Arguments in a batch file

Command Extensions X. Command extensions enable extra features in NT shells. By default command extensions are enabled. Please read the Best Practices section on command line input validation. If you are working on a batch file script first time and you require to pass some value to a batch file at run time rather than hardcoding them into the file, then you will think it would not be easy.

But believe me, it is easy very easy to pass parameter in batch file script. In this article, I will explain how to pass parameters in the batch file script by command line arguments. One is for parameters which can be passed when the batch file is called and the other is done via the set command. Batch scripts support the concept of command line arguments wherein arguments can be passed to the batch file when invoked. Following is a screenshot of how this would look in the command prompt when the batch file is executed.

Following is the syntax of the set command. In the above code snippet, a variable called message is defined and set with the value of "Hello World". This can be very useful for certain variables in a script, such as a name and age. So, if I have a script like this:. Inspired by an answer elsewhere by Jon, I have crafted a more general algorithm for extracting named parameters, optional values, and switches.

Let us say that we want to implement a utility foobar. It requires an initial command. It has an optional parameter --foo which takes an optional value which cannot be another parameter, of course ; if the value is missing it defaults to default. It also has an optional parameter --bar which takes a required value.

Lastly it can take a flag --baz with no value allowed. Oh, and these parameters can come in any order. Then place the batch file in, let's say, the system32 folder, go to your Java class file, right click, Properties, Open with Its not just simple to write but its simple to maintain as well so if later some other person or you read your script after long period of time, it will be easy to understand and maintain.

You can also set some environment variables in advance. It can be done by setting them in the console or setting them from my computer :. Of course you can combine all approaches. Check also arguments syntax , shift.

The number of args that can be supplied is limited to total characters on command line. To overcome this limitation, the previous paragraph trick is a workaround without risking exposure of user passwords. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Collectives on Stack Overflow. Learn more. How can I pass arguments to a batch file?

Ask Question. Asked 13 years, 4 months ago. Active 2 months ago. Viewed 2. Here's what the command line looks like: test.

Improve this question. Keng Keng For "all the rest" see Greg Hegill's comment at how to get batch file parameters from Nth position on? I'm using bash most of the time though linux, mac and windows , and need to use it for proxy configs in scripts, etc for work.

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