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WinBatch User's Manual
For IBM PC/XT, PC/AT, PS/2 and compatibles
Wilson WindowWare
2701 California Ave SW ste 212
Seattle, WA 98116
Orders: (800) 762-8383
Support: (206) 937-9335
Fax: (206) 935-7129
Copyright 1988-1991 by Morrie Wilson.
All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying
and recording, for any purpose without the express written
permission of Wilson WindowWare, Inc. Information in this document
is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment by Wilson WindowWare, Inc.
The software described herein is furnished under a license
agreement. It is against the law to copy this software under any
circumstances except as provided by the license agreement.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 252.227-7013.
Contractor/manufacturer is Wilson WindowWare, Inc./2701 California Ave
SW /ste 212/Seattle, WA 98116
Trademarks
IBM, PC/XT, PC/AT, and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Windows, Word for Windows, and Excel are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Scramble is a trademark of Diana Gruber.
Command Post, WinBatch, and WinEdit are trademarks of Wilson
WindowWare, Inc.
ii
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS iii
INTRODUCTION viii
System Requirements viii
About This Manual viii
Notational Conventions ix
Acknowledgements ix
GETTING STARTED 1
TUTORIAL 2
WinBatch Basics 2
What is a Batch File? 2
Our First WinBatch File 2
Functions and Parameters 3
Displaying Text 5
Getting Input 6
Using Variables 7
Making Decisions 8
Branching 10
Exploring WinBatch 12
Running Programs 12
Display and Input 13
Manipulating Windows 15
Files and Directories 19
Handling Errors 21
Selection Menus 23
Nicer Display Boxes 26
Even Nicer Display Boxes 28
Running DOS Programs 28
Sending Keystrokes to Programs 29
Our Completed WinBatch File 30
DIALOG BOXES 31
WinMacro 39
Starting WinMacro 39
Macro Definition Files 39
Hotkeys 40
Recording Keystrokes 41
WinMacro Example 42
WBM files 42
Unrecordable Areas 43
WINBATCH LANGUAGE 44
iii
CONTENTS
Language Components 44
Constants 44
Identifiers 45
Variables 45
Keywords 46
Operators 46
Precedence and evaluation order 47
Comments 47
Statements 48
Substitution 48
Function Parameters 49
Command-Line Parameters 49
Error Handling 50
The Functions & Statements 51
Inputting Information 51
Displaying Information 51
File Management 52
Directory Management 53
Disk Drive Management 54
Window Management 54
Program Management 56
String Handling 56
Arithmetic Functions 58
Clipboard Handling 58
System Control 58
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE 62
Introduction 62
Abs 63
AskLine 63
AskYesNo 64
Average 65
Beep 65
Call 66
CallExt 67
Char2Num 68
ClipAppend 69
ClipGet 70
ClipPut 70
DateTime 71
Debug 72
Delay 73
DialogBox 74
DirChange 75
DirGet 76
DirHome 77
DirItemize 77
DirMake 78
iv
CONTENTS
DirRemove 79
DirRename 79
DiskFree 80
Display 81
DOSVersion 81
Drop 82
EndSession 83
Environment 83
ErrorMode 84
Execute 85
Exit 86
Exclusive 86
FileAppend 87
FileClose 88
FileCopy 89
FileDelete 90
FileExist 90
FileExtension 91
FileItemize 92
FileLocate 93
FileMove 94
FileOpen 95
FilePath 96
FileRead 96
FileRename 97
FileRoot 98
FileSize 99
FileWrite 99
Goto 100
If...Then 101
IgnoreInput 101
IniRead 102
IniReadPvt 103
IniWrite 104
IniWritePvt 104
IsDefined 105
IsKeyDown 106
IsLicensed 106
IsNumber 107
ItemCount 108
ItemExtract 108
ItemSelect 109
LastError 110
LogDisk 111
Max 112
Message 112
Min 113
Num2Char 114
v
CONTENTS
ParseData 114
Pause 115
Random 116
Return 117
Run 117
RunHide 118
RunIcon 119
RunZoom 120
SendKey 121
SKDebug 123
StrCat 124
StrCmp 125
StrFill 126
StrFix 127
StriCmp 127
StrIndex 128
StrLen 129
StrLower 130
StrReplace 130
StrScan 131
StrSub 132
StrTrim 133
StrUpper 134
TextBox 134
Version 135
WallPaper 136
WinActivate 136
WinArrange 137
WinClose 138
WinCloseNot 139
WinConfig 139
WinExist 140
WinGetActive 141
WinHide 142
WinIconize 142
WinItemize 143
WinPlace 144
WinPosition 145
WinShow 146
WinTitle 147
WinVersion 148
WinWaitClose 149
WinZoom 150
Yield 150
APPENDIX A Predefined Constants 152
APPENDIX B Errors 153
vi
CONTENTS
Minor Errors 153
Moderate Errors 154
Fatal Errors 155
Index 157
vii
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
WinBatch brings the power of batch language programming to the Windows
environment. Although WinBatch can do everything that the familiar
DOS batch language can do, the capabilities of WinBatch begin where
the DOS batch language leaves off.
With more than a hundred functions and commands, WinBatch can:
* Run Windows and DOS programs.
* Send keystrokes directly to applications.
* Rearrange, resize, hide, and close windows.
* Run programs either concurrently or sequentially.
* Display information to the user in various formats.
* Prompt the user for any needed input.
* Present scrollable file and directory lists.
* Copy, move, delete, and rename files.
* Read and write files directly.
* Copy text to and from the Clipboard.
* Perform string and arithmetic operations.
* Make branching decisions based upon numerous factors.
And much, much more.
Whether you are creating batch files for others, or looking for a way
to automate your own work and eliminate the drudgery of repetitive
tasks, you will find WinBatch to be a powerful, versatile, and easy-
to-use tool.
System Requirements
WinBatch requires an IBM PC or compatible with a minimum of 640K
memory running Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or higher.
About This Manual
This manual is divided into six sections: First is Getting Started
(pg. 1), where we tell you how to install the program. Then we offer
an extensive Tutorial (pg. 2), to get both beginning and advanced
users quickly up to speed with creating WinBatch files, followed by
separate sections on Dialog Boxes (pg. 31) and WinMacro (pg. 39).
Then we describe the different elements of the WinBatch Language (WBL)
viii
INTRODUCTION
(pg. 44). Finally, there is a comprehensive WBL Function Reference
(pg. 62), which contains detailed information on each of the WinBatch
functions and commands.
Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, we use the following conventions to
distinguish elements of text:
ALL-CAPS
Used for filenames.
Boldface
Used for important points, programs, function names, and parts of
syntax that must appear as shown.
system
Used for menu items as they appear to the user.
Small fixed-width
Used for batch file sample code.
Italics
Used for emphasis, and to liven up the dull software documentation
just a little.
Acknowledgements
WinBatch designed and written by Morrie Wilson.
User's Manual designed by Richard Merit, written by Richard Merit and
Morrie Wilson.
Our thanks to the many beta-testers for their invaluable comments and
suggestions.
ix
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
WinBatch is quite easy to install. You will find an appropriate
diskette in your WinBatch package. Take the diskette and insert it
into your floppy drive. The WinBatch installation program is itself a
Windows application, so make sure Windows is running.
From the Program Manager, doubleclick on the File Manager icon to run
it. When File Manager starts, click on the A: or B: drive icon,
depending on which floppy drive you used. A directory tree will
appear for the WinBatch diskette. You should see a root directory
icon. Doubleclick on this icon and a list of filenames will appear.
Find the filename SETUP.EXE and doubleclick on it. Follow whatever
instructions Setup gives you.
Setup will create the necessary files and place them into a directory
it will prompt you for.
1
TUTORIAL
TUTORIAL
WinBatch Basics
What is a Batch File?
A batch file, whether a DOS batch file or a WinBatch file, is simply a
list of commands for the computer to process. Any task which will be
run more than once, or which requires entering many commands or even a
single complex command, is a candidate for a batch file. For example,
suppose you regularly enter the following commands to start Windows:
First:
cd\windows
then:
win
and then:
cd\
Here, you are changing to the Windows directory, running Windows, and
then returning to the root directory. Instead of having to type these
three commands every time you run Windows, you can create a DOS batch
file, called WI.BAT, which contains those exact same commands:
cd\windows
win
cd\
Now, to start Windows, you merely need to type the single command WI,
which runs the WI.BAT batch file, which executes your three commands.
WinBatch files work basically the same way.
Our First WinBatch File
Our first Winbatch file will simply run our favorite Windows
application: Solitaire. First, start up Notepad, or any other editor
2
TUTORIAL
which is capable of saving text in pure ASCII format (may we suggest
WinEdit, from Wilson WindowWare). Enter the following line of text:
Run("sol.exe", "")
Save the file with the name SOLITARE.WBT. Now, run SOLITARE.WBT by
starting or switching to the File Manager (or MS-DOS Executive), and
either moving the cursor to the file name and pressing Enter, or
double-clicking on the file name with your mouse. Presto! It's
Solitaire.
Okay, that wasn't really so impressive. But it did serve to
illustrate several important WinBatch points. They are:
1. WinBatch files must be edited and saved in ASCII format.
2. WinBatch files should be given a WBT extension. When WinBatch is
first installed, it creates an entry in your WIN.INI file which
causes files with a WBT extension to be associated with WinBatch.
As long as WINBATCH.EXE is located in your DOS path, you can place
WBT files in any directory and run them by simply selecting them,
as we did above.
3. After you have created a WBT file, you run it by moving your cursor
to it and pressing Enter, or double-clicking on it with your mouse
(you can also add a WBT file to a program group and run it using
the Program Manager; see your Windows manual for further
information). Whatever method you use, we'll use the term Run to
refer to selecting and running the file.
Functions and Parameters
Now, let's look more closely at the line we entered:
Run("sol.exe", "")
The first part, Run, is a WinBatch function. As you might have
guessed, its purpose is to run a Windows program. There are over a
hundred different functions and commands in WinBatch, and each has a
certain syntax which must be used. The correct syntax for all
WinBatch functions may be found in the WBL Function Reference
(pg. 62). The entry for Run starts off as follows:
Syntax:
Run (program-name, parameters)
3
TUTORIAL
Parameters:
"program-name" = the name of the desired .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .BAT
file, or a data file.
"parameters" = optional parameters as required by the
application.
Like all WinBatch functions, Run is followed by a number of
parameters, enclosed in parentheses. Parameters are simply additional
information which are provided when a particular function is used;
they may be either required or optional. Optional parameters are
indicated by being enclosed in square brackets. In this case, Run has
two required parameters: the name of the program to run, and the
parameters to be passed to the program.
WinBatch functions use several types of parameters. Multiple
parameters are separated by commas. In the example
Run("sol.exe", "")
"sol.exe" and "" are both string constants. String constants can be
identified by the quote marks which delimit (surround) them. You may
use either double ("), single forward (') or single back (`) quote
marks as string delimiters; the examples in this manual will use
double quotes.
You may have noticed how we said earlier that the two parameters for
the Run function are required, and yet the entry for Run in the WBL
Function Reference describes the second parameter -- "parameters" --
as being optional. Which is correct? Well, from a language
standpoint, the second parameter is required. That is, if you omit
it, you will get a syntax error, and your batch file will not run
properly. However, the program that you are running may not need any
parameters. Solitaire, for example, does not take any parameters.
The way we handle this in our batch file is to specify a null string
-- two quote marks with nothing in between -- as the second parameter,
as we have done in our example above.
To illustrate this further, let's create a WinBatch file called
EDIT.WBT, containing the following line:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
This is just like our previous file, with only the name of the program
having been changed. Save the file, and run it. You should now be in
Notepad. Now edit the EDIT.WBT file as follows:
4
TUTORIAL
Run("notepad.exe", "solitare.wbt")
Save the file, exit Notepad, and run EDIT.WBT again. You should now
be in Notepad, with SOLITARE.WBT loaded. As we've just demonstrated,
Notepad is an example of a program which can be run with or without a
file name parameter passed to it by WinBatch.
Before you leave Notepad, modify EDIT.WBT as follows:
; This is an example of the Run function in WinBatch
Run("notepad.exe", "solitare.wbt")
The semicolon at the beginning of the first line signifies a comment,
and causes that line to be ignored. You can place comment lines,
and/or blank lines anywhere in your WinBatch files. In addition, you
can place a comment on the same line as a function by preceding the
comment with a semicolon. For example:
Run("sol.exe", "") ; this is a very useful function
Everything to the right of a semicolon is ignored. However, if a
semicolon appears in a string delimited by quotes, it is treated as
part of the string.
Displaying Text
Now, let's modify our SOLITARE.WBT file as follows. You might as well
use the EDIT.WBT batch file you created earlier to start up Notepad:
; solitare.wbt
Display(5, "Good Luck!", "Remember ... it's only a game.")
Run("sol.exe", "")
And run it. Notice the message box which pops up on the screen with
words of encouragement.
That's done by the Display function in the second line above. Here's
the reference for Display:
Syntax:
Display (seconds, title, text)
Parameters:
seconds = integer seconds to display the message (1-15).
"title" = Title of the window to be displayed.
5
TUTORIAL
"text" = Text of the window to be displayed.
Note that the Display function has three parameters. The first
parameter -- in our example, 5 -- is the number of seconds which the
display box will remain on the screen (you can make the box disappear
before then by pressing any key or mouse button). This is a numeric
constant, and -- unlike string constants -- it does not need to be
enclosed in quotes (although it can be, if you wish, as WinBatch will
automatically try to convert string variables to numeric variables
when necessary, and vice versa). The second parameter is the title of
the message box, and the third parameter is the actual text displayed
in the box. Now, exit Solitaire (if you haven't already done so), and
edit SOLITARE.WBT by placing a semicolon at the beginning of the line
with the Run function. This is a handy way to disable, or "comment
out," lines in your WinBatch files when you want to modify and test
only certain segments. Your SOLITARE.WBT file should look like this:
; solitare.wbt
Display(5, "Good Luck!", "Remember ... it's only a game.")
; Run("sol.exe", "")
Now, experiment with modifying the parameters in the Display function.
Try adjusting the value of the first parameter. If you look up
Display in the WBL reference section, you will see that the acceptable
values for this parameter are 1-15. If you use a value outside this
range, WinBatch will adjust it to "make it fit"; that is, it will
treat numbers less than 1 as if they were 1, and numbers greater than
15 as 15. Experiment. Also, try using a non-integer value, such as
2.5, and see what happens. Play around with the text in the two
string parameters; try making one, or both, null strings ("").
Getting Input
Now, let's look at ways of getting input from a user and making
decisions based on that input. The most basic form of input is a
simple Yes/No response, and, indeed, there is a WinBatch function
called AskYesNo:
Syntax:
AskYesNo (title, question)
Parameters
"title" = title of the question box.
"question" = question to be put to the user.
6
TUTORIAL
Returns:
(integer) @YES or @NO, depending on the button pressed.
You should be familiar with the standard syntax format by now; it
shows us that AskYesNo has two required parameters. The Parameters
section tells us that these parameters both take strings (indicated by
the quote marks), and tells us what each of the parameters means.
You will notice that there is also a new section here, titled Returns.
This section shows you the possible values that may be returned by
this function. All functions return values. We weren't concerned
with the values returned by the Run and Display functions. But with
AskYesNo, the returned value is very important, because we will need
that information to decide how to proceed. We see that AskYesNo
returns an integer value. An integer is a whole (non-fractional)
number, such as 0, 1, or 2 (the number 1.5 is not an integer). We
also see that the integer value returned by AskYesNo is either @YES or
@NO. @YES and @NO are predefined constants in WinBatch. All
predefined constants begin with an @ symbol, and we will distinguish
them further by typing them in all caps. You will find a list of all
predefined constants in Appendix A (pg. 152). Even though the words
Yes and No are strings, it is important to remember that the
predefined constants @YES and @NO are not string variables (actually,
@YES is equal to 1, and @NO is equal to 0. Don't worry if this is
confusing; you don't need to remember it).
