Скачать или смотреть Mastering Powershell: Run a BAT from Another BAT and Supply Variables

Discover how to streamline your batch file processes by running a BAT from another BAT while supplying variables seamlessly.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/75011262/ asked by the user 'tnpir4002' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/15525704/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/75011989/ provided by the user 'mklement0' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/45375/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Powershell: Run a BAT from another BAT and Supply Variables

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Mastering Powershell: Run a BAT from Another BAT and Supply Variables

In programming and scripting, efficiency and simplicity are paramount. If you're working with Windows batch files and find yourself overwhelmed by a massive script, you might wonder if there’s a way to break it down. The good news is that you can sustainably manage your batch files by using a parent-child structure where a single parent batch file can invoke other child batch files while supplying necessary variables. This approach not only keeps your code organized but also enhances maintainability and scalability.

The Challenge at Hand

You may have a large batch file currently handling multiple repetitive tasks, such as scanning and deleting debris files across various locations. An ideal solution is to refactor that existing BAT file into a smaller series of child BAT files, which a single parent BAT file can call on. This method allows you to specify unique variables for each invocation without copying and pasting code.

Example Scenario

You need a structure where running different parts of your batch file looks something like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This approach keeps your scripts neat and minimizes the amount of repeated code.

The Solution: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's dive into how to implement this practical solution.

Step 1: Organize Your Folder Structure

Create a dedicated folder for all your batch files. This ensures that their paths remain predictable.

Place all your .bat or .cmd files in the same directory.

Step 2: Utilize the call Command

Use the call command when invoking child batch files. Unlike a simple call, call ensures that control returns to the parent batch file after the child has executed, allowing successive commands to run smoothly.

Step 3: Handle File Paths with %~dp0

This special variable provides the directory path of the currently executing batch file.

Use %~dp0 to call your child batch files, ensuring they're called correctly regardless of your current working directory.

For instance, to invoke a child file located in the same directory, you would write:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If you decide to organize your child batch files into a subfolder (e.g., util), update your path accordingly:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 4: Passing Variables

To supply variables from the parent to child batch scripts, do the following:

Set your variables within the parent batch file.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The child batch file will have access to this variable. If necessary, localize changes made to these variables in each child script using setlocal.

Step 5: Argument Passing for Flexibility

For better clarity and to avoid variable clashes, consider using arguments in your child batch files.

This can be done easily. For instance:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Then in your child batch file, you would access the passed values with %1, %2, etc.

Sample Implementation

Here’s a simple implementation of your main batch file structure:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By structuring your batch files into a hierarchical framework, you can efficiently handle complex processes and maintain better control over your scripts. This method allows you to make changes in one place, fostering a more organized workspace.

With these strategies, you can transform an overwhelming process into a manageable and efficient utilization of batch files. Happy scripting!