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Batch Scripting Tips and Tricks

Batch Scripts (i.e. .bat) represents a collection Microsoft DOS and Windows Command Line commands used on a computer running a Windows Operating System.

Contents

  • Commands and Symbols
  • [[#@|@]]
  • [[#%1|%1]]
  • [[#::|::]]
  • [[#:LABEL|:LABEL]]
  • [[#CHOICE and SET|CHOICE and SET]]
  • [[#CLS|CLS]]
  • [[#ECHO|ECHO]]
  • [[#EXIT|EXIT]]
  • [[#GOTO|GOTO]]
  • [[#IF|IF]]
  • [[#PAUSE|PAUSE]]
  • [[#REM|REM]]
  • [[#SHIFT|SHIFT]]
  • [[#START|START]]
  • Appendix: Links

Commands and Symbols

@

The “at” symbol @ does not echo back text after the symbol. @ is most often used as @ECHO OFF to only show the output of the command.

%1

%1, or % followed by and number represents variables or parameters sent to batch file. For example, let’s say we have a file named hello.bat:

ECHO Hello %1

If I run:

.\hello.bat Jimmy

(or just hello Jimmy) from the command line the resulting output display will be Hellow Jimmy passing “Jimmy” to %1.

::

Double colons in front of a line remarks that line in the batch file, or in other words, ensures that line is never displayed when the batch file is executed. Unlike REM, this line is not shown regardless if ECHO if off or not.

:LABEL

By adding a colon in front of a word you can create a category, more commonly known as a label. A label allows you to skip to certain sections of a batch file using GOTO.

CHOICE and SET

The choice and set commands allow you to have options in your batch file. Further information about each of these commands is on the choice and set pages.

CLS

Like the DOS command, cls would clear your screen. Run the cls command at the top of your batch file to clear any previous commands or output. This action makes the batch file output easier to find and read.

ECHO

Echo a message in the batch file. Such as ECHO Hello World prints Hello World on the screen when executed.

EXIT

Exits out of the DOS window if the batch file is running from Windows. See the exit command page for further information on this command.

GOTO

Jumps to a label or section of a batch file. The goto function makes it easier to jump back to the start of a batch file if a condition is met, or an error occurs.

IF

Used to check for a certain condition if the condition exists. If that condition exists, it performs that function. See the if command for further information on this command.

PAUSE

Prompt the user to press any key to continue.

REM

One of two ways of adding remarks into the batch file without displaying or executing that line when the batch file is run.

SHIFT

The shift command changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program. See the shift page for further information on this command.

START

Used to open Windows programs. For example, START C:\WINDOW\CALC would run the Windows Calculator. The start command can also be used to start any file Windows recognizes. For example, you could start a movie or audio file in a batch file to start your default player for that file.

Backlinks:

list from [[Batch Scripts]] AND -"Changelog"