Now, let's modify our SOLITARE.WBT file as follows:
AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
Run("sol.exe", "")
and run it. You should have gotten a nice dialog box which asked if
you wanted to play Solitaire, but no matter what you answered, it
started Solitaire anyway. This is not very useful. We need a way to
use the Yes/No response to determine further processing. First, we
need to explore the concept and use of variables.
Using Variables
A variable is simply a placeholder for a value. The value that the
variable stands for can be either a text string (string variable) or a
number (numeric variable). You may remember from Algebra 101 that if
X=3, then X+X=6. X is simply a numeric variable, which stands here
for the number 3. If we change the value of X to 4 (X=4), then the
expression X+X is now equal to 8.
7
TUTORIAL
Okay. We know that the AskYesNo function returns a value of either
@YES or @NO. What we need to do is create a variable to store the
value that AskYesNo returns, so that we can use it later on in our
batch file. First, we need to give this variable a name. In
WinBatch, variable names must begin with a letter, may contain any
combination of letters or numbers, and may be from 1 to 30 characters
long. So, let's use a variable called response (we will distinguish
variable names in this text by typing them in all lowercase letters;
we will type function and command names starting with a capital
letter. However, in WinBatch, the case is not significant, so you can
use all lowercase, or all uppercase, or whatever combination you
prefer). We assign the value returned by AskYesNo to the variable
response, as follows:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
Notice the syntax. The way that WinBatch processes this line is to
first evaluate the result of the AskYesNo function. The function
returns a value of either @YES or @NO. Then, WinBatch assigns this
returned value to response. Therefore, response is now equal to
either @YES or @NO, depending on what the user enters.
Now, we need a way to make a decision based upon this variable.
Making Decisions
WinBatch provides a way to conditionally execute a statement, and that
is by using the If ... Then command. Actually, there are two separate
parts to this construct: If and Then. The format is:
If condition Then statement
(We refer to If ... Then as a command, rather than a function, because
functions are followed by parameters in parentheses, while commands
are not. Commands are used for system control.)
The use of If ... Then can easily be illustrated by going back to our
SOLITARE.WBT file, and making these modifications:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @YES Then Run("sol.exe", "")
In this example, we are using If ... Then to test whether the value of
the variable response is @YES. If it is @YES, we start Solitaire. If
it isn't @YES, we don't. The rule is: if the condition following the
If keyword is true, then the statement following the Then keyword is
8
TUTORIAL
performed. If the condition following the If keyword is false, then
anything following the Then keyword is ignored.
There is something extremely important that you should note about the
syntax of the If ... Then command: the double equal signs (==). In
WinBatch, a single equal sign (=) is an assignment operator -- it
assigns the value on the right of the equal sign to the variable on
the left of the equal sign. As in:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
This is saying, in English: "Assign the value returned by the AskYesNo
function to the variable named response." But in the statement:
If response == @YES Then Run("sol.exe", "")
we do not want to assign a new value to response, we merely want to
test whether it is equal to @YES. Therefore, we use the double equal
signs (==), which is the equality operator in WinBatch. The statement
above is saying, in English: "If the value of the variable named
response is equal to @YES, then run the program SOL.EXE." If you used
a single equal sign (=) here by mistake, you would get an error
message, which is WinBatch's way of telling you to re-check your
syntax.
If you've become confused, just remember that a single equal sign (=)
is an assignment operator, used to assign a value to a variable.
Double equal signs (==) are an equality operator, used to test whether
the values on both sides of the operator are the same. If you have a
problem with one of your WinBatch files, make sure to check whether
you've used one of these symbols incorrectly. It's a very common
mistake, which is why we emphasize it so strongly!
We've seen what happens when the condition following the Then keyword
is true. But what happens when it is false? Remember we said that
when the If condition is false, the Then statement is ignored. There
will be times, however when we want to perform an alternate action in
this circumstance. For example, suppose we want to display a message
if the user decides that he or she doesn't want to play Solitaire. We
could write:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @YES Then Run("sol.exe", "")
If response == @NO Then Display(5, "", "Game canceled")
In this case there are two If statements being evaluated, with one and
only one of them possibly being true (unless the user selects Cancel,
which would abort the batch file entirely). However, this is
9
TUTORIAL
inefficient from a processing standpoint. Furthermore, what would
happen if you had several functions you wanted to perform if the user
answered Yes? You would end up with something unwieldy:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @YES Then Display(5, "", "On your mark ...")
If response == @YES Then Display(5, "", "Get set ...")
If response == @YES Then Display(5, "", "Go!")
If response == @YES Then Run("sol.exe", "")
Clearly, there must be a better way of handling this.
Branching
Enter the Goto command. Goto, in combination with If ... Then, gives
you the ability to redirect the flow of control in your WinBatch
files. Goto does exactly what it says -- it causes the flow of
control to go to another point in the batch file. You must specify
where you want the flow of control to be transferred, and you must
mark this point with a label. A label is simply a destination
address, or marker. The form of the Goto command is:
Goto label
where label is an identifier that you specify. The same rules apply
to label names as to variable names (the first character must be a
letter, the label name may consist of any combination of letters and
numbers, and the label name may be from 1 to 30 characters long). In
addition, the label is preceded by a colon (:) at the point where it
is being used as a destination address. Here's an example:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @NO Then Goto quit
Display(5, "", "On your mark ...")
Display(5, "", "Get set ...")
Display(5, "", "Go!")
Run("sol.exe", "")
:quit
If the If condition is true (that is, if the user answers No), then
the Goto statement is performed. The Goto statement is saying, in
English "go to the line marked :quit, and continue processing from
there." Notice how the label quit is preceded by a colon on the last
line, but not on the line where it follows the Goto keyword. This is
important. Although you can have multiple lines in your batch file
which say Goto quit, you can have only one line marked :quit (just
like you can have several people going to your house, but can have
10
TUTORIAL
only one house with a particular address). Of course, you can use
many different labels in a batch file, just as you can use many
different variables, as long as each has a unique name. For example:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @NO Then Goto quit
Display(5, "", "On your mark ...")
Display(5, "", "Get set ...")
Display(5, "", "Go!")
Run("sol.exe", "")
Goto done
:quit
Display(5, "", "Game canceled")
:done
This is a little more complicated. It uses two labels, quit and done.
If the user answers No, then the If condition is true, control passes
to the line marked :quit, and a message is displayed. If, on the
other hand, the user answers Yes, then the If condition is false, and
the Goto quit line is ignored. Instead, the next four lines are
processed, and then the Goto done statement is performed. The purpose
of this line is to bypass the Display line which follows, by
transferring control to the end of the batch file. There is another
way to keep your batch file processing from "falling through" to
unwanted lines at the end of a program, and that is with the Exit
command. Exit causes a batch file to end immediately. So, for
example, we could rewrite the above batch file as follows:
response = AskYesNo("Really?", "Play Solitaire now?")
If response == @NO Then Goto quit
Display(5, "", "On your mark ...")
Display(5, "", "Get set ...")
Display(5, "", "Go!")
Run("sol.exe", "")
Exit
:quit
Display(5, "", "Game canceled")
Since the Run function is the last thing we want to do if the user
answers Yes, the Exit command simply ends the program at that point.
Note that we could put an Exit command at the end of the program as
well, but it isn't necessary. An Exit is implied at the end of a
WinBatch program.
This concludes the first part of our tutorial. You now have the
building blocks you need to create useful WinBatch files. In the
second part, which follows, we will look in more detail at some of the
WinBatch functions which are available for your use.
11
TUTORIAL
Exploring WinBatch
What follows is just a sample of the many functions and commands
available in WinBatch. These should be sufficient to begin creating
versatile and powerful batch files. For complete information on these
and all WinBatch functions and commands, refer to the WBL Function
Reference (pg. 62).
Running Programs
There are three functions which you can use to start an application,
each of which shares a common syntax:
Run (program-name, parameters)
We've already seen the Run function. This function starts a program
in a "normal" window. Windows decides where to place the
application's window on the screen.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "myfile.txt")
If the program has an EXE extension, its extension may be omitted:
Run("notepad", "myfile.txt")
Also, you can "run" data files if they have an extension in WIN.INI
which is associated with an executable program. So, if TXT files are
associated with Notepad:
Run("myfile.txt", "")
would start Notepad, using the file MYFILE.TXT.
When you specify a file to run, WinBatch looks first in the current
directory, and then in the directories on your DOS path. If the file
is not found, WinBatch will return an error. You can also specify a
full path name for WinBatch to use, as in:
Run("c:\windows\apps\winedit.exe", "")
RunZoom (program-name, parameters)
RunZoom is like Run, but starts a program as a full-screen window.
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Example:
RunZoom("excel", "bigsheet.xls")
RunIcon (program-name, parameters)
RunIcon starts a program as an icon at the bottom of the screen.
Example:
RunIcon("clock", "")
Display and Input
Here we have functions which display information to the user and
prompt the user for information, plus a couple of relevant system
functions.
Display (seconds, title, text)
Displays a message to the user for a specified period of time. The
message will disappear after the time expires, or after any keypress
or mouse click.
Example:
Display(2, "", "Loading Solitaire now")
Message (title, text)
This command displays a message box with a title and text you specify,
which will remain on the screen until the user presses the OK button.
Example:
Message("Sorry", "That file cannot be found")
Pause (title, text)
This command is similar to Message, except an exclamation-point icon
appears in the message box, and the user can press OK or Cancel. If
the user presses Cancel, the batch file exits.
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Example:
Pause("Delete Backups", "Last chance to stop!")
; if batch file gets this far, the user pressed OK
FileDelete("*.bak")
AskYesNo (title, question)
Displays a dialog box with a given title, which presents the user with
three buttons: Yes, No, and Cancel. If the user selects the Cancel
button, the batch file is terminated.
Example:
response = AskYesNo("End Session", "Really quit Windows?")
AskLine (title, prompt, default)
Displays a dialog box with a given title, which prompts the user for a
line of input. Returns the default if the user just presses the OK
button.
Example:
yourfile = AskLine("Edit File", "Filename:", "newfile.txt")
Run("notepad", yourfile)
If you specify a default value (as we have with NEWFILE.TXT), it will
appear in the response box, and will be replaced with whatever the
user types. If the user doesn't type anything, the default is used.
Beep
Beeps once.
Beep
And if one beep isn't enough for you:
Beep
Beep
Beep
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Delay (seconds)
Pauses batch file execution.
The Delay function lets you suspend batch file processing for 1 to 15
seconds. You can use multiple occurrences for a longer delay:
Delay(15)
Delay(15)
Will insert a 30-second pause.
Manipulating Windows
There are a large number of functions which allow you to manage the
windows on your desktop. Here are some of them:
WinZoom (partial-windowname)
Maximizes an application window to full-screen.
WinIconize (partial-windowname)
Turns an application window into an icon.
WinShow (partial-windowname)
Shows a window in its "normal" state.
These three functions are used to modify the size of an already-
running window. WinZoom is the equivalent of selecting Maximize from
a window's control menu, WinIconize is like selecting Minimize, and
WinShow is like selecting Restore.
The window on which you are performing any of these functions does not
have to be the active window. If the specified window is in the
background, and a WinZoom or WinShow function causes the size of the
window to change, then the window will be brought to the foreground.
The WinZoom function has no effect on a window which is already
maximized; likewise, WinShow has no effect on a window which is
already "normal."
Each of these functions accepts a partial windowname as a parameter.
The windowname is the name which appears in the title bar at the top
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of the window. You can specify the full name if you wish, but it may
often be advantageous not to have to do so. For example, if you are
editing the file SOLITARE.WBT in a Notepad window, the windowname will
be Notepad - SOLITARE.WBT:
You probably don't want to have to hard-code this entire name into
your batch file as:
WinZoom("Notepad - SOLITARE.WBT")
Instead, you can specify the partial windowname "Notepad":
WinZoom("Notepad")
If you have more than one Notepad window open, WinBatch will use the
one which was most recently used or started.
Note that WinBatch matches the partial windowname beginning with the
first character, so that while
WinZoom("Note")
would be correct,
WinZoom("pad")
would not result in a match.
Also, the case (upper or lower) of the title is significant, so
WinZoom("notepad")
would not work either.
WinActivate (partial-windowname)
Makes an application window the active window.
This function makes a currently-open window the active window. If the
specified window is an icon, it will be restored to normal size;
otherwise, its size will not be changed.
WinClose (partial-windowname)
Closes an application window.
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This is like selecting Close from an application's control menu. You
will still receive any closing message(s) that the application would
normally give you, such as an "unsaved-file" dialog box.
WinCloseNot (partial-windowname[, partial-windowname]...)
Closes all application windows except those specified.
This function lets you close all windows except the one(s) you want to
remain open. For example:
WinCloseNot("Program Man")
would leave only the Program Manager open, and:
WinCloseNot("Program Man", "Solit")
would leave the Program Manager and Solitaire windows open.
WinWaitClose (partial-windowname)
Waits until an application window is closed.
This function causes your WinBatch file to pause until you have
manually closed a specified window. This is a convenient way to get
WinBatch to open several windows sequentially, thereby not having
unnecessary windows all over your desktop. For example:
RunZoom("invoices.xls", "") ;balance the books
WinWaitClose("Microsoft Ex") ;wait till Excel closed
RunZoom("sol", "") ;you deserve a break
WinWaitClose("Solitaire") ;wait until Solit closed
Run("winword", "agenda.doc") ;more paperwork
WinWaitClose("Microsoft Wor") ;wait until W4W closed
Run("clock","") ;lunchtime yet?
During the time that the batch file is suspended, the WinBatch icon
will remain at the bottom of your screen. You can cancel the batch
file at any time by selecting Terminate from the icon's control menu.
WinExist (partial-windowname)
Tells if a window exists.
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This function returns @TRUE or @FALSE, depending on whether a matching
window can be found. This provides a way of insuring that only one
copy of a given window will be open at a time.
If you've been following this tutorial faithfully from the beginning,
you probably have several copies of Solitaire running at the moment.
(You can check by pressing Ctrl-Esc and bringing up the Task Manager.
You say you've got five Solitaire windows open? Okay, close them
all.) Now, let's modify our SOLITARE.WBT file. First, trim out the
excess lines so that it looks like this:
Run("sol.exe", "")
Now, let's use the WinExist function to make sure that WinBatch only
starts Solitaire if it isn't already running:
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @FALSE Then Run("sol.exe", "")
And this should work fine. Run SOLITARE.WBT twice now, and see what
happens. The first time you run it, it should start Solitaire; the
second (and subsequent) time, it should not do anything.
However, it's quite likely that you want the batch file to do
something if Solitaire is already running -- namely, bring the
Solitaire window to the foreground. This can be accomplished by using
the WinActivate function, along with a couple of Goto statements:
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @FALSE Then Goto open
WinActivate("Solitaire")
Goto loaded
:open
Run("sol.exe", "")
:loaded
Note that we can change this to have WinExist check for a True value
instead, by modifying the structure of the batch file:
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @TRUE Then Goto activate
Run("sol.exe", "")
Goto loaded
:activate
WinActivate("Solitaire")
:loaded
Either format is perfectly correct, and the choice of which to use is
merely a matter of personal style. The result is exactly the same.
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EndSession ( )
Ends the current Windows session.
This does exactly what it says. It will not ask any questions
(although you will receive any closing messages that your currently-
open windows would normally display), so you may want to build in a
little safety net:
sure = AskYesNo("End Session", "Really quit Windows?")
If sure == @YES Then EndSession()
EndSession is an example of a WinBatch function which does not take
any parameters, as indicated by the empty parentheses which follow it.
The parentheses are still required, though.
Files and Directories
DirChange (pathname)
Changes the directory to the pathname specified.
Use this function when you want to run a program which must be started
from its own directory. "Pathname" may optionally include a drive
letter.
Example:
DirChange("c:\windows\winword")
Run("winword.exe", "")
DirGet ( )
Gets the current working directory.
This function is especially useful when used in conjunction with
DirChange, to save and then return to the current directory.
Example:
origdir = DirGet()
DirChange("c:\windows\winword")
Run("winword.exe", "")
DirChange(origdir)
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FileExist (filename)
Determines if a file exists.
