1-4 Introduction to HP PCL EN
HP-GL/2 Commands
HP-GL/2, vector graphic commands are two letter mnemonic codes
designed to remind you of the function name (such as IN for Initialize).
Following the two letter mnemonic may be one or more parameters,
which identify details of how to process the command. For additional
information on HP-GL/2 commands, refer to Chapters 17 through 23.
PJL Commands
PJL (Printer Job Language) commands provide a different type of
printer control. Unlike PCL and HP-GL/2, which control the placement
of dots on the printed page, PJL supplies job-level control. One of the
main features PJL offers is the ability to switch printer languages
(personalities) between jobs. For example, applications supporting
PJL can print one job using PCL, and then print the next job using
PostScript or another printer language, without any operator
intervention.
PJL also provides two-way communications with the printer. For
example, PJL can request information from the printer such as printer
model, configuration, printer status, and job status. PJL also can be
used to change the printer’s control panel settings and modify the
message displayed on the control panel.
The PJL language is designed to be used by application developers
and technical support personnel only.