Writing a batch file

A batch file is a small script that can be used to perform several commands, or simplify a complex command which requires many parameters. One executes the batch file like one executes a normal exe-file.
To write a batch file, one has to use a simple text-editor and when saving the script then give it the proper file extension ".BAT". When writing the batch file one can make use of different builtin commands:

Keyword	Functionality
ECHO	Displays a text string
REM	Used to comment out a command or make a remark
SET	Saves a value in an environment variables
GOTO	Jumps to a :LABEL, which can be used to make loops or function calling
IF	Allows conditional behavior
CALL	Used for calling other batch files
FOR	Performs a command on a collection of items
ERRORLEVEL	Contains the returncode of an excuted program
%1-%9	When calling a batch one can provide parameters, which the batch file can access as environment variables
PAUSE	Stops the execution of the batch file until the user presses a key on the keyboard

Examples of possible ways to use batch files:

• Enhanced dir command
• Enhanced mem command
• Easy compressing and extracting using batch files
• Find file utility

Tricks one can use to enhance a batch file:

• Detect if a batch file is executed within Windows
• Get user input with CHOICE
• Create your own sleep / wait program
• Create or modify text files with TYPE
• Detecting whether a file or folder exists