This function will return @TRUE if the specified file exists, and
@FALSE if it doesn't exist.
Example:
If FileExist("win.bak") == @FALSE Then FileCopy("win.ini",
"win.bak", @FALSE)
Run("notepad.exe", "win.ini")
FileCopy (from-list, to-file, warning)
Copies files.
If warning is @TRUE, WinEdit will pop up a dialog box warning you if
you are about to overwrite an existing file, and giving you an
opportunity to change your mind. If warning is @FALSE, it will
overwrite existing files with no warning.
Example:
FileCopy("cmdpost.cpm", "*.sav", @TRUE)
Run("notepad.exe", "cmdpost.cpm")
The asterisk (*) is a wildcard character, which matches any letter or
group of letters in a file name. In this case, it will cause
CMDPOST.CPM to be copied as CMDPOST.SAV.
FileDelete (file-list)
Deletes files.
Example:
If FileExist("win.bak") == @TRUE Then FileDelete("win.bak")
FileRename (from-list, to-file)
Renames files to another set of names.
We can illustrate the use of these WinBatch file functions with a
typical batch file application. Let's suppose that our word processor
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saves a backup copy of each document, with a BAK extension, but we
want a larger safety net when editing important files. We want to
keep the five most recent versions of the wonderful software manual
we're writing. Here's a WinBatch file to accomplish this:
If FileExist("winbatch.bak") == @TRUE Then Goto backup
:edit
Run("winword.exe", "winbatch.doc")
Exit
:backup
FileDelete("winbatch.bk5")
FileRename("winbatch.bk4", "winbatch.bk5)
FileRename("winbatch.bk3", "winbatch.bk4)
FileRename("winbatch.bk2", "winbatch.bk3)
FileRename("winbatch.bk1", "winbatch.bk2)
FileRename("winbatch.bak", "winbatch.bk1)
Goto edit
If the file WINBATCH.BAK exists, it means that we have made a change
to WINBATCH.DOC. So, before we start editing, we delete the oldest
backup copy, and perform several FileRename functions, until
eventually WINBATCH.BAK becomes WINBATCH.BK1. Notice how the flow of
control moves to the line labeled :backup, and then back to the line
labeled :edit, and how we terminate processing with the Exit command.
If we did not include the Exit command, the batch file would continue
in an endless loop.
However, this still isn't quite right. What would happen if the file
WINBATCH.BK5 didn't exist? In the DOS batch language, we would get an
error message, and processing would continue. But in WinBatch, the
error would be fatal, and cause the batch file to abort.
There are two ways that we can handle this. We could use an If
FileExist test before every file operation, and test the returned
value for a @TRUE before proceeding. But this is clumsy, even with
such a small batch file, and would become unwieldy with a larger one.
Handling Errors
Luckily, there is a WinBatch system function to help us here:
ErrorMode. The ErrorMode function determines what happens if an error
occurs during batch file processing. Here's the syntax:
ErrorMode (mode)
Specifies how to handle errors.
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Parameters:
"mode" = @CANCEL, @NOTIFY, or @OFF.
Returns:
(integer) previous error setting.
Use this command to control the effects of runtime errors. The
default is @CANCEL, meaning the execution of the batch file will be
canceled for any error.
@CANCEL: All runtime errors will cause execution to be canceled. The
user will be notified which error occurred.
@NOTIFY: All runtime errors will be reported to the user, and they
can choose to continue if it isn't fatal.
@OFF: Minor runtime errors will be suppressed. Moderate and fatal
errors will be reported to the user. User has the option of
continuing if the error is not fatal.
As you can see, the default mode is @CANCEL, and it's a good idea to
leave it like this. However, it is quite reasonable to change the
mode for sections of your batch files where you anticipate errors
occurring. This is just what we've done in our modified batch file:
If FileExist("winbatch.bak") == @TRUE Then Goto backup
:edit
Run("winword.exe", "winbatch.doc")
Exit
:backup
ErrorMode(@OFF)
FileDelete("winbatch.bk5")
FileRename("winbatch.bk4", "winbatch.bk5)
FileRename("winbatch.bk3", "winbatch.bk4)
FileRename("winbatch.bk2", "winbatch.bk3)
FileRename("winbatch.bk1", "winbatch.bk2)
FileRename("winbatch.bak", "winbatch.bk1)
ErrorMode(@CANCEL)
Goto edit
Notice how we've used ErrorMode(@OFF) to prevent errors in the section
labeled backup: from aborting the batch file, and then used
ErrorMode(@CANCEL) at the end of the that section to change back to
the default error mode. This is a good practice to follow.
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Selection Menus
So far, whenever we have needed to use a file name, we have hard-coded
it into our WinBatch files. For example:
Run("notepad.exe", "agenda.txt")
Naturally, there should be a way to get this information from the user
"on the fly", so that we wouldn't have to write hundreds of different
batch files. And there is a way. Two ways, actually. Consider,
first, a function that we have already seen, AskLine:
file = AskLine("", "Enter Filename to edit?", "")
Run("notepad.exe", file)
This will prompt for a filename, and run Notepad on that file.
There are only three problems with this approach. First, the user
might not remember the name of the file. Second, the user might enter
the name incorrectly. And finally, modern software is supposed to be
sophisticated and user-friendly enough to handle these things the
right way. And WinBatch certainly can.
There are two new functions we need to use for our new, improved file
selection routine: FileItemize and ItemSelect.
FileItemize (file-list)
Returns a space-delimited list of files.
This function compiles a list of filenames and separates the names
with spaces. There are several variations we can use:
FileItemize("*.doc")
would give us a list of all files in the current directory with a DOC
extension,
FileItemize("*.com *.exe")
would give us a list of all files in the current directory with a COM
or EXE extension, and
FileItemize("*.*")
would give us a list of all files in the current directory.
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Of course, we need to be able to use this list, and for that we use:
ItemSelect (title, list, delimiter)
Displays a listbox filled with items from a list you specify in a
string. The items are separated in your string by a delimiter
character.
This is the function which actually displays the list box. Remember
that FileItemize returns a file list delimited by spaces, which would
look something like this:
FILE1.DOC FILE2.DOC FILE3.DOC
When we use ItemSelect, we need to tell it that the delimiter is a
space. We do this as follows:
textfiles = FileItemize("*.doc *.txt")
yourfile = ItemSelect("Select file to edit", textfiles, " ")
Run("notepad.exe", yourfile)
First, we use FileItemize to build a list of filenames with DOC and
TXT extensions. We assign this list to the variable textfiles. Then,
we use the ItemSelect function to build a list box, passing it the
variable textfiles as its second parameter. The third parameter we
use for ItemSelect is simply a space with quote marks around it; this
tells ItemSelect that the variable textfiles is delimited by spaces.
Note that this is different from the null string that we've seen
earlier -- here, you must include a space between the quote marks.
Finally, we assign the value returned by ItemSelect to the variable
yourfile, and run Notepad using that file.
In the list box, if the user presses Enter or clicks on the OK button
without a file being highlighted, ItemSelect returns a null string.
If you want, you can test for this condition:
textfiles = FileItemize("*.doc *.txt")
:retry
yourfile = ItemSelect("Select file to edit", textfiles, " ")
If yourfile == "" Then Goto retry
Run("notepad.exe", yourfile)
DirItemize (dir-list)
Returns a space-delimited list of directories.
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This function is similar to FileItemize, but instead of returning a
list of files, it returns a list of directories. Remember we said
that FileItemize only lists files in the current directory. Often, we
want to be able to use files in other directories as well. We can do
this by first letting the user select the appropriate directory, using
the DirItemize and ItemSelect combination:
DirChange("\")
subdirs = DirItemize("*")
targdir = ItemSelect("Select dir", subdirs, " ")
DirChange(targdir)
files = FileItemize("*.*")
file = ItemSelect("Select file", files, " ")
Run("notepad.exe", file)
First we change to the root directory. Then we use DirItemize to get
a list of all the subdirectories off of the root directory. Next, we
use ItemSelect to give us a list box of directories from which to
select. Finally, we change to the selected directory, and use
FileItemize and ItemSelect to pick a file.
Although this batch file works, it needs to be polished up a bit.
What happens if the file we want is in the \WINDOWS\BATCH directory?
Our batch file doesn't go more than one level deep from the root
directory. We want to continue down the directory tree, but we also
need a way of telling when we're at the end of a branch. As it
happens, there is such a way: DirItemize will return a null string if
there are no directories to process. Given this knowledge, we can set
up a loop to test when we are at the lowest level:
DirChange("\")
:getdir
subdirs = DirItemize("*")
If subdirs == "" Then Goto getfile
targdir = ItemSelect("Select dir (OK = curr)", subdirs, " ")
If targdir == "" Then Goto getfile
DirChange(targdir)
Goto getdir
:getfile
files = FileItemize("*.*")
file = ItemSelect("Select file", files, " ")
If file == "" Then Goto getfile
Run("notepad.exe", file)
After we use the DirItemize function, we test the returned value for a
null string. If we have a null string, then we know that the current
directory has no subdirectories, and so we proceed to select the
filename from the current directory (Goto getfile) . If, however,
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DirItemize returns a non-blank list, then we know that there is, in
fact, at least one subdirectory. In that case, we use ItemSelect to
present the user with a list box of directories. Then, we test the
value returned by ItemSelect. If the returned value is a null string,
it means that the user did not select a directory from the list, and
presumably wants a file in the current directory. We happily oblige
(Goto getfile). On the other hand, a non-blank value returned by
ItemSelect indicates that the user has selected a subdirectory from
the list box. In that case, we change to the selected directory, and
loop back to the beginning of the directory selection routine (Goto
getdir). We continue this process until either (a) the user selects a
directory, or (b) there are no directories left to select.
Eventually, we get to the section of the batch file labeled :getfile.
Nicer Display Boxes
Have you tried displaying long messages, and found that WinBatch
didn't wrap the lines quite the way you wanted? Here are a couple of
tricks.
Num2Char (integer)
Converts a number to its character equivalent.
We want to be able to insert a carriage return/line feed combination
at the end of each line in our output, and the Num2Char function will
let us do that. A carriage return has an ASCII value of 13, and a
line feed has an ASCII value of 10 (don't worry if you don't
understand what this sentence means). To be able to use these values,
we must convert them to characters, as follows:
cr = Num2Char(13)
lf = Num2Char(10)
Now, we need to be able to place the variables cr and lf in our
message. For example, let's say we want to do this:
Message("", "This is line one This is line two")
If we just inserted the variables into the string, as in:
cr = Num2Char(13)
lf = Num2Char(10)
Message("", "This is line one cr lf This is line two")
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we would not get the desired effect. WinBatch would simply treat them
as ordinary text.
However, WinBatch does provide us with a method of performing variable
substitution such as this, and that is by delimiting the variables
with percentage signs (%). If we do this:
cr = Num2Char(13)
lf = Num2Char(10)
Message("", "This is line one %cr% %lf%This is line two")
we will get what we want.
Note that there is no space after %lf%; this is so that the second
line will be aligned with the first line (every space within the
delimiting quote marks of a string variable is significant).
Now, wouldn't it be convenient if we could combine cr and lf into a
single variable? We can.
StrCat (string[, string]...)
Concatenates strings together.
The StrCat function lets us combine any number of string constants
and/or string variables. Here's how we combine the variables cr and
lf into the single variable crlf:
crlf = StrCat(cr, lf)
Note that the strings to be concatenated are separated by commas,
within the parentheses. Now, we can rewrite our example, as follows:
cr = Num2Char(13)
lf = Num2Char(10)
crlf = StrCat(cr, lf)
Message("", "This is line one %crlf%This is line two")
If we wanted to re-use this message a number of times, it would be
quite convenient to use the StrCat function to make a single variable
out of it:
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cr = Num2Char(13)
lf = Num2Char(10)
crlf = StrCat(cr, lf)
line1 = "This is line one"
line2 = "This is line two"
mytext = StrCat(line1, crlf, line2)
Message("", mytext)
Even Nicer Display Boxes
For fancy dialog boxes, complete with all the bells and whistles, see
the separate manual section on the DialogBox function (pg. 31).
Running DOS Programs
WinBatch can run DOS programs, just like it runs Windows programs:
DirChange("c:\game")
Run("scramble.exe", "")
If you want to use an internal DOS command, such as DIR or TYPE, you
can do so by running the DOS command interpreter, COMMAND.COM, with
the /c program parameter, as follows:
Run("command.com", "/c type readme.txt")
Everything that you would normally type on the DOS command line goes
after the /c in the second parameter. Here's another example:
Run("command.com", "/c type readme.txt | more")
These examples assume that COMMAND.COM is in a directory on your DOS
path. If it isn't, you could specify a full path name for it:
Run("c:\command.com", "/c type readme.txt | more")
Or, better still, you could use the WinBatch Environment function.
Environment (env-variable)
Gets a DOS environment variable.
Since DOS always stores the full path and filename of the command
processor in the DOS environment variable COMSPEC, it is an easy
matter to retrieve this information:
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coms = Environment("COMSPEC")
and use it in our batch file:
coms = Environment("COMSPEC")
Run(coms, "/c type readme.txt")
To get a DOS window, just run COMMAND.COM with no parameters:
coms = Environment("COMSPEC")
Run(coms, "")
Sending Keystrokes to Programs
Here we come to one of the most useful and powerful features of
WinBatch: the ability to send keystrokes to Windows programs, just as
if you were typing them directly from the keyboard.
SendKey (character-codes)
Sends keystrokes to the active application.
This is an ideal way to make the computer automatically type the
keystrokes that you enter every time you start a certain program. For
example, to start up Notepad and have it prompt you for a file to
open, you would use:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
SendKey("!FO")
The parameter you specify for SendKey is the string that you want sent
to the program. This string consists of standard characters, as well
as some special characters which you will find listed under the entry
for SendKey in the WBL Function Reference (pg. 121). In the example
above, the exclamation mark (!) stands for the Alt key, so !F is the
equivalent of pressing and holding down the Alt key while
simultaneously pressing the F key. The O in the example above is
simply the letter O, and is the same as pressing the O key by itself.
Here's another example:
RunZoom("sol.exe", "")
SendKey("!GC{RIGHT}{SP}~")
This starts up Solitaire, brings up the Game menu (!G), and selects
Deck (C) from that menu. Then it moves the cursor to the next card
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back style on the right ({RIGHT}), selects that card back ({SP}), and
then selects OK (~). And voila! A different card design every time
you play!
Our Completed WinBatch File
Here is the final working version of the SOLITARE.WBT file that we've
slowly been building throughout this tutorial:
; solitare.wbt
mins = AskLine("Solitaire", "How many minutes do you want to
play?", "")
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @TRUE Then Goto activate
RunZoom("sol.exe", "")
Goto loaded
:activate
WinActivate("Solitaire")
WinZoom("Solitaire")
:loaded
SendKey("!GC{RIGHT}{SP}~")
goal = mins * 60
timer = 0
:moretime
remain = goal - timer
WinTitle("Solitaire", "Solitaire (%remain% seconds left)")
Delay(10)
timer = timer + 10
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @FALSE Then Exit
If timer < goal Then Goto moretime
Beep
WinClose("Solitaire")
Message("Time's up", "Get back to work!")
It incorporates many of the concepts that we've discussed so far, as
well as using some arithmetic (*, -, +) and relational (<) operators
that are covered in the section on the WinBatch Language (pg. 44).
It can also be improved and customized in a number of ways.
If you can understand and follow the structures and processes
illustrated in this sample file, and can begin to incorporate them
into your own WinBatch files, you are well on your way to becoming a
true WinBatch guru!
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DIALOG BOXES
The DialogBox function can be used to design complex dialog boxes for
user interaction. These dialog boxes can contain data entry fields,
file selection boxes, radio buttons, and check boxes.
This is a somewhat advanced topic, which assumes a basic understanding
of the WinBatch structures already presented.
DialogBox
Pops up a Windows dialog box defined by the WBD template file.
Syntax:
DialogBox ("title", "WBD file")
Parameters:
"title" = the title of the dialog box.
"WBD file" = the name of the WBD template file.
