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