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|----------------------------HELP for HLP-----------------------------| | use:BATHLP <DOS cmd> brings Help or reports no help is available. | | how:Type "BATHLP <DOS cmd>"to get help for commands MARKED "h" BELOW| | b AUTO-1.HLP | * BATHLP.HLP | h IF.HLP | h PAUSE.HLP | | b AUTO-2.HLP | *this file | h IFEXIST.HLP | h REM.HLP | | b AUTO-3.HLP | h ECHO.HLP | b INTRO-1.HLP | h SHIFT.HLP | | b BATDO-1.HLP | h EDLIN.HLP | b INTRO-2.HLP | h SORT.HLP | | b BATDO-2.HLP | h FIND.HLP | b INTRO-3.HLP | h STOPBAT.HLP | | b BATDO-3.HLP | h FOR.HLP | b INTRO-4.HLP | h VAR.HLP | | b BATDO-4.HLP | h FORINDO.HLP | h MORE.HLP || >THIRTY .HLP | | b BATDO-5.HLP | h GOTO.HLP | h PARAM.HLP || >FILES TOTAL | | LEGEND: h=.HLP file !=1/line descr. b=run by BATCHLRN | | N-O-T-E: For a "quickie" SHORTENED listing type: "QWIKBAT"!! For a | | printed version (To Print ALL SCREENS) Type:"PRINT BATHLP.PRN" | | WHEN PRINTING >do not< FORGET TO TYPE: PERFSKIP 6 >f-i-r-s-t< | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: ECHO | |use: The batch command ECHO lets you choose whether or not to have | | the commands in your batch file displayed on the CRT screen as they | | are performed. ECHO is also used for message display (no commands | | are shown). SEE NOTES SECTION BELOW. | | | |how: Type: ECHO ON O-R ECHO OFF [for message sequencing] | | | |examples: REFER TO ANY TIMEMASTER .BAT FILES ON THIS DISK | | | |notes: Commands in a batch file are normally displayed as they are | | performed by your computer. If you enter ECHO OFF into a batch file | | the commands are not displayed when they are performed. Command dis-| | play while a batch processing file is operating can be distracting. | | If you display the commands have a good reason for it! | | A little known (useless?) feature is to type: ECHO <ret> at the | | prompt, which displays current status of ECHO. If you type ECHO OFF | | <ret> the prompt will disappear. Type:ECHO ON to restore! | | If ECHO is set to OFF,you can use ECHO <your message>to display | | text on screen. You can use this ONLY in a batch processing file. | | ECHO sends a message to the CRT screen. It helps organize and ex- | | plain on the screen when a batch file executes. Normally, all batch | | file commands would show on the screen as the file performs. To pre-| | vent this echoing type: ECHO OFF at the beginning. In particularly | | long batch files you may have to do this after several or all of the| | message echoeing sequences. This becomes especially true when you | | are commanding the display of multiple page ascii text files or | | when showing long files a page at a time with the DOS MORE command. | | Your test run of the batch file you create will show you whether or | | not additional ECHO OFF cmds are necessary. We always"follow-on"the | | ECHO OFF with a CLS on the next line. This keeps the on-screen co- | | mmand distraction to a minimum. If you examine the .BAT & .EX files | | on this disk you will see the use of ECHO in TIMEMASTER'S efforts. | | When ECHO is OFF none of the actual DOS commands in the batch | | file will show on the screen. To display a message put it after tbe | | command: ECHO . . .MY DOG HAS FLEAS!. . . | | (Watch the placement, trying for message centering on the screen). | | As you will see in REM.HLP,that command also displays messages. | | You will learn,however, that is not the case if ECHO is OFF. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:EDLIN (with many, many features) | | | |---------------------------ONE-LINER HLP-----------------------------| | | | use:USE OF THIS DOS COMMAND WILL REQUIRE REFERRING TO YOUR MANUAL.* | | | | EDLIN:Line editor to create,change and display files of ALL kinds. | | | | examples:ALL of the batch files on this disk were created using ED- | | LIN. Should you desire to make changes you can do it the same way! | | | | *N-O-T-E:Many DOS Manuals scare newcomers with:"Edlin is not inten- | | ded for novice users." BALONEY! Experiment with EDLIN until you | | know HOW TO USE IT! It can become one of your BEST FRIENDS! To the | | BATCH PROCESSING PROGRAMMER (we don't care that THEY say"batching" | | is NOT programming) it allows you flexibility and fun! We substan- | | tially PREFER EDLIN to COPY CON for creating batch processing files| | since most of the .BAT files we create are long AND involved. Con- | | making it a rule to use EDLIN if the batch file will be more than | | two or three lines. | | | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:FIND | |use:FIND searches a file/DIR for a specified word or text string. | | | |how:Type "FIND <insert option> <word or string> <file.ext>". | | o-r DIR|FIND "MY"will list all files in curr.dir w/"MY"(caps ONLY!) | | | |examples:Look at the BATSEEK.BAT file for an example of the FIND | | command used in a batch processing file in conjunction with other | | commands and functions. Like any file being used for an example, | | however, it will require s-t-u-d-y! Print the file out and examine | | the hard copy carefully. | | | |N-O-T-E-S:Options [/C=display ONLY lines with string/word. | | [/V=display all lines NOT containing word/string]. | | [/N=display ONLY matches (with line numbers). | | You can search several files @ once:FIND "my" file1.ext file2.ext. | | will search for "my" in BOTH of those files (ONLY lower case ltrs).| | Upper and lower case letters are NOT CONSIDERED A MATCH {If you | | want"FOO" DO NOT type"foo"}. Tip:Type "listing" files in ALL CAPS. | | TIMEMASTER has utility files which convert ENTIRE FILES, either to | | all caps or all lowercase, by the use of simple commands. | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: FOR | |use: The FOR command is used to expand the power of a batch file | | command or as an interactive (from the keyboard prompt) command | |how: In Batch processing type: FOR %%<c>IN<set>DO<command> | | In Interactive processing type: FOR %<c>IN<set>DO<command> | | (Did you say Huh? You demand...and get, a translation...) | |translation: %%<c> or %<c> is a variable. <c> can be any character | | except 0,1,2,3...,9. This avoids confusion with the %0-%9 batch pa- | | ramaters. <set> is a list of items separated by spaces and enclosed | | in parentheses. For example:: (item1 item2 item3...itemN) is a set. | | The %%<c> variable is set sequentially to each member of the <set>, | | and then <command> is performed. If a member of <set> is an express-| | ion involving either * or ?, or both, then the varible is set to | | each matching pattern from the file. In this case, only one such | | <item> may be in the set. Any <item> other than the first <item> is | | ignored. | | (We KNOW this is DIFFICULT, but STAY with us!). . . | |explanation: The translation is complex,but UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND IT, | | SO is the FOR command. For that reason,AFTER you have finished this | | .HLP file go to FORINDO.HLP which has examples & explanations(They | | are NO GOOD, however, unless you understand the overall concept)! | | The FOR command is similar to the "for..next loop" that programm-| | ers use to repeat a paricular action a given number of times. The | | FOR file to compare files on A: & B: drives looks like this: | | FOR %X IN (*.