For each dialog box, you must first create a template file, with a
(recommended) WBD extension, which will identify the structure of the
dialog box, as well as the variables used by it. Unlike the other
WinBatch functions, you do not actually pass variables to DialogBox as
parameters. However, the DialogBox function does indeed have the
ability to manipulate, and even create, variables. If you are
familiar with programming, you may think of DialogBox as a subroutine,
and all the variables it uses as being global.
Let's start with a simple example. Suppose we want to write a
WinBatch file which starts up Notepad, with two options which can be
selected at runtime:
1. It can optionally zoom Notepad to full-screen.
2. It can optionally save a backup of the file to be edited.
We could accomplish this with two AskYesNo statements:
31
DIALOG BOXES
file = ItemSelect("", FileItemize("*.*"), " ")
zoom = AskYesNo("", "Start Notepad zoomed?")
backup = AskYesNo("", "Save a backup copy of %file%?")
If backup == @NO Then Goto nobackup
filebackupname = StrCat(FileRoot(file), ".", "bak")
FileCopy(file, filebackupname, @TRUE)
:nobackup
If zoom == @NO Then Run("notepad.exe", file)
If zoom == @YES Then RunZoom("notepad.exe", file)
(The FileRoot function is new here: it simply returns the root of the
filename, without the dot or the extension).
This is fine, but DialogBox gives us another way of accomplishing the
same thing. We will construct a template file called EDIT.WBD, in
which the AskYesNo statements will be functionally replaced by check
boxes. Here's what the template file will look like:
[zoom+1Start editor zoomed]
[backup+1Save backup of file]
It is an ordinary ASCII file.
Some explanation is in order. First, note the square brackets. Each
element in a WBT file is enclosed in brackets; in this case, there are
two distinct elements. Next, notice that the first items that appear
inside the brackets are variable names. These variables -- zoom and
backup -- are the same variables that we used in the AskYesNo
statements, above. Immediately following the variable name is a plus
sign (+), which identifies the elements as being check boxes. After
the + symbol is the number 1, which represents the value that will be
assigned to the variable if the box gets checked. Note that there is
no space before or after the + symbol. Finally, we have the text
which will be displayed next to the check box.
Now, let's modify our WinBatch file to use this WBD template:
file = ItemSelect("", FileItemize("*.*"), " ")
DialogBox("Edit a file", "edit.wbd")
If backup == 0 Then Goto nobackup
filebackupname = StrCat(FileRoot(file), ".", "bak")
FileCopy(file, filebackupname, @TRUE)
:nobackup
If zoom == 1 Then Run("notepad.exe", file)
If zoom == 1 Then RunZoom("notepad.exe", file)
32
DIALOG BOXES
The WBD template file should be in the current directory or in a
directory on your path; otherwise, you must give a complete path
specification for it when it appears in the DialogBox statement.
Now, run the WinBatch file. After you select a file from the list box
generated by the ItemSelect function, you will get the dialog box.
Notice how WinBatch adds two buttons -- OK and Cancel -- to the bottom
of the dialog box. Cancel terminates the batch file entirely.
You may want to try running this with various combinations of boxes
checked, just to confirm that it works properly. It should.
Now, look again at the WinBatch file. Notice how the variables zoom
and backup do not appear until after the DialogBox statement. In
essence, these variables are created by the WBD template, and
initialized with values of 0. If the user checks a box, the variable
associated with that box is given the value which appears next to the
+ symbol in the template. So, if the first box is checked, then zoom
will have a value of 1 after the DialogBox statement is executed. If
it remains un-checked, it will still have a value of 0. These values
can then be used in your WinBatch files, as we have done above.
Suppose that you want a box to be checked, by default. All you need
to do is to assign a non-zero value to the corresponding variable
before you execute the DialogBox statement. For example:
file = ItemSelect("", FileItemize("*.*"), " ")
zoom = 1
DialogBox("Edit a file", "edit.wbd")
If backup == 0 Then Goto nobackup
filebackupname = StrCat(FileRoot(file), ".", "bak")
FileCopy(file, filebackupname, @TRUE)
:nobackup
If zoom == 1 Then Run("notepad.exe", file)
If zoom == 1 Then RunZoom("notepad.exe", file)
When you run it this time, the first box will already be checked,
because we first assigned a value of 1 to the variable zoom. The
variable will still have a value of 1 after the DialogBox statement is
executed -- unless the user un-checks the box, in which case it will
have a value of 0. The variable associated with an unchecked box is
always equal to 0; the variable associated with a checked box is equal
to the value you specify for that box. For the most part, you would
be fine simply using a value of 1 to indicate a checked box.
You can change the layout of the WBD template to suit your taste. For
example, this:
33
DIALOG BOXES
[zoom+1Start editor zoomed] [backup+1Save backup of file]
would put the two check boxes side by side. However, you may not put
tab characters in a template file, so be sure to use spaces instead
(unless your editor can convert tabs to spaces). Also, template files
are limited to 15 lines, and to the first 60 columns
The next element which you can use in a dialog box is the radio
button. Whereas you can have several check boxes checked at one time,
the radio button gets its name from the five-button car radio, which
can only have one station selected at a time. You can have more than
one group of radio buttons, but only one button in each group may be
"pressed." Therefore, this is ideal for situations where the user
must make a choice from multiple alternatives:
Here's a group of four radio buttons:
[editor^1Notepad] [editor^2WinEdit]
[editor^3Write] [editor^4WinWord]
Let's look at how these are different from check boxes. First, the
symbol which identifies a radio button is a caret (^), instead of a +.
Second, each of the buttons has the same variable name (editor). And
third, each button has a unique value following the ^ symbol.
This should make sense if you consider what we are trying to
accomplish: we want to obtain a value for the variable editor. The
user has four programs to choose from, and he must choose one, and
only one. As you have probably guessed, the value associated with the
button which the user "pushes" will be assigned to editor.
Let's add this to our existing EDIT.WBD template:
[zoom+1Start editor zoomed]
[backup+1Save backup of file]
[editor^1Notepad] [editor^2WinEdit]
[editor^3Write] [editor^4WinWord]
and expand our WinBatch file to take advantage of it:
34
DIALOG BOXES
file = ItemSelect("", FileItemize("*.*"), " ")
zoom = 1
DialogBox("Edit a file", "edit.wbd")
If backup == 0 Then Goto nobackup
filebackupname = StrCat(FileRoot(file), ".", "bak")
FileCopy(file, filebackupname, @TRUE)
:nobackup
If zoom == 0 Then runcmd = "Run"
If zoom == 1 Then runcmd = "RunZoom"
If editor == 1 Then %runcmd%("notepad.exe", file)
If editor == 2 Then %runcmd%("winedit.exe", file)
If editor == 3 Then %runcmd%("write.exe", file)
If editor == 4 Then %runcmd%("winword.exe", file)
(We're using the variable runcmd to avoid having to code eight
separate Run and RunZoom statements. Pretty clever, isn't it.)
Look at how we are testing the value of editor to determine which
program to run. When the DialogBox statement is executed, the first
radio button in each group is selected, regardless of its value. In
this case, the first button appearing in the template, in the editor
group, has a value of 1, so, unless the user selects a different
button, the variable editor will have a value of 1 after DialogBox
finishes, and Notepad will be run. If the user selects the WinEdit
button, editor will have a value of 2 , and Winedit will be run.
Another important element which you can use in your templates is the
file selection list box, which combines the functionality of
DirItemize, FileItemize, and ItemSelect. It has the following form:
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
Here, file is the variable name (you can use another name instead of
file), and the backslash (\) is the symbol which identifies this as a
file list element. The amount of space between the \ symbol and the
right bracket will determine the width of the file selection list box.
And the number of occurrences of this element (each must have an
identical name) will determine the height of the list box.
Let's add this to our template:
35
DIALOG BOXES
[zoom+1Start editor zoomed]
[backup+1Save backup of file]
[editor^1Notepad] [editor^2WinEdit]
[editor^3Write] [editor^4WinWord]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
and revise our batch file:
zoom = 1
DialogBox("Edit a file", "edit.wbd")
If backup == 0 Then Goto nobackup
filebackupname = StrCat(FileRoot(file), ".", "bak")
FileCopy(file, filebackupname, @TRUE)
:nobackup
If zoom == 0 Then runcmd = "Run"
If zoom == 1 Then runcmd = "RunZoom"
If editor == 1 Then %runcmd%("notepad.exe", file)
If editor == 2 Then %runcmd%("winedit.exe", file)
If editor == 3 Then %runcmd%("write.exe", file)
If editor == 4 Then %runcmd%("winword.exe", file)
All we did was remove the first line from the earlier example, which
used FileItemize and ItemSelect to retrieve a file name.
By default, the file selection list box uses *.* as a file mask. If
you want to limit the selection to, say, DOC files, assign a value to
the appropriate variable before executing the DialogBox statement:
file = "*.doc"
DialogBox("Edit a file", "edit.wbd")
Another element, the file mask edit box, allows the user to change the
file mask interactively. It's format is:
[file# ]
Where the variable name, in this case file, must be the same as the
one used in the file selection list box, and is followed by a number
sign (#). If the user enters a valid wild card mask in the file mask
edit box, the file display in the file selection list box will be
updated accordingly. For example, if DOC files are currently shown,
and the user types *.TXT, the display will change to show TXT files.
36
DIALOG BOXES
You can optionally display the current directory (whose contents are
being listed) by including an additional element in the template:
[file$ ]
This is identical to the file list element, except the symbol for the
directory element is a dollar sign ($). The variable name must be the
same as the one used in the file selection list box:
[file$ ]
File mask [file# ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
[file\ ]
Note that we have included the descriptive text "File mask" next to
the file mask edit box. You may place explanatory text anywhere in
the template file, as long as it doesn't appear inside square
brackets.
You can also display a WinBatch variable in your dialog box by using
an element of this form:
[varname$]
Where the name of the variable is followed by a dollar sign ($).
WinBatch will replace this with the current value of the variable.
Finally, we have the edit box, which allows us to assign user-supplied
text to a variable. The edit box element has the form:
[input# ]
The variable name (in this case, input) is followed a number sign (#),
and the width of the area between the brackets determines the width of
the edit box which gets displayed. Whatever the user types in the box
gets assigned to the associated variable. Here is a sample RENAME.WBD
template:
37
DIALOG BOXES
Select file to be renamed
[oldname$ ]
[oldname\ ]
[oldname\ ]
[oldname\ ]
[oldname\ ]
Type new name for the file
[newname# ]
Which could be used with this WinBatch file:
DialogBox("File Rename", "rename.wbd")
FileRename(oldname, newname)
You will have noticed that there are two symbols -- $ and # -- which
have dual meanings, depending on whether or not there is a file list
selection variable in the template with the same name. The three file
elements -- [file\], [file$], and [file#] -- are a "set", and share a
common variable name. All other variables in your template should
have unique names.
38
WinMacro
WinMacro
WinMacro is a standalone companion program included in the WinBatch
package, which lets you create macro files and "attach" them to the
control menu of any Windows application. These macros can then be
executed, either by selecting them from the control menu, or through
the use of a "hotkey." WinMacro also has the ability to "record"
keystrokes, which can later be "played back" virtually anywhere in the
Windows environment.
Starting WinMacro
You can run WINMACRO.EXE just like any other Windows program, using
your favorite Windows-program-starting method (keyboard, mouse,
Program Manager, File Manager, MS-DOS Executive, Command Post,
WinBatch, etc.). However, if you will be using WinMacro on a regular
basis, you may wish to have it load automatically when you start up
Windows. You can do this by adding WINMACRO.EXE to the LOAD= line in
your WIN.INI file (consult your Microsoft Windows manual for more
information). If you are wise enough to be using Command Post as your
primary shell , you can just add a RunIcon("winmacro.exe, "") line to
the "autoexec" section of your user menu (if you're not yet a convert
to Command Post, consider contacting the nice folks at Wilson
WindowWare for more information on this outstanding program).
WinBatch starts up as an icon, and remains active until you either
close it or end your Windows session (whichever comes first).
Macro Definition Files
WinMacro definition (WDF) files are plain ASCII files which you create
and edit. They must have a WDF extension, and they must be located in
the same directory as WINMACRO.EXE. A WDF file contains any number of
definition lines, each of which represents an individual command.
Each line has the following format:
Title [\ optional hotkey] : program to be executed
Title is the name which will appear on the application's control menu
to identify the command. The hotkey is optional; if it is included,
it must be preceded by a backslash (\). This is followed by a colon
(:), and then the program which should be executed when the command is
selected, with any required parameters. This can be any Windows or
39
WinMacro
DOS EXE, COM, PIF, or BAT file, and you must include the appropriate
file extension. If the program isn't located either in the current
directory or on your DOS path, you must include a path specification
for it. To run a WinBatch file, run WINBATCH.EXE, with the name of
the WBT file as a parameter.
Let's create a WinMacro definition file, named GLOBAL.WDF:
Run Notepad : notepad.exe
Play Solitaire \ ^F9 : winbatch.exe solitare.wbt
(This second line assumes that you have created SOLITARE.WBT as part
of the WinBatch tutorial. If not, just substitute any WBT file).
GLOBAL.WDF is a special file name. When WinMacro starts up, it looks
for this file. If present, WinMacro loads it, and attaches its
contents to the control menu of every window currently running, as
well as any windows that may subsequently be opened (the control menu
is the menu that you access by typing Alt-Space, or by clicking the
little box on the left side of the title bar of any window).
Go ahead and start up WinMacro, then access the control menu of any
open window. You should see that the two commands in your GLOBAL.WDF
file have been attached to the control menu, and both are now
available for your use. You can run these user-defined commands by
selecting them from the menu. In addition, because you have defined a
hotkey for the "Play Solitaire" command, you can run it from any
window by pressing Ctrl-F9.
Hotkeys
You can assign a hotkey to any WinMacro definition line. A hotkey
consists of the Ctrl key plus any letter (A - Z) or function (F1 -
F16) key. In addition, you can optionally use the Alt and Shift keys:
Key Char
Ctrl ^
Alt !
Shift +
Here are some examples of valid key combinations:
Hotkey Equivalent keystrokes
^F5 Ctrl-F5
40
WinMacro
^!F5 Ctrl-Alt-F5
^+F5 Ctrl-Shift-F5
^!+F5 Ctrl-Alt-Shift-F5
^D Ctrl-D
^!D Ctrl-Alt-D
^+D Ctrl-Shift-D
^!+D Ctrl-Alt-Shift-D
In addition to GLOBAL.WDF, you can create application-specific
WinMacro definition files. They have the form progname.WDF, where
"progname" is the name of the application's COM or EXE file. So, if
you wanted to have a WDF file which would apply only to Notepad, you
would name it NOTEPAD.WDF. Its contents would be attached only to
Notepad's control menu, and its hotkeys would be active only when
Notepad was the active window. WinMacro loads application-specific
WDF files after GLOBAL.WDF, so if you have, for example, a NOTEPAD.WDF
file, it's contents will be attached to Notepad's control menu in
addition to (not instead of) GLOBAL.WDF. If you define the same
hotkey in GLOBAL.WDF and NOTEPAD.WDF, the one in NOTEPAD.WDF will
apply.
If you edit a WDF file while WinMacro is running, and want to see the
changes reflected in the current menus, select About/Reload from the
WinMacro icon's menu. All windows will be updated.
Recording Keystrokes
Another feature of WinMacro is the ability to record keystrokes to a
file, which can be played back at a later time. To do this, make sure
that WinMacro is running, and then type Ctrl-Shift-Home from any
window, or select Begin Macro Record from the WinMacro icon's menu.
WinMacro will present you with a menu of existing WBM files. If you
want to overwrite an existing file, select its name from the menu;
otherwise, enter a name for the file you wish to create in the edit
box (a WBM extension will automatically be added), and press the Enter
key or click on the OK button. At this point, the icon will begin
flashing, indicating that you are in record mode.
Once you are in record mode, every keystroke you type will be recorded
to your WBM file. Mouse movement and mouse clicks are not recorded.
To end record mode, type Ctrl-Shift-End from any window, or click on
the flashing WinMacro icon and select End Macro Record from the menu.
