Ch 10 1
Introduction to Batch Files
Ch 10 2
OverviewOverview
Will learn to create batch files to automate a sequence of commands to accomplish
various tasks.
Ch 10 3
OverviewOverview
The use of batch file subcommands will be
discussed and then used with batch commands.
Ch 10 4
OverviewOverview
How to halt the execution of a batch file will be explained.
Ch 10 5
OverviewOverview
Will write batch files using replaceable parameters.
Ch 10 6
OverviewOverview
Learn how batch files can be used from the desktop.
Ch 10 7
Concepts of Batch and Concepts of Batch and Interactive ProcessingInteractive Processing
Batch file: String together series of commands
executed sequentially with one command without human interaction or interruption
Ch 10 8
Concepts of Batch and Concepts of Batch and Interactive ProcessingInteractive Processing
Batch file: Must be an ASCII file Created with Edit, COPY CON, text editor,
or word processor which has “Save as text file” option
Has .BAT or .CMD extension Each line in batch file contains only one
command
Ch 10 9
Concepts of Batch and Concepts of Batch and Interactive ProcessingInteractive Processing
Why batch files used: Minimize keystrokes Automate frequent/consistent
procedures Do not need to interact with computer
while batch files are running
Ch 10 10
Concepts of Batch and Concepts of Batch and Interactive ProcessingInteractive Processing
Batch processing: Automate frequent/consistent
procedures Batch files can be run at anytime
No user/computer interaction required
Ch 10 11
Concepts of Batch and Concepts of Batch and Interactive ProcessingInteractive Processing
Interactive processing: Also called online or real time mode User interacts directly with computer Information processed without delay
Ch 10 12
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files Work
The operating system determines if a file is a data file or a program
file by its extension.
Ch 10 13
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files Work
To locate file, operating system: Looks internally for command Using Extension Priority Rules,
searches on default drive and directory Searches search path as set in PATH
statement following Priority Rules
Ch 10 14
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files WorkTable 10.1 Search Order for Extensions pp. 485-486Table 10.1 Search Order for Extensions pp. 485-486
Ch 10 15
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files Work
Priority rules are followed if there are files on a disk with the
same file name but three different file extensions.
Ch 10 16
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files Work
If file not found, get error message:
“Filename is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program, or batch file.”
Ch 10 17
How Batch Files WorkHow Batch Files Work
A batch file is a program.
Each line in a batch file must contain only one command.
Ch 10 18
Using EDIT to Write Using EDIT to Write Batch FilesBatch Files
To write a batch file you must use a program that creates ASCII text files.
Ch 10 19
Using EDIT to Write Using EDIT to Write Batch FilesBatch Files
If a file is readable with the TYPE command,
it is an ASCII text file.
Ch 10 20
Using EDIT to Write Using EDIT to Write Batch FilesBatch Files
Word-processing programs can create text files if they
have a nondocument or text mode.
Ch 10 21
Using EDIT to Write Using EDIT to Write Batch FilesBatch Files
EDIT:Simple text editor in Command
Prompt window Used to write batch files.
Ch 10 22
Using EDIT to Write Using EDIT to Write Batch FilesBatch Files
Notepad:Window’s text editorUsed to write batch files
Ch 10 23
Activity—Writing and Activity—Writing and Executing a Batch FileExecuting a Batch File
KEY CONCEPTS: Create batch files with:
EDIT - tool to write batch files Any text editor or word processor with
ASCII output Batch file extensions - .BAT or .CMD Execute the batch file the same ways as
you do any command
Ch 10 24
Writing and Executing a Writing and Executing a Batch File to Save KeystrokesBatch File to Save Keystrokes
Batch files can save keystrokes.
Examples: DIR/AD
DIR/OS and DIR/O-S
Ch 10 25
Sometimes easier to use COPY CON instead of EDIT to write simple batch file.
Syntax:COPY CON filename
Writing and Executing a Writing and Executing a Batch File to Save KeystrokesBatch File to Save Keystrokes
Ch 10 26
Drawbacks to using COPY CON: Cannot correct errors once
<Enter> is pressed Cannot correct errors in
existing files
Writing and Executing a Writing and Executing a Batch File to Save KeystrokesBatch File to Save Keystrokes
Ch 10 27
To correct errors need text editor like EDIT.
Nothing is faster than COPY CON.
Writing and Executing a Writing and Executing a Batch File to Save KeystrokesBatch File to Save Keystrokes
Ch 10 28
KEY CONCEPTS: Pressing <F6> and <Enter> signals completion <Ctrl> +Z same as pressing <F6> Displaying file with TYPE indicates it is ASCII
file Create one-line batch files Directories have no size
Activity—Writing & Executing Activity—Writing & Executing a One-Letter Batch Filea One-Letter Batch File
Ch 10 29
Open command line session by: Clicking icon on Start menu Clicking shortcut
Can be altered to run in customized way
Using Batch Files to Alter Your Using Batch Files to Alter Your Command Line EnvironmentCommand Line Environment
Ch 10 30
KEY CONCEPTS: Created shortcut to open command line session
on desktopCan decide what directory to be in
With /k parameter - include batch file that is executed each time command line session openedValue limited on floppyValuable on hard drive
Activity - Creating a Batch Activity - Creating a Batch File to Alter the Command File to Alter the Command Line Session EnvironmentLine Session Environment
Ch 10 31
To execute BOG game took three steps.