*) DO IF EXIST B:%X ECHO %X IS ON BOTH A:&B: | | | | |=the<command>(here, starting on A:drive, the | | | | DO sees IF X {which is *.*[any of all the | | | | files on A:]} exists on B: the ECHOes the | | | | file name {X} as being on "BOTH A:&B:") | | | | | | | |=IN<set> the set is *.* or all the files on A:&B: | | | | | |=FOR is seeking the variable %X (it could be any letter) | | | | (It should be starting to get clearer) | | What we have displayed is an interactive FOR command string. If | | it were in a two-line batch file (for example) the first line would | | be ECHO OFF to keep command clutter off the screen. ALSO,in a batch | | file %X would be %%X (this tells DOS this is NOT a marker. It also | | leaves one % after multiple parameter processing {seeFORINDO>HLP}). | |examples: SEE THE FORINDO.HLP FILE FOR EXAMPLES & EXPLANATIONS! | | | |notes: Remember, in a batch file, you must use the expression "%%". | | If you are in interactive DOS processing mode,only ONE % is needed. | | You cannot nest FOR commands in DOS like the FOR-NEXT command is | | used in GWBASIC. If you try to do this, the message: | | "FOR cannot be nested" | | appears when you are running your batch program. The program will | | not perform as you expected. | | (SET) is one or more filenames or commands you want %%Varible to | | assume while the command is being executed. Use a space between | | entries, and pathnames are not allowed. Don't folrget the parenthe- | | sis around the set. Wildcards may be used within (SET) if you are | | using filenames. | | Command is the particular DOS command or batch subcommand you want | | to have performed. Usually one or more of these commands will | | contain the %%Varible in it. If (SET) contains DOS commands, only | | %%Varible is used. | | In effect, what this subcommand does is cause %%Varible to be an | | index into the (SET) for use by command. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: FOR..IN..DO (Actually multiple commands) | |use:FOR..IN..DO string is used to expand the power of a batch file | | or as an interactive (from the keyboard prompt) command | | | |how: In Batch processing type: FOR %%<c>IN<set>DO<command> | | In Interactive processing type: FOR %<c>IN<set>DO<command> | | | |explanation: The FOR command is similar to the "for..next loop" that | | programmers use to repeat a paricular action a number of times. A | | batch file to compare files on A:& B: drives looks like this: | | ECHO OFF [keeps command clutter of the screen] | | CLS [we always do this to get ECHO OFF removed] | | FOR %%Y IN (*.*) DO IF EXIST B:%%Y ECHO %%Y IS ON BOTH A:&B: | | | | |=the<command>(here, starting on A:drive,the | | | | DO sees if X {which is *.*[any of all the | | | | files on A:]} exists on B: the ECHOes the | | | | file name {X} as being on "BOTH A:&B:") | | | | | | | |=IN<set> the set is *.* or all the files on A:&B: | | | | | |=FOR is seeking the variable %X (it could be any letter) | | | | | |examples: FOR %%gf IN(*.ASM)DO MASM %%f; | | FOR %%f IN(BAK ART BUDGT) DO REM %%f | | The "%%" is needed so that after batch parameter (%0-%9) processing | | is complete, a % remains. If only %f was entered, the DOS batch pa- | | rameter processor sees the first "%", looks at "f", then decides | | that "%f" is a bad parameter reference, and discards the "%f". | | The FOR command would never receive this parameter. In a batch | | file, you must use the expression "%%". | | Let's see hoe the batch command works... The first line turns | | command displat off to clear command clutter. The second line clears| | the "echo off" messagefrom the screen. The third line is executed | | many times as there are files on the disk in a: [the set (*.*) | | assures this]. Each of those filenamesare assigned to %%Z in turn | | and then checked for presence on drive B: with the EXIST logical | | statement. If EXIST is true, then the message at the end of the IF | | subcommand si sent to the screen, otherwise nothing is printed and | | the next file on driove A: is assigned and checked. | | FILES on drive A: FILES on drive B: | | ----------------- ------------------ | | COMMAND.COM COMMAND.COM | | FILE.ONE FILE.ONE | | FILE.TWO FILE.LTR | | The batch subcommand we are investigating is: | | FOR %%Z IN (*.*) DO IF EXIST B:%%Z is on both A: and B: | | Each filename on A: is substitutedin the IF subcommand and then | | executed. To get the same effect you would have to type-- | | IF EXIST B:COMMAND.COM ECHO COMMAND.COM is on both A: and B: | | IF EXIST B:FILE.ONE ECHO FILE.ONE is on both A: and B: | | IF EXIST B:FILE.TWO ECHO FILE.TWO is on both A: and B: | | In the case of the example above, the first two would have a posi- | | tive responseand the last would not print anything. Study it care- | | fully before going on. | | FILES on drive A: FILES on drive B: | | ----------------- ----------------- | | COMMAND.COM COMMAND.COM | | FILE.ONE FILE.ONE | | FILE.TWO FILE.LTR | | OK, told you to study the example. Let's see if you remember. What | | is the one line batch file command to find and report out all files | | starting with an "F" on drive A:? [I'll help you a little, you fill | | in the blanks.] | | ___%%Z IN (A:_____) ____ECHO File_____is on drive A: | | FOR %%Z IN (A:F*.