The limits to the uses of batch files are found only in your imagination.

One batch file can call another, but the original file will loose control of the computer, so don't expect the first batch file to do anything of use after a second is called. DOS 3.3 introduced the CALL command to get around this limitation.

Some of the commands will even work directly at the DOS prompt. A batch file might not be necessary. The FOR..IN..DO command, for example, can be used outside of a batch file if you use only one percentage sign (%) to designate the variable instead of two.

If a batch file contains a syntax error in any of its commands, the file will stop execution at that point and you will be returned to the DOS prompt.

Finally, DOS "remembers" the disk that contains the batch file and the drive it was in. If you removed the original disk, DOS will ask you to replace it before going on.

A summary:

• CALL Filename
  Calls a second batch file from within a parent.
• ECHO ON -or- ECHO OFF -or- ECHO <Message>
  Turns command display on or off, or displays a message to the screen.
• FOR %%Variable IN (Set) DO Command
  Allows use of a single batch command for several different variables.
• GOTO Label
  Jumps to locations within a batch file.
• IF Condition Command
  Permits conditional execution of commands, and
  where Condition is
• ERRORLEVEL #
• String1 == String2
• EXIST Filename
• PAUSE Message
  Halts execution until the user presses a key.
• REM Message
  Displays a message to the screen if ECHO is on.
• SHIFT
  Shifts command line parameters to the left by one.
• @
  Turns display off for a single command

 Programming Introduction