batch file

(operating system)

(Or script) A text file containing operating system commands which are executed automatically by the command-line interpreter. In Unix, this is called a "shell script" since it is the Unix shell which includes the command-line interpreter. Batch files can be used as a simple way to combine existing commands into new commands.

autoexec.bat is the best known example of an MS-DOS batch file.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

batch file

(1) A file containing data that is processed or transmitted from beginning to end.

(2) A file of operating system commands that are carried out one after the other. The operating system interprets the commands and turns them into machine language executed by the CPU.

Batch files are widely used to perform a series of routine file management operations such as making backups and launching applications. In the preparation of each monthly version of this encyclopedia, several Windows batch files are used to combine and aggregate files, launch conversion programs and copy the newly created versions into more than two dozen folders for deployment. See operating system.

.BAT, .CMD or .SH File Extensions
Windows batch files use a .BAT or .CMD file extension, the latter officially called a Windows "command script." In the Mac and Unix/Linux worlds, batch files are "shell scripts" and use a .SH extension. See batch file abc's, cmd abc's, PowerShell, command line and shell script.

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References in periodicals archive

Add your batch file to the Start Menu through Start\Settings\TaskBar and StartMenu\Start Menu\Customize\Add, and give it an icon that reminds you where the files go.

One-button backups: creating a batch file is as easy as ..

MOCAS and SAMMS also offer contractors with multiple contracts the opportunity to submit batch files. Vendors send batch invoices electronically, rather than mailing large batches of paperwork.

Pentagon Adopts Web Tools To Speed Up Contract Process

The capability for vendors to submit public voucher batch files was implemented in January 1999.

Build It and They Will Come

Moving up a notch in sophistication, this same batch file could easily be exported to an Excel or other Windows spreadsheet for data analysis or just a better-looking presentation.

SPI & Euromap agree on link between machines & host computers

The program installs easily from an included batch file. The only "hitch" observed is that the authors provided no provision for aborting the installation process.

MedTeach 1.1

A simple but effective way to be sure all disks are formatted unconditionally, would be to make a small batch file. This file would be called "format.bat" and have only one line it.

DOS: disaster or security?

The batch file process described here makes use of a small program that utilizes the PC's BIOS (basic input-output system) interrupts and DOS interrupts.

Simplified use of batch files

If I used Windows regularly, I would consider using a batch file to back up the Windows files before each session.

Windows, DOS and the Mac

Dulay has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 40-2018 to announce the suspension of the Update of Exemption of Employees (UEE) Batch File Validation.

BIR says no more updating of additional tax exemption