What is a batch file?
A batch file contains commands that you would otherwise issue interactively (i.e., from pull-down menues or the command line). For example, using the pull-down menues in the Mac version of PAUP* you could: 1) open the data file combine2.dat from the file menu and execute it 2) exclude the charactersets cytb and junk2 from the data menu 3) start a heuristic search from the analysis menu You could obtain the same result by executing a simple text file containing the following paup blocks.
A batch file is a file used by either a Windows operating system, DOS, or OS/2. They are text files, which contain a string of commands to be interpreted in order by a command interpreter. This means that a single batch file can run a complex arrangement of commands, often running multiple programs, to achieve a single cohesive end. System administrators often use batch files to automate long projects, and some programs that haven’t been fully collected into one program may use a batch file to run necessary components and then launch the final program. Generally speaking, a batch file ends with the .bat extension, although they may also use the .cmd file. In 4DOS and other similar shells they may also use the .btm extension, though this isn’t recognized by other operating systems. The .bat extension is the most commonly-used extension for a batch file, and will be recognized by virtually all shells. More modern shells may accept the .cmd extension on a batch file as well, and usually t
First let me tell you what a batch file actually is? A batch file is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a computer operating system. Batch file is usually created for command sequences for which a user has a repeated need. Batch files are lists of command line instructions that are batched together in one file. Batch files do not contain “compiled” code like C++ so they can be opened, copied and edited. Batch files are the backbone of the Windows operating system, delete them and you’ve effectively disabled the OS.
These are simple text files containing some lines with commands that get executed in sequence, one after the other. These files have the special extension BAT or CMD. Files of this type are recognized and executed through an interface (sometimes called a shell) provided by a system file called the command interpreter. In Windows XP/ Vista the command interpreter is the file cmd.exe. The large assortment of versatile commands available in Windows XP/Vista makes batch files a powerful tool. Constructing a batch file consists of nothing more than opening any text editor like the accessory Notepad, entering some lines containing commands, and saving the file with an extension BAT or CMD. (The CMD extension is limited to newer Windows systems and is not recognized in Windows 9x/Me systems. In Windows XP and Vista, there is little practical difference between the two extensions.) Don’t use Wordpad or Word unless you are very careful to save all files in pure text format. The commands themsel
