| Anatomy of a Batch File. A batch file contains a | | | | of program into upper memory/expandable memory |
| sequence of commands for a computer OS. Batch | | | | thus freeing up conventional memory for utilities to run. |
| files are called so due to their ability to batch or bundle | | | | Practice ground for juvenile virus writers. Batch files |
| commands together in a single file which otherwise | | | | have become a script kiddie favorite due to their |
| would have to be executed individually. Batch files are | | | | simple syntax and low amount of programming |
| typically created for command sequences for which | | | | knowledge required. Laughed upon by the advanced |
| the user may have repeated needs. Common uses of | | | | virus writers for their simplicity, batch file virus can |
| batch files are for deleting a series of files, running | | | | cause massive damage very rapidly. Fortunately batch |
| utilities and moving files. Once a batch file is executed | | | | file viruses don't spread unless copied into another |
| it's read by a shell program which executes it line by | | | | computer. |
| line. A batch file is something similar to a shell script in | | | | Batch File Comparing. File Comparing is the automated |
| UNIX like OS's .Batch files are intelligent enough to | | | | comparing of files or folders which are there in a file |
| make decisions and performs operations only if a | | | | system. The commonly used file comparing programs |
| certain conditions exist or don't exist. Certain batch files | | | | are diff and cmf. Dff files displays the changes made |
| are known to execute commands that are not | | | | per line and nowadays they have developed to include |
| available under DOS. | | | | binary files. File comparison tools works by finding the |
| The commonly used batch file is AUTOEXE.bat which | | | | Longest Common Sub Sequence (LCS).What LCS |
| is a simple boot file which loads every time MS DOS | | | | essentially does is it tries to find a new sequence from |
| starts and contains a list of commands used to run | | | | two sets of items such a way that the new sequence |
| programs on MS DOS. The most apt comparison | | | | can be obtained by deleting certain items from the two |
| would be with a desktop shortcut in windows which | | | | older sets. |
| runs programs. Though out dated, batch files are still | | | | Certain other programs use the Longest Increasing sub |
| used by system administrators to automate routine | | | | sequence to differentiate between two files. File |
| processes. Even though batch files support basic | | | | comparing softwares like Active file compare, Win |
| program flow commands such as IF and GOTO they | | | | Merge and Meld allows comparing, merging and |
| are un-suited for general purpose programming. With a | | | | synchronizing files. Active File compare has a built in |
| single command batch files can launch a program in | | | | File manager whereby you can compare two folders, |
| the desired configuration as well as start an | | | | copy files or load files for further work. WinMerge has |
| associated program such as a word processor to | | | | a flexible editor with syntax highlighting, line numbers |
| start once the main program is running. Sophisticated | | | | and word wrap. |
| batch files exists which are capable of loading a part | | | | |