How to create bat file? It is true that, Windows Command Prompt uses the .bat extension for the batch files. Bat file acts as a task runner which is redirected from the command prompt. Bat is a short from “batch processing,” is a kind of text file that contains a series of commands used in MS-DOS and Windows. This file executes multiple applications with a single activation by just just double-clicking on the .bat. For example, when you update any windows automatically update tool checks for windows updates and downloads windows updates when it is required for your windows version. These abilities help to reduce the workloads in windows through this sample batch file creation which can be used in various ways
Creating your own batch files can be extremely useful when you are in a rush, or when you are trying to run a specific file that has multiple exe’s in it. If you are looking to create a Bat File that contains parameters, then take a look at this easy to follow guide on how to create Bat Files containing Parameters
A batch file, sometimes called a batch job or bat file, is a list of commands that are interpreted by your computer in sequence to execute a task or several tasks. It requires little to no effort on your part once you have written the code for the file.[1] The code acts as a set of instructions for your computer, instructing it more directly in its execution of functions. You will need an understanding of how to code if you want your batch file to execute complex commands, but simple processes are well within your reach.
A batch file is a script file in DOS, OS/2 and Microsoft Windows. It consists of a series of commands to be executed by the command-line interpreter, stored in a plain text file. A batch file may contain any command the interpreter accepts interactively and use constructs that enable conditional branching and looping within the batch file, such as IF, FOR, and GOTO labels. The term “batch” is from batch processing, meaning “non-interactive execution”, though a batch file may not process a batch of multiple data.
Similar to Job Control Language (JCL), DCL and other systems on mainframe and minicomputer systems, batch files were added to ease the work required for certain regular tasks by allowing the user to set up a script to automate them. When a batch file is run, the shell program (usually COMMAND.COM or cmd.exe) reads the file and executes its commands, normally line-by-line.[1] Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux, have a similar, but more flexible, type of file called a shell script.[2]
The filename extension .bat is used in DOS and Windows. Windows NT and OS/2 also added .cmd. Batch files for other environments may have different extensions, e.g., .btm in 4DOS, 4OS2 and 4NT related shells.
The detailed handling of batch files has changed significantly between versions. Some of the detail in this article applies to all batch files, while other details apply only to certain versions.
How to Create Bat File
- Know the goal of your bat file. The bat file programming language is generally considered easy to learn and does not require you to use external programs or compilers you may be unfamiliar with. If this is your first attempt at writing a bat file, a good starting goal is to learn the use of commands and syntax.
- In programming, syntax is the spelling and grammar that your computer has been programmed to understand.[2] [3] Think of this as the language you will use to communicate with your computer. If you violate the rules of the programming language you are using, your computer will be unable to interpret and execute the commands you program.
- Familiarize yourself with the available commands. You should be cautious when using some commands, like the delete command, which can alter files that your computer needs to run. If this happens, you may have to reinstall windows on your machine.
- A complete list of commands can be found in your command prompt window. Find the “Run” command in your start menu, or press ⊞ Win+R. Once the black command prompt screen appears, type “help” and press enter. A complete list of command prompt commands, which also work for bat files, will appear.
- Open a simple text editor. Most programmers prefer a no-frills text editor, like Notepad++. This is because extra features in word processing software are usually included for improved interface for the user. Your computer, already understanding the rules of batch file programming language, only needs to read the code you have written.
- Notepad++, in addition to being free, is also coded to ensure a high execution speed of the programs you write, as well as minimizing the file size.[4]
- Write your code. The first line of code in your bat file should always be “@echo off”, unless debugging. The use of the symbol “@” will prevent the echoing of your line of code, and following the echo command with “off” will prevent your computer from displaying the command prompt when your bat file runs.[5] After this first line of code, you can use basic commands and syntax to write the code you wish your bat file to perform.
- Check your code for syntax errors. Any misspelled words, improper format, or grammatical mistake could result in critical error that renders your bat file useless. If you receive an error message, you might want to consider using the “pause” command to stall your program at a point in the code. When your computer reaches the “pause” command, it will stop running your code and display the message, “Press any key to continue”.[6]
- If you receive no error message prior to the point in your code where you have inserted “pause,” you know that your programming syntax, grammar, and spelling were correct up to that point. Adjust the location of your “pause” command to narrow down where you’ve made a mistake.
- Save your code as a bat file. Now that you’ve finished writing your code, you can click the “File” menu, likely on the top menu bar of your text editor, and select “Save as”. This will open a directory where you can navigate to a location on your computer where you wish to save your bat file. When you have selected your save destination, name your file in the field to the bottom of your save directory, and end your file name with the extension “.bat”.
- For example, if your file name were “CreateABatchFile,” you would end the name of your file like so: CreateABatchFile.bat.
- Test your new bat file. Navigate through your file directory until you have reached the location to which you saved your bat file. Double-click the file or right-click it and select the “run” option to see if your new bat file works.
Conclusion
A bat file is a simple plain text file that can contain various parameters, switches, and other commands that tell a computer what to do. Bat files allow you to create batch files without using any complicated programming language such as C++ or Java. The bat file is supported by all Windows operating systems and can be used on both GUI and command line interfaces.