*) DO ECHO File %%Z is on drive A: | | In this case you see that the A: disk is checked for any file start-| | ing with the letter "F" and that name is substituted in the varible | | %%Z. The appropriate message is then printed with the proper file- | | name. | | This is not an easy concept. Let's now look at using DOS commands | | in (Set). | | FOR...IN..DO using DOS Commands | | ================================ | | The set can contain DOS commands instead of filenames and these | | commands will then be executed in sequence (to include running | | large programes under the control of the FOR..IN..DO loop). | | Let's say you want to sequentially: Clear the screen | | Show the DOS version number | | then Show the disk directory with the pause on | | You could do all that in a one line batch file with the following | | command in it:: FOR %%T IN (CLS VER DIR/P) DO %%T | | When using DOS commands in (SET) ypu must use the space as a de- | | limiter and cannot have asterisk (*) or question mark (?) in any | | command. Use a colon(:) instead of a space when passing parameters | | to programs (i.e. DBASE:FILE INSTEAD OF DBASE FILE) | | It is possible to issue the FOR..IN..DO command at the DOS prompt | | by dropping one of the percentage signs (%) an the varible. | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: GOTO | |use: The GOTO command is a batch file-only command. It is used to | | perform a "jump" from the GOTO <label> to the :<label>. After the | | :<label> (the SECOND one) the program performs the commands listed. | | In"computereze"this is described as:the GOTO command directing the | | program to perform the command following the item described in the | | command modifier (so much for that!). | | | |how:Type: GOTO <LABEL> (in a batch file), THEN type:<LABEL> later on | | for a series of commands to be performed. | | | |when:GOTO is used in conjunction with (usually) some IF condition | | or to create a loop function. | | | |examples: In a condition situation you would have SEVERAL GOTOs. For | | example, IF %1 exists GOTO label 1 (next line) IF %1 not exist GOTO | | label#2. Elsewhere in the batch file :label#1 AND :label#2 would | | both be present, followed by commands you want performed depending | | on whether %1 existed or not. USUALLY you create another jump at the| | end of each :label command set with GOTO END, with the :END label | | wrapping up the batch processing no matter what else occured in the | | previous portions of the file. SEE sample batch files on this disk! | |more examples:(To create a GOTO loop): 1) :spot | | this is what you would 2) REM This is a loop | | program (3 lines) 3) GOTO spot | | That would cause an infinite sequence of messages to be displayed: | | A>REM This is a loop | | A>GOTO spot | | A>REM This is a loop | | A>GOTO spot | | A>REM This is a loop . . . . etcetera (on & on til you stop it!) | |NOTES: If you do not include <label> in the GOTO command, the batch | | processing file stops. Any line in a batch file that starts with ":"| | is treated as a label but otherwise ignored. DOS only recognizes the| | FIRST EIGHT characters in a label. To stop an endless loop GOTO file| | use CTRL-BREAK or CTRL C. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: IF | |use: The IF subcommand allows you to direct the decision-making pro- | | cess in batch processing files (referred to as statement "testing").| | | |how: Type: IF <condition> <DOS or batch command> [see*&**NEXT] | | **<command> == Any legal DOS command or batch file subcommand | | *<condition> == One of three tests that yield a true or false re- | | sult: | | 1. The ERRORLEVEL of a program (see below) | | 2. Two strings that are equivalent or the same. | | 3. A file that exists in the CURRENT directory. | | | |explanation:The IF command tests for true or false. IF true, it per- | | forms the command. IF NOT true,it skips the command and goes to the | | NEXT line in the batch processing file. You can "test" SEVERAL lines| | one after the other, so that if the first line is not true the batch| | file moves to the next "testing" line. This will continue until no | | more tests are left or a TRUE statement directs a command(like GOTO)| | | |examples: Refer to BATSEEK.BAT to see the file testing for the pres- | | ence of.EXE &.COM files, the GOTO command & the failure to meet the | | presence of the %1 variable (you JUST typed BATSEEK, nothing else). | |actual pgm:The following batch file can be used to establish a pass- | | word for running a program. The batch file is named PASSWRD.BAT and | | calls up a fictitious program name MY.COM: | | {NOTE:[fghev xcvw] == our notes & 0) represents EDLIN line #s} | | 1) ECHO OFF [allows messaging in file w/next cmnd. | | 2) CLS to clear the ECHO OFF from the screen] | | 3) IF %1 == ABC GOTO FINE [this is the label][IF TRUE,JUMP occurs] | | 4) ECHO BAD PASSWORD--ENDING [msg./appears if NO ABC,then NO JUMP] | | 5) GOTO END [ALWAYS end EA.cmnd.sequencing with this cmnd/label] | | 6) :FINE [first label to wh/file JUMP occurs when statement TRUE] | | 7) ECHO YOU'RE IDENTIFIED--STARTING CMD.SEQUENCE [msg/1st part:GOOD]| | 8) MY [the command portion of the :GOOD command sequence] | | 9) GOTO END [remember, end each command sequence this way] | |10) :END [the second JUMP label--remember labels direct traffic] | |11) ECHO I'VE DONE MY JOB!--RETURNING TO CURRENT DRIVE [end msg.] | |elucidation:Look at the response of the computer to various cmds. | | First a BAD password. At the prompt type: PASSWRD XYZ [xyz==%1] | | The computer tests for TRUE [it's NOT since %1 doesn't == ABC] and | | [goes to NEXT line] performs NEXT command, which is to display msg: | | BAD PASSWORD--ENDING | | Now, a GOOD password. At the prompt type: PASSWRD ABC [now,abc==%1] | | The computer tests for TRUE [it IS since %1 == ABC] and performs the| | GOTO :FINE command and performs JUMP to label :FINE. P.C.then does | | what you told it to do after the label :FINE and performs the comm- | | and prompt "MY" after acknowledging the passwrod with a message. Af-| | ter MY performs you are returned to :END and sign off. Note the cmd.| | MY will not appear because echo is off and you didn't call for ECHO.