The icon will stop flashing.
41
WinMacro
Once you have created a WBM keystroke macro file, you can assign it to
a hotkey in a WDF file, using the steps outlined above. You use
WinBatch to run WBM files, the same way you do with WBT files.
WinMacro Example
Let's create a macro for Solitaire which will cycle to the next deck
back design (sound familiar?). First, WinMacro should be running.
Next, start up Solitaire, and make sure that it is the current window.
Now, activate keystroke record mode, as outlined above, and name the
file SOLITARE.WBM. Once the WinMacro icon begins flashing, we're
ready to record. Enter the following series of keystrokes:
Alt-G
C
Cursor right
Space
Enter
And end record mode. Now, create a WinMacro definition file named
SOLITARE.WDF, containing the following entry:
Change deck design \ ^C : winbatch.exe solitare.wbm
Finally, select About/Reload from the WinMacro icon's menu. Your new
command is now available from the Solitaire control menu, or simply by
typing Ctrl-C when the Solitaire window is active.
WBM files
If you look at a WBM file, you will see that it is nothing more than a
series of one or more SendKey statements. For example, the
SOLITARE.WBM file that we just created looks something like this
; Recorded Macro D:\WINDOWS\BATCH\SOLITARE.WBM
SendKey(`!gc{RIGHT} {ENTER}`)
; End Recorded Macro
If you glance back at the SOLITARE.WBT file in the Tutorial section of
this manual (pg. 30), you will find a line which looks amazingly like
the middle one above (~ has the same meaning as {ENTER}). This
demonstrates that WBM files are simply WBT files in disguise.
42
WinMacro
So, why do we use different extensions for the two types of files?
Consider, if you will, that a WBT file is a standalone program, which
can be run from the Program Manager or File Manager. It starts up
whatever other programs it needs, does its work, and cleans up after
itself. A WBM file, on the other hand, is only a program fragment.
When called, it sends a sequence of keystrokes to the active window,
but it neither knows nor cares what window that may happen to be. In
Solitaire, Alt-G selects the Game menu; in another program, it may
trigger the Goodbye function. Needless to say, WBM files should be
played back only in the window where they were recorded, and the
easiest way to ensure this is to attach them to application-specific
WDF files, as we have done here with Solitaire. That's why we
distinguish them from regular WBT files.
However, because SendKey is a perfectly respectable WinBatch function
-- and because WinMacro does generate SendKey statements -- it is
quite useful to be able to record a WBM file, and later incorporate it
into a full-fledged WinBatch file. Suppose that we had a one-line
WinBatch WBT file like this:
RunZoom("sol.exe", "")
and we wanted to follow that with a SendKey statement to change the
deck design every time the file was run. Instead of laboring over the
WinBatch manual to find the cryptic symbols necessary to accomplish
such a feat, we could simply use the WinMacro record feature to create
a WBM file, as we did above, and then paste the resulting SendKey
statement into the WinBatch WBT file:
RunZoom("sol.exe", "")
SendKey(`!gc{RIGHT} {ENTER}`)
You can also use your favorite editor to remove any accidental
keystrokes you make when you are recording a WBM file.
Unrecordable Areas
WinMacro is unable to record keystrokes entered in Windows' System
Modal Dialog Boxes. These include the dialog boxes in the MS-DOS
Executive window, as well as dialog boxes generated by severe system
errors. By the same token, WinBatch cannot play back keystrokes in
these types of dialog boxes.
43
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Language Components
WinBatch language statements are constructed from constants,
variables, operators, functions, commands, and comments.
Each line in a WinBatch file can be up to 255 characters long.
Constants
The programming language supports both integer and string constants.
Integer Constants
Integer constants are built from the digits 0 through 9. They can
range in magnitude from negative to positive 231 -1 (approximately
two billion). Constants larger than these permissible magnitudes will
produce unpredictable results.
Examples of integer constants:
1
-45
377849
-1999999999
String Constants
String constants are comprised of displayable characters bounded by
quote marks. You can use double quotes ("), single quotes ('), or
back quotes (`) to enclose a string constant, as long as the same type
of quote is used to both start and end it. If you need to embed the
delimiting quote mark inside the string constant, use the delimiting
quote mark twice.
Examples of string constants:
"a"
`Betty Boop`
"This constant has an embedded "" mark"
'This constant also has an embedded " mark'
44
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Predefined Constants
The programming language has a number of built-in integer constants
that can be used for various purposes. These start with the @-sign,
and are case-insensitive (although we prefer to use ALL CAPS).
Some predefined constants:
@FALSE @TILE
@NO @TRUE
@STACK @YES
A list of all the predefined constants can be found in Appendix A
(pg. 152).
Identifiers
Identifiers are the names supplied for variables, functions, and
commands in your program.
An identifier is a sequence of one or more letters or digits that
begins with a letter. Identifiers may have up to 30 characters.
All identifiers are case insensitive. Upper- and lowercase characters
may be mixed at will inside variable names, commands or functions.
For example, these statements all mean the same thing:
AskLine(MyTitle, Prompt, Default)
ASKLINE(MYTITLE, PROMPT, DEFAULT)
aSkLiNe(MyTiTlE, pRoMpT, dEfAuLt)
Variables
A variable may contain an integer, a string, or a string representing
an integer. Automatic conversions between integers and strings are
performed as a matter of course during execution.
If a function requires a string parameter and an integer parameter is
supplied, the variable will be automatically modified to include the
representative string.
If a function requires an integer parameter and a string parameter is
supplied, an attempt will be made to convert the string to an integer.
If it does not convert successfully, an error will result.
45
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Keywords
"Keywords" are the predefined identifiers that have special meaning to
the programming language. These cannot be used as variable names.
WBL keywords consist of the functions, commands, and predefined
constants.
Some examples of reserved keywords:
Beep
DirChange
@Yes
FileCopy
Operators
The programming language operators take one operand ("unary
operators") or two operands ("binary operators").
Unary operators (integers only):
- Arithmetic Negation (Two's complement)
+ Identity (Unary plus)
~ Bitwise Not. Changes each 0 bit to 1, and vice-versa.
! Logical Not. Produces 0 (@FALSE) if the operand is
nonzero, else 1 (@TRUE) if the operand is zero.
Binary arithmetic operators (integers only):
* Multiplication
/ Division
mod Modulo
+ Addition
- Subtraction
<< Left Shift
>> Right Shift
& Bitwise And
| Bitwise Or
^ Bitwise Exclusive Or (XOR)
&& Logical And
|| Logical Or
Binary relational operators (integers and strings):
> Greater-than
>= Greater-than or equal
46
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
< Less-than
<= Less-than or equal
== Equality
!= or <> Inequality
Assignment operator (integers and strings):
= Assigns evaluated result of an expression to a variable
Precedence and evaluation order
The precedence of the operators affect the evaluation of operands in
expressions. Operands associated with higher-precedence operators are
evaluated before the lower-precedence operators.
The table below shows the precedence of the operators. Where
operators have the same precedence, they are evaluated from left to
right.
Operator Description
( ) Parenthetical grouping
~ ! - + Unary operators
* / mod Multiplication & Division
+ - Addition & Subtraction
<< >> Shift operators
< <= == >= > != <> Relational operators
& ^ | Bit manipulation operators
&& || Logical operators
Comments
A comment is a sequence of characters that are ignored when processing
a command. A semicolon (not otherwise part of a string constant)
indicates the beginning of a comment.
All characters to the right of the semicolon are considered comments,
and are ignored.
Blank lines are also ignored.
Examples of comments:
; This is a comment
abc = 5 ; This is also a comment
47
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Statements
Assignment Statements
Assignment statements are used to set variables to specific or
computed values. Variables may be set to integers or strings.
Examples:
a = 5
value = Average(a, 10, 15)
location = "Northern Hemisphere"
world = StrCat(location, " ", "Southern Hemisphere")
Control Statements
Control statements are generally used to execute system management
functions and consist of a call to a command without assigning any
return values.
Examples:
Exit
Yield
Substitution
The batch language has a powerful substitution feature which inserts
the contents of a string variable into a statement before the line is
parsed.
To substitute the contents of a variable in the statement, simply put
a percent-sign (%) on both sides of the variable name.
Examples:
mycmd = "DirChange('c:\')" ; set mycmd to a command
%mycmd% ; execute the command
Or consider this one:
IniWrite("PC", "User", "Richard")
...
owner = IniRead("PC", "User", "somebody")
message("", "Thank you, %user%")
48
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
To put a single percent-sign (%) on a source line, specify a double
percent sign(%%). This is required even inside quoted strings.
Note: The length of a line, after any substitution occurs, may not
exceed 255 characters.
Function Parameters
Most of the functions and commands in the language require parameters.
These come in three types:
Integer
String
Variable name
WinBatch performs automatic conversions between strings and integers,
so in general you can use them interchangeably.
Integer parameters may be any of the following:
An integer (i.e. 23)
A string representing an integer (i.e. "23")
A variable containing an integer
A variable containing a string representing an integer
String parameters may be any of the following:
A string
An integer
A variable containing a string
A variable containing an integer
Command-Line Parameters
WinBatch is run with the following command line:
WINBATCH filename.WBT p1 p2 ... pn
"filename.wbt" is any valid WinBatch file.
"p1 p2 ... pn" are optional parameters to be passed to the WBT file on
startup, delimited by spaces.
49
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Parameters passed to a WBT file are automatically parsed into
variables named param1, param2, param3, etc. An additional variable,
param0, is the total number of command-line parameters.
Error Handling
There are three types of errors that can occur while processing a
batch file: Minor, Moderate, and Fatal. What happens when an error
occurs depends on the current error mode, which is set with the
ErrorMode function.
There are three possible modes you can specify:
@CANCEL
User is notified when any error occurs, and then the batch file is
canceled. This is the default.
@NOTIFY
User is notified when any error occurs, and has option to continue
unless the error is fatal.
@OFF
User is only notified if the error is moderate or fatal. User has
option to continue unless the error is fatal.
The function LastError returns the code of the most-recent error
encountered during the current batch file.
Minor errors are numbered from 1000 to 1999.
Moderate errors are numbered from 2000 to 2999.
Fatal errors are numbered from 3000 to 3999.
Error handling is reset to @CANCEL at the start of each batch file.
50
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
The Functions & Statements
Inputting Information
AskLine (title, prompt, default)
Lets user enter a line of information.
AskYesNo (title, question)
Lets user choose from Yes, No, or Cancel.
ItemCount (list, delimiter)
Returns the number of items in a list.
ItemExtract (select, list, delimiter)
Returns the selected item from a list.
ItemSelect (title, list, delimiter)
Chooses an item from a listbox.
TextBox (title, filename)
Fills a listbox from text strings in a file.
Displaying Information
Beep
Beeps at the user.
DialogBox (title, WBD file)
Pops up a Windows dialog box defined by the WBD template file.
Display (seconds, title, text)
Momentarily displays a string.
Message (title, text)
Displays text in a message box.
51
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Pause (title, text)
Displays text in a message box.
File Management
FileAppend (from-list, to-file)
Appends one or more files to another file.
FileClose (filehandle)
Closes a file.
FileCopy (from-list, to-file, warning)
Copies files.
FileDelete (file-list)
Deletes files.
FileExist (filename)
Determines if a file exists.
FileExtension (filename)
Returns extension of file.
FileItemize (file-list)
Builds a list of files.
FileLocate (filename)
Finds a file within the current DOS path.
FileMove (from-list, to-file, warning)
Moves files to another set of pathnames.
FileOpen (filename, open-type)
Opens a STANDARD ASCII (only) file for reading or writing.
52
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
FilePath (filename)
Returns path of file.
FileRead (filehandle)
Reads data from a file.
FileRename (from-list, to-file)
Renames files to another set of names.
FileRoot (filename)
Returns root of file.
FileSize (file-list)
Adds up the total size of a set of files.
FileWrite (filehandle,output-data)
Writes data to a file.
IniRead (section, keyname, default)
Reads a string from the WIN.INI file.
IniReadPvt (section, keyname, default, filename)
Reads a string from a private INI file.
IniWrite (section, keyname, string)
Writes a string to the WIN.INI file.
IniWritePvt (section, keyname, data, filename)
Writes a string to a private INI file.
Directory Management
DirChange ([d:]path)
Changes the current directory.
53
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
DirGet ( )
Returns the current directory path.
DirHome ( )
Returns the initial directory path.
DirItemize (dir-list)
Builds a list of directories.
DirMake ([d:]path)
Creates a new directory.
DirRemove ([d:]path)
Removes an existing directory.
DirRename ([d:]oldpath, [d:]newpath)
Renames a directory.
Disk Drive Management
DiskFree (drive-list)
Returns the amount of free space on a set of drives.
LogDisk (drive)
Changes the logged disk drive.
Window Management
WinActivate (partial-windowname)
Makes an application window the active window.
WinArrange (style)
Arranges all running application windows on the screen.
54
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
WinClose (partial-windowname)
Closes an application window.
WinCloseNot (partial-windowname [, partial-windowname]...)
Closes all application windows except those specified.
WinConfig ( )
Returns WIN3 mode flags.
WinExist (partial-windowname)
Tells if window exists.
WinGetActive ( )
Gets the title of the active window.
WinHide (partial-windowname)
Hides an application window.
WinIconize (partial-windowname)
Turns an application window into an icon.
WinItemize ( )
Lists all the main windows currently running.
WinPlace (x-ul, y-ul, x-br, y-br, partial-windowname)
Changes the size and position of an application window on the
screen.
WinPosition (partial-windowname)
Returns window position.
WinShow (partial-windowname)
Shows a currently-hidden application window.
WinTitle (partial-windowname, new-windowname)
Changes the title of an application window.
55
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
WinWaitClose (partial-windowname)
Waits until an application window is closed.
WinZoom (partial-windowname)
Maximizes an application window to full-screen.
Program Management
Run (program-name, parameters)
Runs a program as a normal window.
RunHide (program-name, parameters)
Runs a program in a hidden window.
RunIcon (program-name, parameters)
Runs a program as an icon.
RunZoom (program-name, parameters)
Runs a program in a maximized window.
String Handling
Char2Num (string)
Returns the ANSI code of a string's first character.
IsNumber (string)
Determines if a string represents a valid number.
Num2Char (number)
Converts a number to the ANSI character it represents.
ParseData (string)
Parses the passed string, just like passed parameters are parsed.
56
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
StrCat (string[, string]...)
Concatenates strings together.
StrCmp (string1, string2)
Compares two strings.
StrFill (string, string-length)
Builds a string from a repeated smaller string.
StrFix (base-string, padding-string, length)
Pads or truncates a string to a fixed length.
StriCmp (string1, string2)
Compares two strings, ignoring their case.
StrIndex (main-str, sub-str, start, direction)
Locates a string within a larger string.
StrLen (string)
Returns the length of a string
StrLower (string)
Converts a string to all lower-case characters.
StrReplace (string, old, new)
Replaces all occurances of a substring with another.
StrScan (main-str, delims, start, direction)
Finds an occurrence of one or more delimiter characters in a
string.
StrSub (string, start, length)
Returns a substring from within a string.
StrTrim (string)
Trims leading and trailing blanks from a string.
57
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
StrUpper (string)
Converts a string to all upper-case characters.
Arithmetic Functions
Abs (number)
Returns the absolute value of a number.
Average (num [, num]...)
Returns the average of a list of integers.
Max (num [, num]...)
Determines the highest number in a list.
Min (num [, num]...)
Determines the lowest number in a list.
Random (max)
Generates a positive random number.
Clipboard Handling
ClipAppend (string)
Appends a string to the end of the Clipboard.
ClipGet ( )
Returns the Clipboard contents into a string.
ClipPut (string)
Replaces the Clipboard contents with a string.
System Control
Call (filename.wbt, parameters)
Calls another WBT file as a subroutine.
58
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
CallExt (filename.wbt, parameters)
Calls another WBT file as a separate subprogram.
DateTime ( )
Returns the current date and time.
Debug (mode)
Turns Debug mode on or off.
Delay (seconds)
Pauses batch file execution.
