Windows Batch Script

What is BAT?

BAT (.bat) files contain plain text commands executed sequentially by the Windows command interpreter (cmd.exe). Each line is a command - copy files, start programs, set variables, or control flow with IF and GOTO statements. Batch files can automate installations, backups, system maintenance, and complex workflows.

While PowerShell (.ps1) has superseded batch scripts for advanced tasks, BAT files remain popular for simple automation due to universal availability on Windows without requiring PowerShell execution policy changes.

History

Batch files originated with DOS in 1981 as a way to automate command sequences. They remain compatible with modern Windows while PowerShell offers more powerful alternatives.

Key Milestones

• 1981: DOS 1.0 introduces batch files
• 1987: DOS 3.3 adds advanced features
• 1995: Windows 95 continues batch support
• 2006: PowerShell launched as successor
• Present: Still widely used for simple tasks

Key Features

Core Capabilities

• Command Execution: Run any cmd.exe command
• Variables: %VAR% and environment variables
• Control Flow: IF, GOTO, FOR loops
• File Operations: Copy, move, delete files
• Program Launching: Start applications
• Comments: REM for documentation

Common Use Cases

Advantages

• Universal Windows availability
• Simple syntax
• No compilation required
• Easy to create and edit
• Backward compatible with DOS
• No additional dependencies

Disadvantages

• Limited programming features
• Poor error handling
• Security risks (code injection)
• Windows-only
• Superseded by PowerShell

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Common Tools

• Editors: Notepad, VS Code, Notepad++
• Execution: cmd.exe, double-click
• Debugging: ECHO commands, PAUSE