| | The :END label displays the final message, but there is no require- | | ment that additional lines appear after end. | | | |NOTES: Unlike programming languages, which allow many logical tests | | in an IF statement, the batch IF statement is limited to only the | | three named above. TO FURTHER EXPLAIN: | | >Condition 1:ERRORLEVEL is a number that indicates to DOS whether | | the last program run was succesful. A zero (0) indicates a good | | run, anything above zero indicates an error condition (only DOS | | commands BACKUP and RESTORE have an exit code). You probably WILL | | NOT have use for this feature often. There ARE commercial programs | | which make extensive use of ERRORLEVEL.These allow PC-User response| | and other features like alternate selection via Yes & No or selec- | | tion of numbers and/or letters (1,2,3,4 OR a,b,c,d, etc.). | | | | >Condition 2:String comparison is indicated by a double equal sign:| | String1 == String22 | | This compares the two strings. It is often used with parameters and | | markers to check for a particular entry. For example: | | IF %1 == 40 typing:"MODE C40" checks parameter one for 40 and, if | | if the condition is TRUE [%1 == 40] it changes the display to 40- | | columns wide. [SEE batch files on this disk for examples/study them]| | | | >Condition 3:The logical test for checking for the existence of a | | file has as its format: EXIST C:<filename.ext> | | You can use this test to check and see if a file is in C: drive | | (as in the example). EXIST B:<filename.ext> might be used to check | | to see if B: drive has a DOS disk in the drive. Explore other uses | | after examining files on this disk with "EXIST". Note: you cannot | | use pathnames for checking on a file's existence. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: IF EXIST | |use: The IF EXIST cmnd. allows CONFIRMATION of a file or condition. | | | |how: Type:IF EXIST <filename.ext> or <condition> [then] <cmnd.> O-R | | IF NOT EXIST <same as above> | | | |example: IF EXIST %1 GOTO EXISTS | | ECHO . . . T H E F I L E D O E S N ' T E X I S T ! | | :EXISTS | | ECHO ...%1 IS AN EXISTING FILE IN THE CURRENT DIRECTORY! | | | | If you were to type:"EXIST SWELL.TXT" and it DID NOT EXIST the | | statement would be FALSE and the batch file would move to the next | | line, displaying: ...THE FILE DOES NOT EXIST! If you typed the same | | phrase, and the file WAS in the CURRENT directory the statement | | would be true and the batch file would JUMP to the label "EXISTS". | | It would then display the message: ...SWELL.TXT [that's the %1] IS | | AN EXISTING FILE IN THE CURRENT DIRECTORY! Using this basic shell | | you can create many IF EXIST batch processing files to make your | | work easier. FOR CROSS-REFERENCE SEE THE IF.HLP FILE! | |NOTES: When <condition> is TRUE, DOS or batch <command> is performed.| | When <condition> is NOT TRUE,the <command> is IGNORED and the next | | line in the batch processing file is performed. | | The<condition> we are "testing" here, IF EXIST o-r NOT EXIST is ill-| | illustrated by these two examples: | | | | IF EXIST = True if and only if <filename> exists. | | | | IF NOT EXIST = True if and only if <condition> is false. | | | | Another example of IF EXIST (>Condition 3) is as follows: | | >Condition 3:The logical test for checking for the existence of a | | file has as its format: EXIST C:<filename.ext> | | You can use this test to check and see if a file is in C: drive | | (as in the example). EXIST B:<filename.ext> might be used to check | | to see if B: drive has a DOS disk in the drive. Explore other uses | | after examining files on this disk with "EXIST". Note: you cannot | | use pathnames for checking on a file's existence. | | | |READER NOTE:The IF & IF EXIST cmnds are important to you. Review THIS| | file & IF.HLP,then s-t-u-d-y the "EXIST".BAT files.YOU'LL HAVE IT! | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:MORE (with options) | |use:MORE controls file screen output by limiting to 24 li. @ a time. | |how:Type: TYPE <file.ext> | MORE | THE MORE COMMAND GOES IN A BATCH FILE AFTER THE | | NAME OF THE FILE (TYPE MY.DOC | MORE) [for example] | | | | N-O-T-E:MORE is a DOS filter (like FIND and SORT). It can be used | | with the Type command or with other commands,where you want to view| | 24 lines or one screen at a time. To advance you hit any key (hitt-| | ing the space bar or return will NOT leave a character.[Desireable | | if you are using PrtSc]). See many of the Batch files on this Disk | | to see some interesting applications of MORE when combined with the| | other DOS filters in batch processing files. Many keystrokes and | | much time can be saved this way! | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |commandS:Various PARAMETERS used in commands, including batch cmds. | |use:To modify or otherwise change the effect of the command. | | | |how:Type <command> <parameter> or use parameters in batch files. | | | |examples:There are many batch files on this disk you can study to | | see how Parameters work. Also see examples included below. | | | |explanation:Parameters are extra pieces of information that you type | | after many DOS cmnds.or in batch file instructions.DIR B:/W,for ex- | | ample, illustrates modification of the DOS command DIR. By adding | | the parameters B: and /W you are modifying basic operation of the | | command. You pass parameters to batch files the same way--by typing | | the information after the batch command, but BEFORE typing the | | balance of the information. This process is called "testing". This | | will seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it you | | will wonder why you didn't know about batch processing (replaceable)| | parameters before. Parameters may be used any place in a batch file | | they are needed to "test" for the presence of something you typed, | | (or DIDN'T TYPE) at the prompt (it WILL get clearer!). | | The secret to understanding batch file parameters is to slowly work | | into the subject. The batch processing file uses parameters in sev- | | eral ways as it is being run and this (at first) makes comprehension| | difficult. "Markers" are used within the batch file as "signals" as | | to wh/parameter goes where. Markers are comprised of a percent sign | | (%) and a single digit between 0 and 9 (that's ten markers in use | | at any one time--remember that zero is a number). The %0 is ALWAYS | | the NAME OF THE BATCH PROCESSING FILE! As if it wasn't confusing | | enough already, many manuals refer to markers as simply "variables".