DOS Batch Files

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A Command Line Interpreter

A DOS batch file is a script file that contains a series of commands to be executed by the command-line interpreter in DOS, OS/2, and Microsoft Windows operating systems[4]. It consists of a plain text file with a .bat or .cmd file extension[4].

Uses of batch files:

  • Automate routine tasks like file management, system maintenance, software installations, etc.
  • Simplify complex operations by combining multiple commands into a single script.
  • Create shortcuts for frequently used command sequences.
  • Perform administrative tasks and configure system settings.

Some key features of DOS batch files:

  • They can contain any command that the command-line interpreter accepts interactively[4].
  • They use constructs like IF, FOR, and GOTO labels to enable conditional branching and looping[4].
  • In MS-DOS, a batch file can be started from the command-line by typing its name followed by any required parameters[4].
  • When DOS loads, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (if present) is automatically executed to set up the DOS environment[4].
  • Batch files in Windows 10 are still relevant for executing commands to change settings, automate routines, and launch apps or web pages[5].

To create a basic batch file in Windows:

  1. 1. Open Notepad and type the commands, for example:

@ECHO OFF
ECHO Hello World!
PAUSE

  • 2. Save the file with a .bat extension, for example first_basic_batch.bat.

3. Double-click the .bat file to run it.

More complex batch files can be created by adding conditional statements, loops, and calling external programs[1][2]. However, for advanced scripting, PowerShell scripts may be more powerful[1].

Origins

DOS batch files originated in the early days of personal computing as a way to automate repetitive tasks and simplify command-line operations[6]. Some key points about the origins of DOS batch files:

  • They were introduced in MS-DOS to enable batch processing of commands, similar to job control languages on mainframe systems.
  • When DOS loads, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file (if present) is automatically executed to set up the DOS environment.
  • Early batch files were used to initialize the system, load device drivers, set environment variables, and run programs.
  • Batch files consisted of a series of commands that the command-line interpreter COMMAND.COM would execute line-by-line.
  • They used basic constructs like IF, FOR, GOTO to enable conditional branching and looping.
  • The .bat file extension was used to identify DOS batch files[6].

DOS batch files emerged as a way to automate common tasks and streamline the command-line interface in early personal computer operating systems like MS-DOS. They provided a simple scripting language to run sequences of commands without manual intervention.

Citations:

[1] https://www.howtogeek.com/263177/how-to-write-a-batch-script-on-windows/
[2] http://www.trytoprogram.com/batch-file-commands/
[3] https://www.dostips.com/DtCodeBatchFiles.php
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batch_file
[5] https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-and-run-batch-file-windows-10
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batch_file