A command language interpreter (CLI) translates commands entered by the user into system actions. The shell is a specific type of CLI that was originally designed and used with UNIX operating systems.The author proposes to design and implement a shell-like CLI on top of the VMS operating system. The shell will enhance VMS features by providing an easier to use syntax and by providing features that are not currently available through VMS. These features include piping facilities and the ability to enter and/or reference multiple commands from a single command line. A language reference manual is provided with the J-shell. This manual explains the features and commands of the J-shell.