| | The name, obviously, is not as important as the concept. To cover | | this, however, we also have a file called:VAR.HLP. It covers the | | fact that THERE IS a difference between parameters and variables. | | | | examples: Assume that a batch file named COLORGO.BAT is on the cur- | | rent drive. This file contains ONLY a single command: | | ECHO %0 %1 %2 %3 [ECHO shows messages on the screen]. | | If, at the DOS prompt, you typed: COLORGO Red Blue Green THAT cmd. | | would recognize that FOUR parameters were passed to the batch file. | | The batch file via the ECHO would display them on the screen in the | | order received (0=colorgo{name of .BAT file}; %1=red; %2=blue & %3= | | green) in the form you typed in. The parameters and markers were | | related,(to restate),as follows... ECHO COLORGO Red Blue Green | | %0 %1 %2 %3 | | TO EXPLAIN REPLACEABLE PARAMETERS ANOTHER WAY: | | You can include dummy parameters within your batch file which DOS | | will replace with values you supply on the command line when exe- | | cuting the file. Using replaceable parameters allows you to specify | | DIFFERENT sets of data every time you run the batch file. You can | | use up to 10 parameters; if more are needed, the shift command (SEE | | SHIFT.HLP)can be used to extend the available set. Note that OTHER | | areas in the batch file can recognize the %X parameters as well.For | | example, you might want a message: ECHO ...WORK COMPLETE ON %1 | | the batch file would repeat the message but replace %1 with the name| | you typed on the command or prompt line. Examine the .BAT files on | | this disk to see many examples of how this is accomplished. | | Another example of replaceable parameters is shown below: | | | | FINDIT B: ROUND BLUE | | | | When you type in a command, the command itself (FINDIT) is para- | | meter %0. The parameter following the COMMAND (B:) is %1, and so on.| | In the example, therefore, ROUND=%1 and BLUE=%2 (a % for each word) | | All parameters following the cmd.take on succesive parameter values.| | | | Here is another way to illustrate parameters (the loop file): | | LOOP MYDEMO.DOC | | REM - LOOP BATCH FILE FOR %1 | | TYPE %1 | | . | | . (MYDEMO.DOC {%!} is displayed) | | . | | CLS | | LOOP | | REM - LOOP BATCH FILE FOR %1 | | . | | . (FILE IS DISPLAYED again) | | . | | FILE WILL KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU CTRL C OR CTRL-BREAK | | | | While not particularly useful,this batch file serves to demonstrate | | replaceable parameters. There are a few ways in which such a file | | (looping batch file) like the one above could be used. It could | | continuously run a software demonstration package or graphics | | animation program with a loop. You could also test the integrity of | | hardware by running a continuous test program over and over until | | you stopped it. | | | | Here's an experiment with replaceable parameters you can try: | | (Create the following file) | | COPY CON:SEEFILE.BAT | | TYPE %1 | | TYPE %2 | | TYPE %3 | | <F6> <RETURN> | | This batch file will display,using TYPE,the files that you specify | | as the first,second, and third parameters on the command line. Each | | filename.ext type would be typed in the order requested, on the CRT.| | screen. You could also use *.* (wildcards) as %1 and it would dis- | | play a whole group of files ( or *.DOC to display THOSE files). You | | could also use *.DOC as %1; *.TXT as %2, etc. When you use MULTIPLE | | PARAMETERS in a batch file they MUST be separated by spaces. To ill-| | ustrate:Often you have repetitive tasks which are quite similar,per-| | haps differing only by the file being processed. A parameter is used| | to provide a file name to the .BAT file. This way, a batch file can | | immediately perform a task for you without having to be specially | | edited to match your current needs. For example, INFORM.BAT : | | | | On monday: | | INFORM THUR.DAT FRI.DAT SAT.DAT SUN.DAT | | On thursday: | | INFORM MON.DAT TUE.DAT WED.DAT | | Up to 10 parameters may be used. Our example, INFORM.BAT would have | | a command line in its body. It could be COPY %1 + %2 + %3 + %4=A:RE-| | PORT (which would copy the files into ONE called REPORT which could | | then be renamed whatever you wanted). Or you could give a PRINT cmd.| | such as: PRINT %1 %2 %3 %4. There is no limit to your instructions. | | REVIEW THE .BAT FILES ON THIS DISK WITH PARAMETERS | | | | There may be times when you want to create an application program | | and run it with different sets of data. This data may be stored | | in various DOS files. Let's illustrate this & then examine our work.| | For example, when you type the command line COPY CON DOFILE.BAT, | | the next lines you type are copied from the console to a file named | | DOFILE.BAT on the default drive: | | COPY CON DOFILE.BAT | | COPY %1.INF+%2.INF=%2.PRN | | TYPE %2.PRN | | PRINT %2.PRN | | Now press <F6> or <ctrl/z> and then press <return>. DOS responds: | | "1 file(s) copied" | | The file DOFILE.BAT, which consists of three commands, now resides | | on the disk in the default drive. It stands ready for variables! | | The dummy parameters %1 and %2 are replaced sequentially by the | | parameters you supply when you execute the file. The dummy parameter| | %0 is always replaced by the drive designator, if specified, and | | the filename of the batch file (for example:DOFILE).Now let's do it!| | To execute the batch file DOFILE.BAT and to specify the parameters | | that will replace the dummy param.(markers),you must type the batch | | file name(without its extension) followed by the parameters you | | want DOS to substitute for %1, %2, etc. Let's look at what happens: | | | | (Remember that the file DOFILE.BAT consists of 3 lines): | | COPY %1.INF+%2.INF=%2.PRN | TYPE %2.PRN | | PRINT %2.PRN | | To execute the batch processing file, DOFILE you might type: | | DOFILE A:DATA1 B:DATA2 | | DOFILE is substituted for %0, A:DATA1 for %1, and B:DATA2 for %2. | | (notice how the drives can be inserted) | | The result is the same as if you had typed each of the commands in | | DOFILE with their parameters, as follows: | | COPY A:DATA1.INF+B:DATA2.INF=DATA2.PRN [COPY DATA1&DATA2=DATA2.PRN] | | TYPE B:DATA2.PRN [DISPLAYING THE COMBINED FILE] | | PRINT B:DATA2.PRN [PRINT THE COMBINED FILE] | | The following illustrates how DOS replaces each of the parameters: | | BATCH PARAMETER1 (%0) PARAMETER2 (%1) PARAMETER3 (%2) | | FILENAME (DOFILE) (DATA1) (DATA2) | | DOFILE DOFILE.BAT DATA1.INF DATA2.INF | | DATA2.PRN | | | | NOTES | | 1. Up to 10 dummy parameters (%0-%9) can be specified. Refer to the | | DOS command SHIFT if you wish to specify more than 10 parameters. | | 2. If you use the percent sign as part of a FILE NAME within a | | batch file, you must type it twice. For example, to specify the file| | XYZ%.BAT, you must type it as XYZ%%.BAT in the batch file. