JOVIAL is a computer programming language similar to ALGOL, but specialized for the development of embedded systems.

JOVIAL stands for Jules Own Version of the International Algorithmic Language. The International Algorithmic Language part of the name is from ALGOL, which was originally going to be called that (or IAL for short). It was developed to write software for the electronics of military aircraft by Jules Schwartz in 1959. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the U.S. Air Force adopted a standardized Central processing unit, the 1750A, and JOVIAL normally produces programs for that processor. JOVIAL was standardized in 1973 with MIL-STD-1589 and was revised in 1984 with MIL-STD-1589C., and is still widely used to update and maintain software on older, obsolescent military vehicles and aircraft. There are three dialects in common use: J3, J3B-2, and J73.

As of 2003, JOVIAL is still actively maintained and distributed by the [http://www.jovial.hill.af.mil/ USAF JOVIAL Integrated Tool Set (ITS) Program Office]. The program office helps organizations reuse their old, reliable JOVIAL software by rehosting and retargeting the software to newer, more modern computer platforms and environments.

The standard package (the integrated tool set or ITS) contains a compiler, a MIL-STD-1750A assembler, linker, and simulator/debugger. It is available hosted from (runs on) either a Digital Equipment Corporation VAX or a IBM PC. Versions are also available that target (produce executable code for) the Intel 80386 (and derivatives), MIPS architecture, AP-101, Zilog Z8002, and Motorola 68000 processors.

Notable systems using JOVIAL include the Advanced Cruise Missile, B-52 Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer, and B-2 Spirit bombers, C-130 Hercules, C-141 Starlifter, and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and F-117 Nighthawk fighter aircraft, LANTIRN, Lockheed U-2 aircraft, E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, Special Operations Forces, Navy AEGIS cruisers, Army Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Pratt & Whitney F100, F117, Pratt & Whitney F119 jet engines, The NORAD air defence & control system (Hughes HME-5118ME system) and RL-10 (rocket engine) rocket engines.

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