Create a batch file to simplify loading an application program.
Writing a Batch File to Writing a Batch File to Load Application ProgramLoad Application Program
Ch 10 32
KEY CONCEPTS: Create batch files with:
COPY CON Any text editor or word processor with
ASCII output (Example: Edit) Why no conflict between BOG.BAT and
BOG.EXE names How to execute command that requires
particular location
Activity—Writing a Batch Activity—Writing a Batch File to Execute BOG GameFile to Execute BOG Game
Ch 10 33
To run a batch file from Windows: Double-click file name in
Windows Explorer/My Computer Create shortcut for file and
place on desktop and click icon
Creating Shortcuts for Creating Shortcuts for Batch Files on the DesktopBatch Files on the Desktop
Ch 10 34
Some things can be done with shortcut that cannot do in the command line interface. Click shortcut to execute batch Can change shortcut icon
Creating Shortcuts for Creating Shortcuts for Batch Files on the DesktopBatch Files on the Desktop
Ch 10 35
KEY CONCEPTS: Clicking shortcut executes file Can change icon so it is more
distinctive
Activity—Creating a Activity—Creating a Shortcut on the DesktopShortcut on the Desktop
Ch 10 36
Where Windows system files reside will vary depending on installation of Windows XP
Professional.
Batch Files to Run Batch Files to Run Windows ProgramsWindows Programs
Ch 10 37
Windows “keeps notes” about itself in system environment. Path stored in environmental variable
%Path% Drive referred to in environment as
%SystemDrive% Directory where system files are located
referred to as %SystemRoot%
Batch Files to Run Batch Files to Run Windows ProgramsWindows Programs
Ch 10 38
With Notepad: Can create batch file that allows you
to run program without returning to desktop
Can create log file that adds current date and time to file created with Notepad
Batch Files to Run Batch Files to Run Windows ProgramsWindows Programs
Ch 10 39
Activity—Creating a Batch Activity—Creating a Batch File to Run NotepadFile to Run Notepad
KEY CONCEPTS: %SYSTEMROOT% (Environmental variable)
Windows knows where Windows files are located and substitutes correct name
%% signs around name - OS substitutes value for that variable.
Opened Notepad without returning to desktop Used Notepad to create log file (case sensitive) Created log file
Ch 10 40
Activity—Creating a Batch Activity—Creating a Batch File to Run NotepadFile to Run Notepad
KEY CONCEPTS: START command:
Can start a program in new window while still executing batch program in previous window
If title following command is in quotes, will give window that title
Ch 10 41
Special Batch File CommandsSpecial Batch File CommandsTable 10.2 Batch File Commands pp.. 509-510Table 10.2 Batch File Commands pp.. 509-510
Ch 10 42
Special Batch File CommandsSpecial Batch File CommandsTable 10.2 Batch File Commands pp.. 509-510Table 10.2 Batch File Commands pp.. 509-510
Ch 10 43
The REM CommandThe REM Command
REM command (remarks) allows user to place comments
in file that are displayed
but not executed
Ch 10 44
The REM CommandThe REM Command
REM allows file to be documented: Gives explanation of the purpose of a
program Can include name of batch file, last
time it was updated, and author of batch file
Ch 10 45
Activity—Using REMActivity—Using REMKEY CONCEPTS:
Used Edit to write batch file Purpose of REM - provide explanatory
remarks about the batch file If line begins with REM - explanatory text
follows and no action taken No more lines in batch file -OS returns to
system level
Ch 10 46
The The ECHOECHO Command Command
ECHO ON command: Displays command and the
command’s output to the screen Is the default value
Ch 10 47
The The ECHOECHO Command Command
ECHO OFF command: Minimizes screen clutter User turns off display of command
then only see command’s output
Ch 10 48
The The ECHOECHO Command CommandTable 10.3 ECHO ON or OFF p. 512Table 10.3 ECHO ON or OFF p. 512
Ch 10 49
Activity—Using ECHOActivity—Using ECHOKEY CONCEPTS:
ECHO ON - see remarks and commands ECHO OFF - output displayed not actual
commands @ECHO OFF - @ suppresses display of
ECHO OFF Purpose of batch files defeated if
interaction required by user
Ch 10 50
Activity—Using ECHOActivity—Using ECHOTable 10.4 Echo On and ECHO Off: A Comparison of Table 10.4 Echo On and ECHO Off: A Comparison of
Screen Displays p. 516Screen Displays p. 516
Ch 10 51
The The CLS CLS CommandCommand
CLS command used to clear screen when it becomes full of no longer needed information.