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: PAUSE | |use: To pass to a user control of a batch file while processing. | | | |how:Type:(in a batch file) PAUSE <Message, if any> | | | |example:Virtually every >BAT file on this disk has a PAUSE command. | | TIMEMASTER displays messages on a separate line so we can insert | | different colors for the message and the PAUSE instruction in the | | color versions of these files. | | | |NOTES: The basic function of PAUSE is to stop the execution of the | | batch file until you press a key. This can allow you to perform | | a necessary task -- like perhaps changing a disk or verifying that | | a particular disk configuration is in place, in order to avoid | | errors as the remaining parts of the batch file are executed. | | Pause will optionally display a message. | | The message will show, followed by the DOS message: | | Strike any key when ready... | | THE PAUSE SUBCOMMAND IN BATCH PROCESSING FILES... | | The PAUSE subcommand suspends execution of the batch file temporar- | | ily and displays the message "Strike any key when ready..." You | | can display messages in a batch file with the ECHO subcommand and | | then pause so the reader can read the message. These messages | | must precede the PAUSE command. A common method used in batch files | | is to display a message before a major command is issued, thus giv- | | ing the user a chance to break out of the batch file. Example: | | ECHO DRIVE C IS ABOUT TO BE ERASED... | | ECHO Press Ctrl-Break to stop or | | PAUSE | | The screen display would appear as follows: | | DRIVE C IS ABOUT TO BE ERASED... | | Press Ctrl-Break to stop or [also Ctrl C] | | Strike any key when ready... | | One of the most useful features of PAUSE is to allow a user to | | change diskettes between commands of a batch file. | | You can use the PAUSE command to segment a batch file into segments | | that can be stopped at any appropriate point. <comment> is optional | | and should be entered on the same line as PAUSE. <comment> is used | | to prompt -- with a meaningful message -- the batch file user to | | take some action when the file pauses. The <comment> is displayed | | before the "Strike any key when ready..." message. | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: REMark | |use: The REM command displays on the CRT screen any text that is on | | the same line as the REM cmd.when a batch processing file is running| |how:Type:(in a batch processing file) REM <comment or message> | |actual batch file: REM This file checks new disks | | REM It is named MAKEDISK.BAT | | PAUSE Insert new disk in drive B: | | FORMAT B:/S | | CHKDSK B: | |NOTES: REMark can be used to send messages to the screen or simply | | to document some part of your batch file's operation. REM won't work| | with ECHO! We prefer REM ONLY for short files. The computer opera- | | tor(it won't always be you)will want to know what is happening.Also,| | after some time,you may forget what a complicated set of commands | | actually does. REM messages can be up to 123 characters long,but DO | | keep the width of the screen in mind. This way you can control the | | display and make it even more meaningful. CENTER remarks when you | | can. ALL of the foregoing of course also applies to ECHO messages. | | If a line in a batch file starts with one or more periods (.) it is | | treated as a remark (in DOS 2.xx, DOS 3.x won't allow this). THUS | | REM This is a test a-n-d . This is a test are treated equally. | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: SHIFT | |use: The SHIFT command lets your batch file access more than 10 | | replaceable parameters. | | | |example:The SHIFT command is illustrated by this example: | | [the lines below are as they would appear in a batch file] | | If %0 = "bak" | | %1 = "mine" | | %2 = "yours" | | %3...%9 are empty | | then a SHIFT (command) results in the following: | | %0 = "bak" | | %1 = "yours" | | %2...%9 are empty ["mine" has been "shifted" out] | | If you are still confused review the PARAM.HLP file. | | | |NOTES:DOS allows 10 parameters (%0-%9) to be used by a batch file. | | SHIFT allows you to move more parameters into a queue, discarding | | the first parameter. When you are listing parameters at the prompt, | | additional parameters (more than 10) should be on the same command | | line in order to be shifted into the queue.The single cmd.is SHIFT. | | When that subcommand is encountered, all parameter/marker pairings | | are shifted one to the left. Whatever was assigned to %0 is lost, | | the contents of %1 are moved to %0, %2 moves to %1... %9 moves to | | %8 and a new parameter from the command line is moved into %9. | | While this brings in a new parameter, all have shifted and you must | | anticipate the effect on your batch file "program". | | The effect of SHIFT: | | %0 %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 | | | Remember, this command seems very simple, but its effects | | | are far ranging and the logical consequence of mis-matching | | | parameters and markers can be disastrous! | | | | | Lost | | | | MORE ABOUT THE SHIFT SUBCOMMAND: | | The SHIFT subcommand is made to be used with replaceable parameters.| | In the PARAM.HLP file there is an example for you to create called | | SEEFILE.BAT which shows you how to display three files you call up. | | What if you wanted to display four files? You would have to rewrite | | the batch file to include another TYPE command, or you could use | | the SHIFT command for more than 10 parameters in a file. The | | following batch file uses the GOTO and SHIFT command to ECHO any | | number of parameters typed on the command line. | | (you should create this file) | | COPY CON:REVEAL.BAT | | ECHO OFF | | CLS | | :LOOP | | CLS | | TYPE %1 | MORE | | SHIFT | | GOTO LOOP | | <F6> or <Ctrl Z> <Return> | | To execute type: REVEAL <FILENAME.EXT> <FILENAME.EXT>,ETC.,ETC. | | | | CAUTION:When this file runs out of parameters you will get a message| | "invalid number of parameters". It will then KEEP REPEATING until | | YOU STOP IT with a Ctrl C or Ctrl-Break! The file can only "read" | | the number of parameters you put on the prompt or command line. | | NOTE: the MORE command is to assure that if a text file (that is | | the only kind you can display with TYPE) is more than 24 lines, a | | pause will be inserted. Wildcards cannot be used with the command. