Ch 101 Introduction to Batch Files. Ch 102 Overview Will learn to create batch files to automate a sequence of commands to accomplish various tasks.

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