Forum :: Lounge :: Batch Scripting Guide

At the request of FrostBloom, I am creating a thread to teach the standard syntax of windows batch code. Please not that this is NOT a programming language, but a simple shell manipulation code recognized by windows operating systems.

I will not cover the ENTIRE syntax of the Windows Shell, simply those that are most useful in writing scripts

<Syntax>

@: This will hide a command, best used if you don't want to disable "Echo"

Usage: @"CMAND" (This will force the interpreter to hide the command used)

-

Echo: Used for manipulating local text output.

Usage: Echo TEST   Output: TEST

Notes: When used like so, "Echo Off", will Disable ALL background code, Useful for making it look a LOT cleaner upon running the script. It will hide your directory, auto input, and commands. Also, if used as "Echo.", It will force a line to skip.

-

Set: This will set a Variable for local usage inside the batch script, careful not to use any Environmental Variables or system used ones, else you may mess up your machine.

Usage: Set TEST=LONG_ASS_STRING_OF_CODE   Output: Use your Brain

-

%%: This works like a Variable quoting system, when defining a variable. To use that variable you must put it inside these symbols.

Usage: Echo TEST   Outpust: TEST

(Proper)Usage: echo %TEST%   Output: "LONG_ASS_CODE_YOU_USED_EARLIER"

-

Set /p 'var'=: This will force the user to input Text into the console for feedback.

Usage: Set /p cmd=<User_Input>   Output: Whatever is returned will give result

-

If: When used to retrieve result from the Set command will give a follow-up command.

Basically an Option system.

Usage: If '%cmd%'=='<Whatever the user entered>' COMMAND

Notes: When used with the declared variable, this allows the user to define the local variable with input. Commands can be added before or after when used with '%%' to define the variable. (Example: Echo %cmd% is my name)

-

goto: This will go to specific portions of the script

Usage: Goto :Main   Output: will carry out the script beneath ":Main"

-

":label" : This uses a Label system so that you can create a script with a script.

Usage: :Main   Output: ":Main" Exists

-

cls: Clears Screen

Pause: Pauses

</Syntax>

<Example>

@Echo off

cls

Echo Hello, What is your Name?

echo.

Set /p cmd=My name is 

cls

echo My Name Is %cmd% And I am an EOServ Member.

echo.

pause

cls

echo Are you Gay?

echo.

Set /p cmd= Y/N   -  

if '%cmd%'=='y' goto :yes

if '%cmd%'=='n' goto :no

:yes

cls

echo YOU ARE GAY

echo.

pause

exit

:no

cls

echo YOU ARE NOT GAY

echo.

pause

exit

</Example>

Any Questions? Add me on MSN_Live. Remember, this is a SMALL syntax Guide, it is suggested you either seek an online guide or allow me to directly teach you via MSN.

Dude, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!