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:SORT (with options) | |use:SORT puts lines from a specified file into a particular order. | |how:Type: "SORT < file.ext" = Sorted file will be displayed on scrn. | | "SORT /R <file.ext"=REVERSE sorted file to screen. | | "SORT+n < file.ext"=Sort by character in col.n(number).* | | "SORT < file.ext > sortedfile.ext=Sorts file.ext,then puts | | data in sortedfile.ext. | | "SORT < file.ext >> sortedfile.ext=Sorts file.ext, then | | APPENDS sorted data to EXISTING sortedfile.ext. | | "SORT < CON > file.ext=Sorts as you type data on keyboard, | | then places sorted data into file.ext. | | "SORT /R+n < file.ext"=Sort in reverse by col.n.* | | ANY OF THE ABOVE COMMANDS CAN BE INSERTED IN A BATCH FILE | | | | N-O-T-E:Since SORT is a filter it gets its data via redirection < .| | *column n=1-80 [look at the ASCII text, count from the left].Sort | | is by ASCII preference [#$%&'()*+0 1-9 :;<=>?@ A-Z [\]^ a-z{|},etc]| | Tips:DIR|SORT > PRN [prints DIR] & DIR|SORT > DIRECT.LST [stores | | in a file of your choice]. | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: CTRL C (MS-DOS) or CTRL-BREAK or SCR LOCK (PC-DOS) | | | |use: To stop a batch file from being processed. | | | |how:Type:CTRL C as batch file is running and it will stop for your | | Yes or No confirmation as to discontinuance. | | | |NOTES:When you stop a batch file,the message is:Abort batch job?(Y/N)| | If you press N for No the task the batch file is performing goes on.| | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:%<name>% (within a batch processing file) | | | |use:A way of passing specific data to a batch processing file. | | | |how:Type: %<name>% to set the variable. | | | |NOTES:Variables provide another way of passing specific data to a | | batch processing file. Please make THIS distinction, there IS an | | important difference between variables and parameters. PARAMETERS | | are constantly changing.A variable,once declared,RETAINS its value | | until either you reset it or turn the PC off. Using the variable | | you can not only pass values to the system but to other .BAT files. | | A variable is a text string(a name)enclosed by % signs (%variable%) | | Values are given to variables with the DOS SET command. For example,| | if a batch file contains the statement: LINK %FILE% you can "set" | | %FILE% to ANOTHER name (which DOS will then recognize, having dis- | | carded FILE and replacing it with the new name). In the example,and | | to replace %FILE% you would type: SET FILE = DOFILE (DOFILE now is | | the variable). | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| END END END END END END END END END END END END END END END | DATA2.PRN | | | | NOTES | | 1. Up to 10 dummy parameters (%0-%9) can be specified. Refer to the | | DOS command SHIFT if you wish to specify more than 10 parameters. | | 2. If you use the percent sign as part of a FILE NAME within a | | batch file, you must type it twice. For example, to specify the file| | XYZ%.BAT, you must type it as XYZ%%.BAT in the batch file. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| # # # |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: PAUSE | |use: To pass to a user control of a batch file while processing. | | | |how:Type:(in a batch file) PAUSE <Message, if any> | | | |example:Virtually every >BAT file on this disk has a PAUSE command. | | TIMEMASTER displays messages on a separate line so we can insert | | different colors for the message and the PAUSE instruction in the | | color versions of these files. | | | |NOTES: The basic function of PAUSE is to stop the execution of the | | batch file until you press a key. This can allow you to perform | | a necessary task -- like perhaps changing a disk or verifying that | | a particular disk configuration is in place, in order to avoid | | errors as the remaining parts of the batch file are executed. | | Pause will optionally display a message. | | The message will show, followed by the DOS message: | | Strike any key when ready... | | THE PAUSE SUBCOMMAND IN BATCH PROCESSING FILES... | | The PAUSE subcommand suspends execution of the batch file temporar- | | ily and displays the message "Strike any key when ready..." You | | can display messages in a batch file with the ECHO subcommand and | | then pause so the reader can read the message. These messages | | must precede the PAUSE command. A common method used in batch files | | is to display a message before a major command is issued, thus giv- | | ing the user a chance to break out of the batch file. Example: | | ECHO DRIVE C IS ABOUT TO BE ERASED... | | ECHO Press Ctrl-Break to stop or | | PAUSE | | The screen display would appear as follows: | | DRIVE C IS ABOUT TO BE ERASED... | | Press Ctrl-Break to stop or [also Ctrl C] | | Strike any key when ready... | | One of the most useful features of PAUSE is to allow a user to | | change diskettes between commands of a batch file. | | You can use the PAUSE command to segment a batch file into segments | | that can be stopped at any appropriate point. <comment> is optional | | and should be entered on the same line as PAUSE. <comment> is used | | to prompt -- with a meaningful message -- the batch file user to | | take some action when the file pauses. The <comment> is displayed | | before the "Strike any key when ready..." message. | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: REMark | |use: The REM command displays on the CRT screen any text that is on | | the same line as the REM cmd.when a batch processing file is running| |how:Type:(in a batch processing file) REM <comment or message> | |actual batch file: REM This file checks new disks | | REM It is named MAKEDISK.BAT | | PAUSE Insert new disk in drive B: | | FORMAT B:/S | | CHKDSK B: | |NOTES: REMark can be used to send messages to the screen or simply | | to document some part of your batch file's operation. REM won't work| | with ECHO! We prefer REM ONLY for short files. The