Command: batch files

  BATCH FILES contain a sequence of DOS commands. By running the BATCH
  FILE, this sequence is run. This can be used to save time, so that a
  set of commands does not have to be typed out in full at the DOS prompt
  each time.
  BATCH FILES are text files, but with the .bat file extension. They can
  be created or edited with a text editor such as EDIT or EDLIN.
  To run a BATCH FILE, simply type its name at the DOS prompt, with or
  without the .bat extension.
  A very important BATCH FILE, AUTOEXEC.BAT / FDAUTO.BAT is run
  automatically when FreeDOS starts. You can load necessary drivers while
  booting the system with this file. Of course it also can be edited
  according to your requirements.

Syntax:

  - none -

Options:

  - none -

Comments:

  Some commands are especially designed for use in programming
  batch files.
  alias         Creates, displays or removes an alias for use on the
                command line.
  beep          Makes a beeping sound.
  call          Runs another batch file,
  choice        Prompts the user to make a choice.
  cls           Clears the screen.
  echo          Print a message, turn batch file display on/off.
  for           For loop (repeat commands).
  goto          Continue running from somewhere else in the batch file.
  if            If condition (choose between two sets of commands).
  lh            Loads a program into the upper memory area.
  loadhigh      Loads a program into the upper memory area.
  path          Displays or sets a search path for executable files.
  pause         Waits for user to press a key.
  prompt        Changes the way command prompt appears.
  rem           Expanatory remarks for the programmer.
  set           Displays, sets, or removes environment variables.
  shift         Shifts the numbering of batch file parameters.

  You can use the commands alias, beep, choice, cls, echo, lh, loadhigh,
  path, prompt and set outside of a batch file too.
  BATCH commands are a command internal to command.com
  and need no other file in order to work.

Examples:

  IN A .BAT FILE / AUTOEXEC.BAT:
    Example for creating a batch file:
      type: edit foo.bat
    then edit should open and you can type the following example in it:
      C:\FREEDOS\BIN\chkdsk c:
      C:\FREEDOS\BIN\defrag c:
      C:\FREEDOS\BIN\dosfsck c:
    then goto "file" - "save" and close edit.
    When you type foo.bat the commands will be executed.

See also:

  autoexec.bat/fdauto.bat
  edit
  edlin
  shift

  Copyright © 2004 Robert Platt, updated 2011 and 2022 by W. Spiegl.

  This file is derived from the FreeDOS Spec Command HOWTO.
  See the file H2Cpying for copying conditions.