Ch 10 52
Activity - Using CLSActivity - Using CLSKEY CONCEPTS:
After ECHO turned off screen cleared
Ch 10 53
The The PAUSEPAUSE Command Command
PAUSE command instructs the batch file to stop executing until the user takes some
action.
Ch 10 54
Activity—Using PauseActivity—Using Pause
KEY CONCEPTS: Batch file “paused” - stopped
executing until some action is taken Pause is not an order
Ch 10 55
Stopping a Batch File Stopping a Batch File from Executingfrom Executing
To interrupt a batch file during execution:
Press <Ctrl> + C Press <Ctrl> + <Break>
Ch 10 56
Stopping a Batch File Stopping a Batch File from Executingfrom Executing
Return to system prompt when batch file interrupted.
Ch 10 57
Activity—Quitting a Activity—Quitting a Batch FileBatch File
KEY CONCEPTS: Results of Pressing <Ctrl> + C Because of speed of computer difficult
to ascertain how many lines of batch file read when <Ctrl> + C pressed
Ch 10 58
Can use fixed or variable parameters with batch files.
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
Ch 10 59
Example of fixed parameter:
DIR A: /W
Examples of variable parameter: TYPE THIS.FIL TYPE TEST.TXT
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
Ch 10 60
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
Batch files can also use replaceable parameters.
Replaceable parameters also called dummy, substitute or positional parameters.
Ch 10 61
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
Can parse batch commands: Keying in additional information
on command line Dividing computer language into
parts that can be made useful to computer
Ch 10 62
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
User supplies markers (place holders) to let batch file know that variable will be keyed in
with batch file name.
Ch 10 63
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
The place holder used in batch files is the percent sign (%), followed by a number (0-9).
Ch 10 64
Replaceable Parameters Replaceable Parameters in Batch Filesin Batch Files
The % sign is a signal to the operating system that a parameter is coming.
The numbers (0-9) indicate what position the parameter is on in the command line.
Ch 10 65
Activity—Using Replaceable Activity—Using Replaceable ParametersParameters
KEY CONCEPTS: Data still on disk when file deleted To delete data overwrite file with new data Create generic or “plain wrap” batch file
Supply specific parameter of file name of interest Supply place (“replaceable parameters”)for name of file View replaceable parameters as positional parameters
% sign followed by number
Ch 10 66
Multiple Replaceable Multiple Replaceable Parameters in Batch FilesParameters in Batch Files
Many commands used in batch files may require
more than one parameter.
Ch 10 67
Multiple Replaceable Multiple Replaceable Parameters in Batch FileParameters in Batch File
Batch files can have up to 10 replaceable (positional) parameters (%0-%9).
Ch 10 68
Multiple Replaceable Multiple Replaceable Parameters in Batch FilesParameters in Batch Files
Example:
COPY MYFILE.TXT YOUR.FIL
Ch 10 69
Activity—Using Multiple Activity—Using Multiple Replaceable ParametersReplaceable Parameters
KEY CONCEPTS: Within batch files parameters do not
have to be in order. Order used on command line
%1 - refers to first position after command not first item on command line
Ch 10 70
Activity—Using Multiple Activity—Using Multiple Replaceable ParametersReplaceable ParametersTable 10.5 Positional Parameters p. 529Table 10.5 Positional Parameters p. 529
Ch 10 71
Activity—Using Multiple Activity—Using Multiple Replaceable ParametersReplaceable Parameters
KEY CONCEPTS: Think of them as positional not replaceable
parameters Copy files selectively (all except ones
hidden) Do not use < > or | in batch files as OS
reads them as redirection or pipe symbols
Ch 10 72
Activity—Using Multiple Activity—Using Multiple Replaceable ParametersReplaceable Parameters
NOCOPY CLASS\*.ABC TRIP CLASS
Rest of lines executed in order
REM This batch file, NOCOPY.BAT, will hide specified files,
REM then copy all other files from one location to another,
Ch 10 73
Activity—Using Multiple Activity—Using Multiple Replaceable ParametersReplaceable Parameters
REM then unhide the original files. ATTRIB +H CLASS\*.ABC COPY CLASS\*.* TRIP ATTRIB -H CLASS\*.ABC
Ch 10 74
Creating Useful Batch FilesCreating Useful Batch Files
Can create commands that are not provided with the
operating system.
Ch 10 75
Activity—Writing Useful Activity—Writing Useful Batch FilesBatch Files
KEY CONCEPTS:Create batch file that will compare file
names in directories or on disksAdd @ECHO OFF at beginning of
batch file - see results of command not REM statements
Ch 10 76
Activity—Writing Useful Activity—Writing Useful Batch FilesBatch Files
Examine each part of command line:
DIR /A-D /B /ON %1 > SOURCE.TMP