computer opera- | | tor(it won't always be you)will want to know what is happening.Also,| | after some time,you may forget what a complicated set of commands | | actually does. REM messages can be up to 123 characters long,but DO | | keep the width of the screen in mind. This way you can control the | | display and make it even more meaningful. CENTER remarks when you | | can. ALL of the foregoing of course also applies to ECHO messages. | | If a line in a batch file starts with one or more periods (.) it is | | treated as a remark (in DOS 2.xx, DOS 3.x won't allow this). THUS | | REM This is a test a-n-d . This is a test are treated equally. | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: SHIFT | |use: The SHIFT command lets your batch file access more than 10 | | replaceable parameters. | | | |example:The SHIFT command is illustrated by this example: | | [the lines below are as they would appear in a batch file] | | If %0 = "bak" | | %1 = "mine" | | %2 = "yours" | | %3...%9 are empty | | then a SHIFT (command) results in the following: | | %0 = "bak" | | %1 = "yours" | | %2...%9 are empty ["mine" has been "shifted" out] | | If you are still confused review the PARAM.HLP file. | | | |NOTES:DOS allows 10 parameters (%0-%9) to be used by a batch file. | | SHIFT allows you to move more parameters into a queue, discarding | | the first parameter. When you are listing parameters at the prompt, | | additional parameters (more than 10) should be on the same command | | line in order to be shifted into the queue.The single cmd.is SHIFT. | | When that subcommand is encountered, all parameter/marker pairings | | are shifted one to the left. Whatever was assigned to %0 is lost, | | the contents of %1 are moved to %0, %2 moves to %1... %9 moves to | | %8 and a new parameter from the command line is moved into %9. | | While this brings in a new parameter, all have shifted and you must | | anticipate the effect on your batch file "program". | | The effect of SHIFT: | | %0 %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9 | | | Remember, this command seems very simple, but its effects | | | are far ranging and the logical consequence of mis-matching | | | parameters and markers can be disastrous! | | | | | Lost | | | | MORE ABOUT THE SHIFT SUBCOMMAND: | | The SHIFT subcommand is made to be used with replaceable parameters.| | In the PARAM.HLP file there is an example for you to create called | | SEEFILE.BAT which shows you how to display three files you call up. | | What if you wanted to display four files? You would have to rewrite | | the batch file to include another TYPE command, or you could use | | the SHIFT command for more than 10 parameters in a file. The | | following batch file uses the GOTO and SHIFT command to ECHO any | | number of parameters typed on the command line. | | (you should create this file) | | COPY CON:REVEAL.BAT | | ECHO OFF | | CLS | | :LOOP | | CLS | | TYPE %1 | MORE | | SHIFT | | GOTO LOOP | | <F6> or <Ctrl Z> <Return> | | To execute type: REVEAL <FILENAME.EXT> <FILENAME.EXT>,ETC.,ETC. | | | | CAUTION:When this file runs out of parameters you will get a message| | "invalid number of parameters". It will then KEEP REPEATING until | | YOU STOP IT with a Ctrl C or Ctrl-Break! The file can only "read" | | the number of parameters you put on the prompt or command line. | | NOTE: the MORE command is to assure that if a text file (that is | | the only kind you can display with TYPE) is more than 24 lines, a | | pause will be inserted. Wildcards cannot be used with the command. | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:SORT (with options) | |use:SORT puts lines from a specified file into a particular order. | |how:Type: "SORT < file.ext" = Sorted file will be displayed on scrn. | | "SORT /R <file.ext"=REVERSE sorted file to screen. | | "SORT+n < file.ext"=Sort by character in col.n(number).* | | "SORT < file.ext > sortedfile.ext=Sorts file.ext,then puts | | data in sortedfile.ext. | | "SORT < file.ext >> sortedfile.ext=Sorts file.ext, then | | APPENDS sorted data to EXISTING sortedfile.ext. | | "SORT < CON > file.ext=Sorts as you type data on keyboard, | | then places sorted data into file.ext. | | "SORT /R+n < file.ext"=Sort in reverse by col.n.* | | ANY OF THE ABOVE COMMANDS CAN BE INSERTED IN A BATCH FILE | | | | N-O-T-E:Since SORT is a filter it gets its data via redirection < .| | *column n=1-80 [look at the ASCII text, count from the left].Sort | | is by ASCII preference [#$%&'()*+0 1-9 :;<=>?@ A-Z [\]^ a-z{|},etc]| | Tips:DIR|SORT > PRN [prints DIR] & DIR|SORT > DIRECT.LST [stores | | in a file of your choice]. | |---------------T I M E M A S T E R------------------| # # # # # # |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command: CTRL C (MS-DOS) or CTRL-BREAK or SCR LOCK (PC-DOS) | | | |use: To stop a batch file from being processed. | | | |how:Type:CTRL C as batch file is running and it will stop for your | | Yes or No confirmation as to discontinuance. | | | |NOTES:When you stop a batch file,the message is:Abort batch job?(Y/N)| | If you press N for No the task the batch file is performing goes on.| | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------| # |---------------B A T C H L R N H E L P S Y S T E M-----------------| |command:%<name>% (within a batch processing file) | | | |use:A way of passing specific data to a batch processing file. | | | |how:Type: %<name>% to set the variable. | | | |NOTES:Variables provide another way of passing specific data to a | | batch processing file. Please make THIS distinction, there IS an | | important difference between variables and parameters. PARAMETERS | | are constantly changing.A variable,once declared,RETAINS its value | | until either you reset it or turn the PC off. Using the variable | | you can not only pass values to the system but to other .BAT files. | | A variable is a text string(a name)enclosed by % signs (%variable%) | | Values are given to variables with the DOS SET command. For example,| | if a batch file contains the statement: LINK %FILE% you can "set" | | %FILE% to ANOTHER name (which DOS will then recognize, having dis- | | carded FILE and replacing it with the new name). In the example,and | | to replace %FILE% you would type: SET FILE = DOFILE (DOFILE now is | | the variable). | | | |----------------- T I M E M A S T E R ---------------------|