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The Book of Batch Scripting

The Book of Batch Scripting

From Fundamentals to Advanced Automation

About the Book

This fast-paced, hands-on, quirky introduction to Windows’ Batch scripting language is ideal for coders of all skill levels.

In this era of advanced programming languages, the simplicity, universality, and efficiency of Batch scripting holds undeniable value.

Whether you’re maintaining legacy systems or seeking to understand the foundations of command line automation, The Book of Batch Scripting shows you how to become proficient with this tool included in every version of Windows.

As you work through the book, you will:
  • Write a simple .bat file that performs a daily task with just a couple of mouse clicks
  • Delve into variables and data types, and learn how a variable can possess two values at once—and why you should care
  • Learn how to manage and collect data on files and directories either locally or on a network
  • Harness the power of the for command to build complex loops with just a few lines of code
  • Explore advanced topics like recursion, performing text searches, and even learn how to write a .bat file that writes a .bat file
  • Extend Batch to use features like booleans, floats, operators, arrays, hash tables, stacks, queues, and even object-oriented design

Written for beginners and experts alike, The Book of Batch Scripting will have you streamlining your workflow and writing effective code in no time. This simple but powerful tool is about to make your life a little bit easier and more fun.

Requires: Microsoft Windows
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Praise for The Book of Batch Scripting

"If you have to work with Windows, you have to read this book."
—Niel Infante, Senior Engineer, Ginkgo Bioworks

"Having worked professionally in IT since prior to the internet having pictures, I thought I knew bat files. Within the first 30 minutes, I learned things that Batch could do that I never had a clue about. It was a dazzling, factual read mixed with full syntax detail and humor along the way. Highly recommended for anyone as a fun trip down memory lane or an excellent reference in those times of need!"
—Dave Mullen, Senior IT Manager, Windows Administrator, and Cybersecurity Engineer

"Playfully written and technically robust, Jack’s book is fantastic. It is a painless introduction to bat files for beginners and an invaluable reference for experts. Careful scaffolding in the early chapters eases learner anxiety and cognitive overload while providing an immediate payout of practical applications and a robust basis to move forward. Later chapters provide structure for advanced topics, templates to build on, and a thorough examination of bat files, providing amazing functionality and flexibility I did not know was possible."
—Dr. Nicole Engelke, Professor and Director of Quantitative Reasoning, University of Nebraska at Omaha
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About the Author

Jack McLarney
More by Jack McLarney
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