what is a batch file and what can you do with it?

Answer 1

Batch files are files that allow MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows users to create a lists of commands and/or programs to run once the batch file has been executed. For example, a batch file could be used to run frequently run commands, deleting a series of files, moving files, etc. A simple batch file does not require any special programming skills and can be done by users who only know DOS commands.

A good example of a batch file for someone who is more familiar with Windows or the MacOS is to think of a batch file as a shortcut in Windows or an icon on the MacOS. Much like a shortcut, batch files could be used to run one or more commands and/or programs through the command line.

Another example of a very well known batch file is the autoexec.bat, which is a simple boot file loaded each time the computer is loaded on MS-DOS and early Windows computers. This batch file contained all the necessary commands and programs used to run MS-DOS and Windows each time the computer booted.

Answer 2

A batch file executes commands using the windows command shell. Batch files can create simple, console-application style interfaces. If you don't know what the hell I'm talking about, just see the link below.

Answer 3

Think of it as a simple script file. It usually contains commands that launch programs, the same commands you might type at Start..Run. Unlike Run, it can have multiple commands and can include limited programming, like conditional statements or variables.

For those of us who learned to use computers when DOS prompts were the main interface, it's much easier to run multiple DOS-style commands from a batch file than to learn a scripting language. If you don't know DOS, it's probably not worth learning. Teach yourself vbscript or something.

Answer 4

A batch fiile is the one which contains a set to commands for the operating system to execute, set path etc. something similar to scripts in windows.. foor ex: the autoexec.batch in windows, runs at startup and all commands in it are executed and paths set to prep up your system.

Answer 5

Almost anything, if it's done right.