input spooler using specific control cards (e.g., $JOB, $PASSWORD, $CREATE, $DATA, $LANGUAGE). Finally, the manual details the batch system output, such as log files and printer listings, and interprets various BATCON and SPRINT messages.