Batch files use the same language as the command prompt. All you’re doing is telling the command prompt what you want to input using a file, rather than typing it out in the command prompt. This saves you time and effort. It also allows you to put in some logic, like simple loops, conditional statements, etc. that procedural programming is capable of conceptually.

@echo

This parameter will allow you to view your working script in the command prompt. This parameter is useful for viewing your working code. If any issues arise from the batch file, you will be able to view the issues associated with your script using the echo function. Adding a following off to this parameter will allow you to quickly close your script after it has finished.

• title: Providing much of the same function as a <title> tag in HTML, this will provide a title for your batch script in your Command Prompt window.
• cls: Clears your command prompt, best used when extraneous code can make what you’re accessing had to find.
• rem: Shorthand for remark provides the same functionality as <!– tag in HTML. Rem statements are not entered into your code. Instead, they are used to explain and give information regarding the code.
• %%a: Each file in the folder.
• (“.\”): The root folder. When using the command prompt, one must direct the prompt to a particular directory before changing a files name, deleting a file, and so on. With batch files, you only need to paste your BAT file into the directory of your choosing.
• pause: Allows a break in the logical chain of your BAT file. This allows for users to read over command lines before proceeding with the code. The phrase “Press any key to continue…” will denote a pause.
• ipconfig
• This is a classic command prompt parameter that releases information concerning network information. This information includes MAC addresses, IP addresses, and sub-net masks.
• ping: Pings an IP address, sending data packets through server routes to gauge their location and latency (response time).