DOSVersion (level)
Returns the version numbers of the current version of DOS.
Drop (var [, var]...)
Deletes variables to recover their memory.
EndSession ( )
Ends the current Windows session.
Environment (env-variable)
Returns the value of a DOS environment variable.
ErrorMode (mode)
Sets what happens in the event of an error.
Exclusive (mode)
Controls whether or not other Windows program will get any time to
execute.
Execute statement
Directly executes a WinBatch statement.
Exit
Exits the current batch file's operation.
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WINBATCH LANGUAGE
Goto label
Changes the flow of control in a batch file.
If condition Then statement
Conditionally performs a function.
IgnoreInput (mode)
Turns off hardware input to windows.
IsDefined (variable)
Determines if a variable is currently defined.
IsKeyDown (key-codes)
Tells about keys/mouse.
IsLicensed ( )
Tells if WinBatch is licensed.
LastError ( )
Returns the last error encountered.
Return ( )
Returns from a Call or a CallExt to the calling program.
SendKey (character-codes)
Sends keystrokes to the active application.
SKDebug (mode)
Controls how SendKey works
Version ( )
Returns the version of WinBatch currently running.
WallPaper (bmp-name, tile)
Changes the Windows wallpaper.
60
WINBATCH LANGUAGE
WinVersion (level)
Returns the version of Windows that is currently running.
Yield
Pauses batch file processing so other applications can process some
messages.
61
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Introduction
WinBatch gives you more than a hundred functions and commands, which
we describe in detail in this section.
We use a shorthand notation to indicate the syntax of the functions.
Function names and other actual characters you type are in boldface.
Optional parameters are enclosed in square brackets "[ ]". When a
function takes a variable number of parameters, the variable parts
will be followed by ellipses ("...").
Take, for example, string concatenation:
StrCat (string[, string]...)
This says that the StrCat function takes at least one string
parameter. Optionally, you can specify more strings to concatenate.
If you do, you must separate the strings with commas.
For each function and command, we show you the Syntax, describe the
Parameters (if any), the value it Returns (if any), a description of
the function, Example code (shown in courier type), and related
functions you may want to See Also.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Abs
Returns the magnitude of the argument.
Syntax:
Abs (integer)
Parameters:
integer = integer whose absolute value is desired.
Returns:
(integer) absolute value of argument.
This function returns the absolute (positive) value of the integer
which is passed to it, regardless of whether that integer is positive
or negative.
Example:
dy = Abs(y1 - y2)
Message("Years", "There are %dy% years 'twixt %y1% and %y2%")
See Also:
Average, Max, Min
AskLine
Prompts the user for one line of input.
Syntax:
AskLine (title, prompt, default)
Parameters:
"title" = title of the dialog box.
"prompt" = question to be put to the user.
"default" = default answer.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(string) user response.
Use this function to query the user for a line of data. The entire
user response will be returned if the user presses the OK button or
the Enter key. If the user presses Cancel, the batch file processing
is canceled.
Example:
name = AskLine("Game", "Please enter your name", "")
game = AskLine("Game", "Favorite game?", "Solitaire")
message(StrCat(name,"'s favorite game is "), game)
See Also:
AskYesNo, Display, ItemSelect, Message, Pause, TextBox
AskYesNo
Prompts the user for a YES or NO answer.
Syntax:
AskYesNo (title, question)
Parameters
"title" = title of the question box.
"question" = question to be put to the user.
Returns:
(integer) @YES or @NO, depending on the button pressed.
This function displays a message box with three pushbuttons - Yes, No,
and Cancel. If the user presses Cancel, the current batch file is
ended, so there is no return value.
Example:
q = AskYesNo('Testing', 'Please press "YES"')
If q == @YES Then Exit
Display(3, 'ERROR', 'I said press "YES"')
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
AskLine, Display, ItemSelect, Message, Pause, TextBox
Average
Provides the integer average of the arguments.
Syntax:
Average (integer [, integer]...)
Parameters:
integer = integers to get the average of.
Returns:
(integer) average of the arguments.
Use this function to compute the mean average of a series of numbers,
delimited by commas. This function returns an integer value, so there
can be some rounding error involved.
Example:
avg = Average(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Message("The average is", avg)
See Also:
Abs, Max, Min
Beep
Beeps once.
Syntax:
Beep
Use this command to produce a short beep, generally to alert the user
to an error situation.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
Beep
Pause("WARNING!!!", "You are about to destroy data!")
Call
Calls another WBT file as a subroutine.
Syntax:
Call (filename.wbt, parameters)
Parameters:
"filename.wbt" = the WBT file you are calling. The WBT extension
is required.
"parameters" = the parameters to pass to the file, if any, in the
form "p1 p2 p3 ... pn".
Returns:
(integer) always @FALSE.
This function is used to pass control temporarily to a secondary WBT
file. The main WBT file can optionally pass parameters to the
secondary WBT file. All variables are common (global) between the
calling and the called WBT files, so that the secondary WBT file may
modify or create variables. The secondary WBT file should end with a
Return statement, to pass control back to the main WBT file.
If a string of parameters is passed to the secondary WBT file, it will
automatically be parsed into individual variables with the names
param1, param2, param3, etc. The variable param0 will be a count of
the total number of parameters in the string.
Example:
; MAIN.WBT
name = AskLine("", "What is your name?", "")
age = AskLine("", "How old are you?", "")
valid = @NO
Call("chek-age.wbt", age)
If valid == @NO Then Message("", "Invalid age")
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
; CHEK-AGE.WBT
userage = param1
really = AskYesNo("", "%name%, are you really %userage%?")
If really == @NO Then Return
If (userage > 0) && (userage < 150) Then valid = @YES
Return
See Also:
CallExt, ParseData, Return
CallExt
Calls another WBT file as a separate subprogram.
Syntax:
CallExt (filename.wbt, parameters)
Parameters:
"filename.wbt" = the WBT file you are calling. The extension is
required.
"parameters" = the parameters to pass to the file, if any, in the
form "p1 p2 p3 ... pn".
Returns:
(integer) always @FALSE.
This function is used to pass control temporarily to a secondary WBT
file. The main WBT file can optionally pass parameters to the
secondary WBT file. All variables are exclusive (local) to their
respective files, so that neither WBT file "knows about" variables
being used by the other. The secondary WBT file should end with a
Return statement, to pass control back to the main WBT file.
If a string of parameters is passed to the secondary WBT file, it will
automatically be parsed into individual variables with the names
param1, param2, param3, etc. The variable param0 will be a count of
the total number of parameters in the string.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
; MAIN.WBT
old = AskLine("RENAME", "File to rename", "")
If !FileExist(old) Then Exit
new = AskLine("RENAME", "New name for %old%", "")
If FileExist(new) Then Exit
CallExt("rename.wbt", "%old% %new%")
; RENAME.WBT
old = param1
new = param2
FileRename(old, new)
Return
See Also:
Call, ParseData, Return
Char2Num
Converts the first character of a string to its numeric equivalent.
Syntax:
Char2Num (string)
Parameters:
"string" = any text string. Only the first character will be
converted.
Returns:
(integer) ANSI character code.
This function returns the 8-bit ANSI code corresponding to the first
character of the string parameter.
Note: For the commonly-used characters (with codes below 128), ANSI
and ASCII characters are identical.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
; Show the hex equivalent of entered character
inpchar = AskLine("ANSI Equivalents", "Char:", "")
ansi = StrSub(inpchar, 1, 1)
ansiequiv = Char2Num(InpChar)
Message("ANSI Codes", "%ansi% => %ansiequiv%")
See Also:
Num2Char
ClipAppend
Appends a string to the Clipboard.
Syntax:
ClipAppend (string)
Parameters:
"string" = text string to add to Clipboard.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if string was appended;
@FALSE if Clipboard ran out of memory.
Use this function to append a string to the Windows Clipboard. The
Clipboard must either contain text data or be empty for this function
to succeed.
Example:
; The code below will append 2 copies of the
; Clipboard contents back to the Clipboard, resulting
; in 3 copies of the original contents with a CR/LF
; between each copy.
a = ClipGet()
crlf = StrCat(Num2Char(13), Num2Char(10))
ClipAppend(crlf)
ClipAppend(a)
ClipAppend(crlf)
ClipAppend(a)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
ClipGet, ClipPut
ClipGet
Returns the contents of the Clipboard.
Syntax:
ClipGet ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) clipboard contents.
Use this function to copy text from the Windows Clipboard into a
string variable.
Note: If the Clipboard contains an excessively large string a (fatal)
out of memory error may occur.
Example:
; The code below will convert Clipboard contents to
; uppercase
ClipPut(StrUpper(ClipGet()))
a = ClipGet()
Message("UPPERCASE Clipboard Contents", a)
See Also:
ClipAppend, ClipPut
ClipPut
Copies a string to the clipboard.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Syntax:
ClipPut (string)
Parameters:
"string" = any text string.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if string was copied;
@FALSE if clipboard ran out of memory.
Use this function to copy a string to the Windows Clipboard. The
previous Clipboard contents will be lost.
Example:
; The code below will convert Clipboard contents to
; lowercase
ClipPut(StrLower(ClipGet()))
a = ClipGet()
Message("lowercase Clipboard Contents", a)
See Also:
ClipAppend, ClipGet
DateTime
Provides the current Date and time.
Syntax:
DateTime ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) today's date and time
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
This function will return the current date and time in a pre-formatted
string. The format it is returned in depends on how it is set up in
the international section of the WIN.INI file:
ddd mm:dd:yy hh:mm:ss XX
ddd dd:mm:yy hh:mm:ss XX
ddd yy:mm:dd hh:mm:ss XX
Where:
ddd is day of the week (e.g. Mon)
mm is the month (e.g. 10)
dd is the day of the month (e.g. 23)
yy is the year (e.g. 90)
hh is the hours
mm is the minutes
ss is the seconds
XX is the Day/Night code (e.g. AM or PM)
Note: Windows provides even more formatting options than this.
The WIN.INI file will be examined to determine which format to use.
You can adjust the WIN.INI file via the International section of the
Control Panel if the format isn't what you prefer.
Example:
; assuming the current standard is U.S.
; (i.e. day dd/mm/yy hh:mm:ss AM)
Message("Current Date & Time", DateTime())
Debug
Controls the debug mode.
Syntax:
Debug (mode)
Parameters:
mode = @ON or @OFF
Returns:
(integer) previous debug mode
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Use this function to turn the debug mode on or off. The default is
@OFF.
When debug mode is on, WinBatch will display the statement just
executed, its result (if any), any error conditions, and the next
statement to execute.
The statements are displayed in a special dialog box. As you can see
in the Example section following, the dialog box gives the user four
options: Next, Run, Cancel and Show Var.
Next executes the next statement and remains in debug mode.
Run exits debug mode and runs the rest of the program normally.
Cancel terminates the current batch file.
Show Var displays the contents of a variable whose name the user
entered in the edit box.
Example:
Debug(@ON)
a = 6
q = AskYesNo("Testing Debug Mode", "Is the Pope Catholic")
Debug(@OFF)
b = a + 4
See Also:
ErrorMode, LastError
Delay
Pauses execution for a specified amount of time.
Syntax:
Delay (seconds)
Parameters:
seconds = integer seconds to delay (2 - 15)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE
This function causes the currently-executing batch file to be
suspended for the specified period of time. Seconds must be an
integer between 2 and 15. Smaller or larger numbers will be adjusted
accordingly.
Example:
Message("Wait", "About 15 seconds")
Delay(15)
Message("Hi", "I'm Baaaaaaack")
See Also:
Yield
DialogBox
Pops up a Windows dialog box defined by the WBD template file.
Syntax:
DialogBox ("title", "WBD file")
Parameters:
"title" = the title of the dialog box.
"WBD file" = the name of the WBD template file.
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
Each element in the template file is enclosed in square brackets, and
consists of a variable name, followed by one of the following symbols:
Symbol Meaning Example
+ check box [backup+1Save backup]
# edit box [newfile# ]
\ file selection listbox [editfile\ ]
^ radio button [prog^1Note] [prog^2Write]
$ variable [var$]
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
The number following the check box and radio button symbols is the
value which will get assigned to the variable if its corresponding box
is checked, or button is selected. Following the number is the
descriptive text which will appear next to the box or button.
When used in conjunction with a file selection list box variable with
the same name, two of these symbols have special meanings:
# file mask edit box [editfile# ]
$ directory variable [editfile$ ]
Anything not appearing within square brackets is displayed as text.
Example:
[editfile$ ]
File mask [editfile# ]
[editfile\ ]
[editfile\ ]
[editfile\ ]
[editfile\ ]
[editfile\ ]
[backup+1Save backup of file]
[prog^1Notepad] [prog^2WinEdit]
See Also:
Manual section on the DialogBox function (pg. 31).
DirChange
Changes the current directory. Can also log a new drive.
Syntax:
DirChange ([d:]path)
Parameters:
"[d:]" = an optional disk drive to log onto.
"path" = the desired path.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if directory was changed;
@FALSE if the path could not be found.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Use this function to change the current working directory to another
directory, either on the same or a different disk drive.
Example:
DirChange("c:\")
TextBox("This is your CONFIG.SYS file", "config.sys")
See Also:
DirGet, DirHome, LogDisk
DirGet
Gets the current working directory.
Syntax:
DirGet ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) = current working directory.
Use this function to determine which directory we are currently in.
It's especially useful when changing drives or directories
temporarily.
Example:
; Get, then restore current working directory
origdir = DirGet()
DirChange("c:\")
FileCopy("config.sys", "%origdir%xxxtemp.xyz", @FALSE)
DirChange(origdir)
See Also:
DirHome
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
DirHome
Returns directory containing the WinBatch executable files.
Syntax:
DirHome ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) pathname of the home directory.
Use this function to determine the location of WINBATCH.EXE.
Example:
a = DirHome()
Message("WinBatch Executable is in ", a)
See Also:
DirGet
DirItemize
Returns a space-delimited list of directories.
Syntax:
DirItemize (dir-list)
Parameters:
"dir-list" = a string containing a set of subdirectory names, which
may be wildcarded.
Returns:
(string) list of directories.
This function compiles a list of subdirectories and separates the
names with spaces.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
This is especially useful in conjunction with the ItemSelect function,
which enables the user to choose an item from such a space-delimited
list.
DirItemize("*.*") returns all dirs
Example:
a = DirItemize("*")
ItemSelect("Directories", a, " ")
See Also:
FileItemize, WinItemize, ItemSelect
DirMake
Creates a new directory.
Syntax:
DirMake ([d:]path)
Parameters:
"[d:]" = the desired disk drive.
"path" = the path to create.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the directory was successfully created;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this function to create a new directory.
Example:
DirMake("c:\xxxstuff")
See Also:
DirRemove, DirRename
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
DirRemove
Removes a directory.
Syntax:
DirRemove (dir-list)
Parameters:
"dir-list" = a space-delimited list of directory pathnames.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the directory was successfully removed;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this function to delete directories. You can delete one or more
at a time by separating directory names with spaces. You cannot,
however, use wildcards.
Examples:
DirRemove("c:\xxxstuff")
DirRemove("tempdir1 tempdir2 tempdir3")
See Also:
DirMake, DirRename
DirRename
Renames a directory.
Syntax:
DirRename ([d:]oldpath, [d:]newpath)
Parameters:
"oldpath" = existing directory name, with optional drive.
"newpath" = new name for directory.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the directory was successfully renamed;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Example:
DirRename("c:\temp", "c:\work")
See Also:
DirMake, DirRemove
DiskFree
Finds the total space available on a group of drives.
Syntax:
DiskFree (drive-list)
Parameters:
"drive-list" = at least one drive letter, separated by spaces.
Returns:
(integer) the number of bytes available on all the specified
drives.
This function takes a string consisting of drive letters, separated by
spaces. Only the first character of each non-blank group of
characters is used to determine the drives, so you can use just the
drive letters, or add a colon (:), or add a backslash (\), or even a
whole pathname, and still get a perfectly valid result.
Example:
size = DiskFree("c d")
Message("Space Available on C: & D:", size)
See Also:
FileSize
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Display
Displays a message to the user for a specified period of time.
Syntax:
Display (seconds, title, text)
Parameters:
seconds = integer seconds to display the message (1-15).
"title" = title of the window to be displayed.
"text" = text of the window to be displayed.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
Use this function to display a message for a few seconds, and then
continue processing without user input.
Seconds must be an integer between 1 and 15. Smaller or larger
numbers will be adjusted accordingly.
The display box may be prematurely canceled by the user by clicking a
mouse button, or hitting any key.
Example:
Display(3, "Current window is", WinGetActive())
See Also:
Pause, Message
DOSVersion
Returns the version numbers of the current version of DOS.
Syntax:
DOSVersion (level)
Parameters:
level = @MAJOR or @MINOR.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) integer or decimal part of DOS version number.
@MAJOR returns the integer part (to the left of the decimal).
@MINOR returns the decimal part (to the right of the decimal).
If the version of DOS in use is 4.0, then:
DOSVersion(@MAJOR) == 4
DOSVersion(@MINOR) == 0
Example:
i = DOSVersion(@MAJOR)
d = DOSVersion(@MINOR)
If StrLen(d) == 1 Then d = StrCat("0", d)
Message("DOS Version", "%i%.%d%")
See Also:
Environment, Version, WinVersion
Drop
Removes variables from memory.
Syntax:
Drop (var, [var]...)
Parameters:
var = variable names to remove.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
This function removes variables from the language processor's variable
list, and recovers the memory associated with the variable (and
possibly related string storage).
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
a = "A variable"
b = "Another one"
Drop(a, b) ; This removes A and B from memory
EndSession
Ends the Windows session.
Syntax:
EndSession ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
Use this command to end the Windows session. This command is
equivalent to closing the Program Manager window.
Example:
sure = AskYesNo ("End Session", "You SURE you want to exit
Windows?")
If sure == @No Then Goto cancel
EndSession()
:cancel
Message("", "Exit Windows canceled")
See Also:
Exit, WinClose, WinCloseNot
Environment
Gets a DOS environment variable.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Syntax:
Environment (env-variable)
Parameters:
"env-variable" = any defined environment variable.
Returns:
(string) environment variable contents.
Use this function to query the DOS environment.
Example:
; Display the PATH for this DOS session
currpath = Environment("PATH")
Message("Current DOS Path", currpath)
See Also:
IniRead, Version, WinVersion
ErrorMode
Specifies how to handle errors.
Syntax:
ErrorMode (mode)
Parameters:
mode = @CANCEL or @NOTIFY or @OFF.
Returns:
(integer) previous error setting.
Use this function to control the effects of runtime errors. The
default is @CANCEL, meaning the execution of the batch file will be
canceled for any error.
@CANCEL: All runtime errors will cause execution to be canceled. The
user will be notified which error occurred.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
@NOTIFY: All runtime errors will be reported to the user, and the
user can choose to continue if it isn't fatal.
@OFF: Minor runtime errors will be suppressed. Moderate and fatal
errors will be reported to the user. User has the option of
continuing if the error is not fatal.
In general, we suggest the normal state of the program should be
ErrorMode(@CANCEL), especially if you are writing a batch file for
others to use. You can always suppress errors you expect will occur
and then re-enable ErrorMode (@CANCEL).
Example:
; Delete xxxtest.xyz. If file doesn't exist,
; continue execution; don't stop
prevmode = ErrorMode(@OFF)
FileDelete("c:\xxxtest.xyz")
ErrorMode(prevmode)
See Also:
Debug, LastError
Execute
Executes a statement in a protected environment. Any errors
encountered are recoverable.
Syntax:
Execute statement
Parameters:
"statement" = is (hopefully) an executable statement.
Use this command to execute computed or user-entered statements. Due
to the built-in error recovery associated with Execute, it is ideal
for interactive execution of user-entered commands.
Note that the Execute command doesn't operate on a string, per se, but
rather on a direct statement. If you want to put a code segment into
a string variable, you must use the substitution feature of the
language, as in the example below.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
cmd = ""
cmd = AskLine("WBL Interactive", "Command:", cmd)
Execute %cmd%
Exit
Terminates the batch file being interpreted.
Syntax:
Exit
Use this command to prematurely exit a batch file process. An exit is
implied at the end of each batch file.
Example:
a = 100
Message("The value of a is", a)
Exit
See Also:
Pause
Exclusive
Controls whether or not other Windows programs will get any time to
execute.
Syntax:
Exclusive (mode)
Parameters:
mode = @ON or @OFF.
Returns:
(integer) previous Exclusive mode.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Exclusive(@OFF) is the default mode. In this mode,WinBatch is well-
behaved toward other Windows applications.
Exclusive(@ON) allows WinBatch files to run somewhat faster, but
causes WinBatch to be "greedier" about sharing processing time with
other active Windows applications. For the most part, this mode is
useful only when you have a series of WinBatch statements which must
be executed in quick succession.
Example:
Exclusive(@ON)
x = 0
start = DateTime()
:add
x = x + 1
If x < 1000 Then Goto add
stop = DateTime()
crlf = StrCat(Num2Char(13), Num2Char(10))
Message("Times", "Start: %start%%crlf%Stop: %stop%")
Exclusive(@OFF)
FileAppend
Appends one or more files to another file.
Syntax:
FileAppend (source-list, destination)
Parameters:
"source-list" = a string containing one or more filenames, which
may be wildcarded.
"destination" = target file name.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if all files were appended successfully;
@FALSE if at least one file wasn't appended.
Use this function to append an individual file or a group of files to
the end of an existing file. If "destination" does not exist, it will
be created.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
The file(s) specified in "source-list" will not be modified by this
function.
"Source-list" may contain * and ? wildcards. "Destination" may not
contain wildcards of any type; it must be a single file name.
Examples:
FileAppend("c:\config.sys", "c:\misc\config.sav")
DirChange("c:\batch")
FileDelete("allbats.fil")
FileAppend("*.bat", "allbats.fil")
See Also:
FileCopy, FileDelete, FileExist
FileClose
Closes a file.
Syntax:
FileClose (filehandle)
Parameters:
filehandle = same integer that was returned by FileOpen.
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
Example:
; the hard way to copy an ASCII file
old = FileOpen("config.sys", "READ")
new = FileOpen("sample.txt", "WRITE")
:top
x = FileRead(old)
If x != "*EOF*" Then FileWrite(new, x)
If x != "*EOF*" Then Goto top
FileClose(new)
FileClose(old)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
FileOpen, FileRead, FileWrite
FileCopy
Copies files.
Syntax:
FileCopy (source-list, destination, warning)
Parameters:
"source-list" = a string containing one or more filenames, which
may be wildcarded.
"destination" = target file name.
warning = @TRUE if you want a warning before overwriting
existing files;
@FALSE if no warning desired.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if all files were copied successfully;
@FALSE if at least one file wasn't copied.
Use this function to copy an individual file, a group of files using
wildcards, or several groups of files by separating the names with
spaces.
You can also copy files to any COM or LPT device.
"Source-list" may contain * and ? wildcards. "Destination" may
contain the * wildcard only.
Examples:
FileCopy("c:\config.sys", "d:", @FALSE)
FileCopy("c:\*.sys", "d:devices\*.sys", @TRUE)
FileCopy("c:\config.sys", "LPT1:", @FALSE)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
FileDelete, FileExist, FileLocate, FileMove, FileRename
FileDelete
Deletes files.
Syntax:
FileDelete (file-list)
Parameters:
"file-list" = a string containing one or more filenames, which
may be wildcarded.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if all the files were deleted;
@FALSE if a file didn't exist or is marked with the
READ-ONLY attribute.
Use this function to delete an individual file, a group of files using
wildcards, or several groups of files by separating the names with
spaces.
Example:
FileDelete("*.bak temp???.fil")
See Also:
FileExist, FileLocate, FileMove, FileRename
FileExist
Tests for the existence of files.
Syntax:
FileExist (filename)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Parameters:
"filename" = either a fully qualified filename with drive and path,
or just a filename and extension.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the file exists;
@FALSE if it doesn't or if the pathname is invalid.
This function is used to test whether or not a specified file exists.
If a fully-qualified file name is used, only the specified drive and
directory will be checked for the desired file. If only the root and
extension are specified, then first the current directory is checked
for the file, and then, if the file is not found in the current
directory, all directories in the DOS path are searched.
Examples:
; check for file in current directory
fex = FileExist(StrCat(DirGet(), "myfile.txt"))
tex = StrSub("NOT", 1, StrLen("NOT") * fex)
Message("MyFile.Txt"," Is %tex%in the current directory")
; check for file someplace along path
fex = FileExist("myfile.txt")
tex = StrSub("NOT", 1, StrLen("NOT") * fex)
Message("MyFile.Txt", " Is %tex% in the DOS path")
See Also:
FileLocate
FileExtension
Returns extension of file.
Syntax:
FileExtension (filename)
Parameters:
"filename" = [optional path]complete file name, with extension.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(string) file extension.
FileExtension parses the passed filename and returns the extension
part of the filename.
Example:
; prevent the user from editing a COM or EXE file
allfiles = FileItemize("*.*")
editfile = ItemSelect("Select file to edit", allfiles, " ")
ext = FileExtension(editfile)
If (ext == "com") || (ext == "exe") Then Goto noedit
run("notepad.exe", editfile)
exit
:noedit
Message ("Sorry", "You may not edit a program file")
See Also:
FileRoot, FilePath
FileItemize
Returns a space-delimited list of files.
Syntax:
FileItemize (file-list)
Parameters:
"file-list" = a string containing a list of filenames, which may
be wildcarded.
Returns:
(string) space-delimited list of files.
This function compiles a list of filenames and separates the names
with spaces.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
This is especially useful in conjunction with the ItemSelect function,
which lets the user choose an item from such a space-delimited list.
Examples:
FileItemize("*.bak") ; all BAK files
FileItemize("*.arc *.zip *.lzh") ; compressed files
; Get which .INI file to edit
ifiles = FileItemize("c:\windows\*.ini")
ifile = ItemSelect(".INI Files", ifiles, " ")
RunZoom("notepad", ifile)
Drop(ifiles, ifile)
See Also:
DirItemize, WinItemize, ItemSelect
FileLocate
Finds file in current directory or along the DOS path.
Syntax:
FileLocate (filename)
Parameters:
"filename" = root name, ".", and extension.
Returns:
(string) fully-qualified path name.
This function is used to obtain the fully qualified path name of a
file. The current directory is checked first, and if the file is not
found, the DOS path is searched. The first occurrence of the file is
returned.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
; Edit WIN.INI
winini = FileLocate("win.ini")
If winini == "" Then Goto notfound
Run("notepad.exe", winini)
Exit
:notfound
Message("???", "WIN.INI not found")
See Also:
FileExist
FileMove
Moves files.
Syntax:
FileMove (source-list, destination, warning)
Parameters:
"source-list" = one or more filenames separated by spaces.
"destination" = target filename.
warning = @TRUE if you want a warning before overwriting
existing files;
@FALSE if no warning desired.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the file was moved;
@FALSE if the source file was not found or had the
READ-ONLY attribute, or target filename is invalid.
Use this function to move an individual file, a group of files using
wildcards, or several groups of files by separating the names with
spaces.
You can also move files to another drive, or to any COM or LPT device.
"Source-list" may contain * and ? wildcards. "Destination" may
contain the * wildcard only.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Examples:
FileMove("c:\config.sys", "d:", @FALSE)
FileMove("c:\*.sys", "d:*.sys", @TRUE)
See Also:
FileCopy, FileDelete, FileExist, FileLocate, FileRename
FileOpen
Opens a STANDARD ASCII (only) file for reading or writing.
Syntax:
FileOpen (filename, open-type)
Parameters:
"filename" = name of the file to open.
open-type = READ or WRITE.
Returns:
(special integer) filehandle
The "filehandle" returned by the FileOpen function is subsequently
used by the FileRead, FileWrite, and FileClose functions.
Examples:
; To open for reading:
FileOpen("stuff.txt", "READ")
; To open for writing:
FileOpen("stuff.txt", "WRITE")
See Also:
FileClose, FileRead, FileWrite
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
FilePath
Returns path of file.
Syntax:
FilePath (filename)
Parameters:
"filename" = fully qualified file name, including path.
Returns:
(string) fully qualified path name.
FilePath parses the passed filename and returns the drive and path of
the file specification, if any.
Example:
coms = Environment("COMSPEC")
compath = FilePath(coms)
Message("", "Your command processor is located in the %compath%
directory")
See Also:
FileRoot, FileExtension
FileRead
Reads data from a file.
Syntax:
FileRead (filehandle)
Parameters:
filehandle = same integer that was returned by FileOpen.
Returns:
(string) line of data read from file.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
When the end of the file is reached, the string *EOF* will be
returned.
Example:
handle = FileOpen("autoexec.bat", "READ")
:top
line = FileRead(handle)
Display(4, "AUTOEXEC DATA", line)
If line != "*EOF*" Then Goto top
FileClose(handle)
See Also:
FileOpen, FileClose, FileWrite
FileRename
Renames files.
Syntax:
FileRename (source-list, destination)
Parameters:
"source-list" = one or more filenames, separated by spaces.
"destination" = target filename.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the file was renamed;
@FALSE if the source file was not found or had the
READ-ONLY attribute, or target filename is invalid.
Use this function to rename an individual file, a group of files using
wildcards, or several groups of files by separating the names with
spaces.
Note: Unlike FileMove, you cannot make a file change its resident disk
drive with FileRename.
"Source-list" may contain * and ? wildcards. "Destination" may
contain the * wildcard only.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Examples:
FileRename("c:\config.sys", "config.old")
FileRename("c:\*.txt", "*.bak")
See Also:
FileCopy, FileExist, FileLocate, FileMove
FileRoot
Returns root of file.
Syntax:
FileRoot (filename)
Parameters:
"filename" = [optional path]complete file name, with extension.
Returns:
(string) file root.
FileRoot parses the passed filename and returns the root part of the
filename.
Example:
allfiles = FileItemize("*.*")
editfile = ItemSelect("Select file to edit", allfiles, " ")
root = FileRoot(editfile)
ext = FileExtension(editfile)
lowerext = StrLower(ext)
nicefile = StrCat(root, ".", lowerext)
Message("", "You are about to edit %nicefile%.")
Run("notepad.exe", editfile)
See Also:
FileExtension, FilePath
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
FileSize
Finds the total size of a group of files.
Syntax:
FileSize (file-list)
Parameters:
"file-list" = zero or more filenames, separated by spaces.
Returns:
(integer) total bytes taken up by the specified files.
This function returns the total size of the specified files. Note
that it doesn't handle wildcarded filenames. You can, however, use
FileItemize on a wildcarded filename and use the resulting string as a
FileSize parameter.
Example:
size = FileSize(FileItemize("*.*"))
Message("Size of All Files in Directory", size)
See Also:
DiskFree
FileWrite
Writes data to a file.
Syntax:
FileWrite(filehandle, output-data)
Parameters:
filehandle = same integer that was returned by FileOpen.
"output-data" = data to write to file.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
Example:
handle = FileOpen("stuff.txt", "WRITE")
FileWrite(handle, "Gobbledygook")
FileClose(handle)
See Also:
FileOpen, FileClose, FileRead
Goto
Changes the flow of control in a batch file.
Syntax:
Goto label
Parameters:
"label" = user-defined identifier.
Goto label causes an unconditional branch to the batch file line
marked :label, where the identifier is preceded by a colon (:).
Example:
If WinExist("Solitaire") == @FALSE Then Goto open
WinActivate("Solitaire")
Goto loaded
:open
Run("sol.exe", "")
:loaded
See Also:
If ... Then
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
If...Then
Conditionally performs a function.
Syntax:
If condition Then statement
Parameters:
"condition" = an expression to be evaluated.
"statement" = any valid WinBatch function or command.
If the condition following the If keyword is true, the statement
following the Then keyword is executed. If the condition following
the If keyword is false, the statement following the Then keyword is
ignored.
Example:
sure = AskYesNo("End Session", "Really quit Windows?")
If sure == @YES Then EndSession()
See Also:
Goto
IgnoreInput
Turns off hardware input to windows.
Syntax:
IgnoreInput(mode)
Parameters:
mode = @TRUE or @FALSE.
Returns:
(integer) previous IgnoreInput mode.
IgnoreInput causes mouse movements, clicks and keyboard entry to be
completely ignored. Good for self-running demos.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Warning: If you are not careful with the use of IgnoreInput, you can
lock up your computer!
Example:
username = AskLine("Hello", "Please enter your name","")
IgnoreInput(@TRUE)
Call("demo.wbt", username)
IgnoreInput(@FALSE)
IniRead
Reads data from the WIN.INI file.
Syntax:
IniRead (section, keyname, default)
Parameters:
"section" = the major heading to read the data from.
"keyname = the name of the item to read.
"default" = string to return if the desired item is not found.
Returns:
(string) data from WIN.INI file.
This function allows a program to read data from the WIN.INI file.
The WIN.INI file has the form:
[section]
keyname=settings
Most of the entries in WIN.INI are set from the Windows Control Panel
program, but individual applications can also use it to store option
settings in their own sections.
Example:
; Find the default output device
a = IniRead("windows", "device", "No Default")
Message("Default Output Device", a)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
IniWrite, IniReadPvt, IniWritePvt, Environment
IniReadPvt
Reads data from a private INI file.
Syntax:
IniReadPvt (section, keyname, default, filename)
Parameters:
"section" = the major heading to read the data from.
"keyname = the name of the item to read.
"default" = string to return if the desired item is not found.
"filename" = name of the INI file.
Returns:
(string) data from the INI file.
Looks up a value in the "filename".INI file. If the value is not
found, the "default" will be returned.
Example:
IniReadPvt("Main", "Lang", "English", "WB.INI")
Given the following segment from WB.INI:
[Main]
Lang=French
The batch file line above would return:
French
See Also:
IniWritePvt, IniRead, IniWrite
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
IniWrite
Writes data to the WIN.INI file.
Syntax:
IniWrite (section, keyname, data)
Parameters:
"section" = major heading to write the data to.
"keyname = name of the data item to write.
"data" = string to write to the WIN.INI file.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
This command allows a program to write data to the WIN.INI file. The
"section" is added to the file if it doesn't already exist.
Example:
; Change the list of pgms to load upon Windows
; startup
loadprogs = IniRead("windows", "load", "")
newprogs = AskLine("Add Pgm To LOAD= Line", "Add:", loadprogs)
IniWrite("windows", "load", newprogs)
See Also:
IniRead, IniReadPvt, IniWritePvt
IniWritePvt
Writes data to a private INI file.
Syntax:
IniWritePvt (section, keyname, data, filename)
Parameters:
"section" = major heading to write the data to.
"keyname = name of the data item to write.
"data" = string to write to the INI file.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
"filename" = name of the INI file.
Writes a value in the "filename".INI file.
Example:
IniWritePvt("Main", "Lang", "French, "WB.INI")
This would create the following entry in WB.INI:
[Main]
Lang=French
See Also:
IniReadPvt, IniRead, IniWrite
IsDefined
Determines if a variable name is currently defined.
Syntax:
IsDefined (var)
Parameters:
"var" = a variable name.
Returns:
(integer) @YES if the variable is currently defined;
@NO if it was never defined or has been dropped.
A variable is defined the first time it appears at the left of an
equal sign in a statement. It stays defined until it is explicitly
dropped with the Drop function, or until the batch file ends.
Example:
def = IsDefined(thisvar)
If def == @FALSE Then Message("ERROR!", "Variable not defined")
See Also:
Drop
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
IsKeyDown
Tells about keys/mouse.
Syntax:
IsKeyDown(keycodes)
Parameters:
keycodes = @SHIFT and/or @CTRL
Returns:
(integer) @YES if the key is down.
@NO if the key is not down.
Determines if the Shift key or the Ctrl key is currently down.
Note: The right mouse button is the same as Shift, and the middle
mouse button is the same as Ctrl.
Examples:
IsKeyDown(@SHIFT)
IsKeyDown(@CTRL)
IsKeyDown(@CTRL | @SHIFT)
IsKeyDown(@CTRL & @SHIFT)
IsLicensed
Tells if WinBatch is licensed.
Syntax:
IsLicensed()
Parameters:
(none)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) @YES if current version of WinBatch is licensed.
@NO if current version of WinBatch is not licensed.
Returns information on whether or not the current version of WinBatch
is a licensed copy.
Example:
IsLicensed()
IsNumber
Determines whether a variable contains a valid number.
Syntax:
IsNumber (string)
Parameters:
"string" = string to test to see if it represents a valid number.
Returns:
(integer) @YES if it contains a valid number;
@NO if it doesn't.
This function determines if a string variable contains a valid
integer. Useful for checking user input prior to using it in
computations.
Example:
a = AskLine("ISNUMBER", "Enter a number", "0")
If IsNumber(a) == @NO Then Message("", "You didn't enter a
number")
See Also:
Abs, Char2Num
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
ItemCount
Returns the number of items in a list.
Syntax:
ItemCount (list, delimiter)
Parameters:
"list" = a string containing a list of items to choose from.
"delimiter" = a string containing the character to act as
delimiter between items in the list.
Returns:
(integer) the number of items in the list.
If you create the list with the FileItemize or DirItemize functions
you will be using a space-delimited list. WinItemize, however,
creates a tab-delimited list of window titles since titles can have
embedded blanks.
Example:
a = FileItemize("*.*")
n = ItemCount(a, " ")
Message("Note", "There are %n% files")
See Also:
DirItemize, FileItemize, WinItemize, ItemExtract, ItemSelect
ItemExtract
Returns the selected item from a list.
Syntax:
ItemExtract (select, list, delimiter)
Parameters:
select = the position in "list" of the item to be selected.
"list" = a string containing a list of items to choose from.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
"delimiter" = a string containing the character to act as
delimiter between items in the list.
Returns:
(string) the selected item.
If you create the list with the FileItemize or DirItemize functions
you will be using a space-delimited list. WinItemize, however,
creates a tab-delimited list of window titles since titles can have
embedded blanks.
Example:
bmpfiles = FileItemize("*.bmp")
bmpcount = ItemCount(bmpfiles, " ")
pos = (Random(bmpcount - 1)) + 1
paper = ItemExtract(pos, bmpfiles, " ")
Wallpaper(paper, @FALSE)
See Also:
DirItemize, FileItemize, WinItemize, ItemExtract, ItemSelect
ItemSelect
Allows the user to choose an item from a listbox.
Syntax:
ItemSelect (title, list, delimiter)
Parameters:
"title" = the title of dialog box to display.
"list" = a string containing a list of items to choose from.
"delimiter" = a string containing the character to act as
delimiter between items in the list.
Returns:
(string) the selected item.
This function displays a dialog box with a listbox inside. This
listbox is filled with a sorted list of items taken from a string you
provide to the function.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Each item in the string must be separated ("delimited") by a
character, which you also pass to the function.
The user selects one of the items by either doubleclicking on it, or
single-clicking and pressing OK. The item is returned as a string.
If you create the list with the FileItemize or DirItemize functions
you will be using a space-delimited list. WinItemize, however,
creates a tab-delimited list of window titles since titles can have
embedded blanks.
Example:
DirChange("c:\winword")
alldotfiles = FileItemize("*.dot")
dotfile = ItemSelect("W4W Templates", alldotfiles, " ")
Run("winword.exe", dotfile)
See Also:
AskYesNo, Display, DirItemize, FileItemize, WinItemize, Message,
Pause, TextBox, ItemCount, ItemExtract
LastError
Returns the most-recent error encountered during the current batch
file.
Syntax:
LastError ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(integer) most-recent WBL error code encountered.
WBL errors are numbered according to their severity. "Minor" errors
go from 1000 through 1999. Moderate errors are 2000 through 2999.
Fatal errors are numbered 3000 to 3999.
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Depending on which error mode is active when an error occurs, you may
not get a chance to check the error code. See ErrorMode for a
discussion of default error handling.
Don't bother checking for "fatal" error codes. When a fatal error
occurs, the batch file is canceled before the next WBL statement gets
to execute (regardless of which error mode is active).
Every time the LastError function is called, the "last error"
indicator is reset to zero.
A full listing of possible errors you can encounter in processing a
batch file is in Appendix B (pg. 152).
Example:
ErrorMode(@OFF)
FileCopy("data.dat", "c:\backups", @FALSE)
ErrorMode(@CANCEL)
If LastError() == 1006 Then Message("Error", "Please call Tech
Support at 555-9999.")
See Also:
Debug, ErrorMode
LogDisk
Logs (activates) a disk drive.
Syntax:
LogDisk (drive-letter)
Parameters:
"drive-letter" = the disk drive to log into.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the current drive was changed;
@FALSE if the drive doesn't exist.
Use this function to change the logged disk drive.
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This command produces the same effect as if you typed the drive name
from the DOS command prompt.
Example:
LogDisk("c:")
See Also:
DirChange
Max
Returns largest number in a list of numbers.
Syntax:
Max (integer [, integer]...)
Parameters:
integer = an integer number.
Returns:
(integer) largest parameter.
Use this function to determine the largest of a set of comma-delimited
integers.
Example:
a = Max(5, -37, 125, 34, 2345, -32767)
Message("Largest number is", a)
See Also:
Abs, Average, Min
Message
Displays a message to the user.
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Syntax:
Message (title, text)
Parameters:
"title" = title of the message box.
"text" = text to display in the message box.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
Use this function to display a message to the user. The user must
respond by selecting the OK button before processing will continue.
Example:
Message("Current directory is", DirGet())
See Also:
Display, Pause
Min
Returns lowest number in a list of numbers.
Syntax:
Min (integer [, integer]...)
Parameters:
integer = an integer number.
Returns:
(integer) lowest parameter.
Use this function to determine the lowest of a set of comma-delimited
integers.
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Example:
a = Min( 5, -37, 125, 34, 2345, -32767)
Message("Smallest number is", a)
See Also:
Abs, Average, Max
Num2Char
Converts a number to its character equivalent.
Syntax:
Num2Char (integer)
Parameters:
number = any number from 0 to 255.
Returns:
(string) one-byte string containing the character the number
represents.
Use this function to convert a number to its ASCII equivalent.
Example:
; Build a variable containing a CRLF combo
crlf = StrCat(Num2Char(13), Num2Char(10))
Message("NUM2CHAR", StrCat("line1", crlf, "line2"))
See Also:
Char2Num
ParseData
Parses the passed string, just like passed parameters are parsed.
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Syntax:
ParseData (string)
Parameters:
"string" = string to be parsed.
Returns:
(integer) number of parameters in "string".
This function breaks a string constant or string variable into new
sub-string variables named param1, param2, etc. Blank spaces in the
original string are used as delimiters to create the new variables.
Param0 is the count of how many sub-strings are found in "string".
Example:
username = AskLine("Hello", "Please enter your name","")
ParseData(username)
If the user enters:
Joe Q. User
ParseData would create the following variables:
param1 == Joe
param2 == Q.
param3 == User
param0 == 3
Pause
Provides a message to user. User may cancel processing.
Syntax:
Pause (title, text)
Parameters:
"title" = title of pause box.
"text" = text of the message to be displayed.
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Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
This function displays a message to the user with an exclamation point
icon. The user may respond by selecting the OK button, or may cancel
the processing by selecting Cancel.
The Pause function is similar to the Message function, except for the
addition of the Cancel button and icon.
Example:
Pause("Change Disks", "Insert new disk into Drive A:")
See Also:
Display, Message
Random
Computes a pseudo-random number.
Syntax:
Random (max)
Parameters:
max = largest desired integer number.
Returns:
(integer) unpredictable positive number.
This function will return a random integer between 0 and "max".
Example:
a = Random(79)
Message("Random number between 0 and 79", a)
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Return
Used to return from a Call or a CallExt to the calling program.
Syntax:
Return
If the program was not called, then an Exit is assumed.
Example:
Display(2, "End of subroutine", "Returning to MAIN.WBT")
Return
See Also:
Call, CallExt, Exit
Run
Runs a program as a normal window.
Syntax:
Run (program-name, parameters)
Parameters:
"program-name" = the name of the desired .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .BAT
file, or a data file.
"parameters" = optional parameters as required by the
application.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the program was found;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this command to run an application.
If the drive and path are not part of the program name, the current
directory will be examined first, and then the DOS path will be
searched to find the desired executable file.
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If the "program-name" doesn't have an extension of .EXE, .COM, .PIF,
or .BAT, it will be run in accordance with whatever is in the
[extensions] section of the WIN.INI file. When this happens, any
"parameters" you specified are ignored.
Examples:
Run("notepad.exe", "abc.txt")
Run("clock.exe", "")
Run("paint.exe", "pict.msp")
See Also:
RunHide, RunIcon, RunZoom, WinClose, WinWaitClose
RunHide
Runs a program as a hidden window.
Syntax:
RunHide (program-name, parameters)
Parameters:
"program-name" = the name of the desired .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .BAT
file, or a data file.
"parameters" = optional parameters as required by the
application.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the program was found;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this command to run an application as a hidden window.
If the drive and path are not part of the program name, the current
directory will be examined first, and then the DOS path will be
searched to find the desired executable file.
If the "program-name" doesn't have an extension of .EXE, .COM, .PIF,
or .BAT, it will be run in accordance with whatever is in the
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[extensions] section of the WIN.INI file. When this happens, any
"parameters" you specified are ignored.
Note: When this command launches an application, it informs it that
you want it to run as a hidden window. Whether or not the application
honors your wish is beyond RunHide's control.
Examples:
RunHide("notepad.exe", "abc.txt")
RunHide("clock.exe", "")
RunHide("paint.exe", "pict.msp")
See Also:
Run, RunIcon, RunZoom, WinHide, WinClose, WinWaitClose
RunIcon
Runs a program as an iconic (minimized) window.
Syntax:
RunIcon (program-name, parameters)
Parameters:
"program-name" = the name of the desired .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .BAT
file, or a data file.
"parameters" = optional parameters as required by the
application.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the program was found;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this command to run an application as an icon.
If the drive and path are not part of the program name, the current
directory will be examined first, and then the DOS path will be
searched to find the desired executable file.
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If the "program-name" doesn't have an extension of .EXE, .COM, .PIF,
or .BAT, it will be run in accordance with whatever is in the
[extensions] section of the WIN.INI file. When this happens, any
"parameters" you specified are ignored.
Note: When this command launches an application, it merely informs it
that you want it to begin as an icon. Whether or not the application
honors your wish is beyond RunIcon's control.
Examples:
RunIcon("notepad.exe", "abc.txt")
RunIcon("clock.exe", "")
RunIcon("paint.exe", "pict.msp")
See Also:
Run, RunHide, RunZoom, WinIconize, WinClose, WinWaitClose
RunZoom
Runs a program as a full-screen (maximized) window.
Syntax:
RunZoom (program-name, parameters)
Parameters:
"program-name" = the name of the desired .EXE, .COM, .PIF, .BAT
file, or a data file.
"parameters" = optional parameters as required by the
application.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if the program was found;
@FALSE if it wasn't.
Use this command to run an application as a full-screen window.
If the drive and path are not part of the program name, the current
directory will be examined first, and then the DOS path will be
searched to find the desired executable file.
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If the "program-name" doesn't have an extension of .EXE, .COM, .PIF,
or .BAT, it will be run in accordance with whatever is in the
[extensions] section of the WIN.INI file. When this happens, any
"parameters" you specified are ignored.
Note: When this command launches an application, it merely informs it
that you want it to be maximized to full-screen. Whether or not the
application honors your wish is beyond RunZoom's control.
Examples:
RunZoom("notepad.exe", "abc.txt")
RunZoom("clock.exe", "")
RunZoom("paint.exe", "pict.msp")
See Also:
Run, RunHide, RunIcon, WinZoom, WinClose, WinWaitClose
SendKey
Sends keystrokes to the active application.
Syntax:
SendKey (char-string)
Parameters:
"char-string" = string of regular and/or special characters.
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
This function is used to send keystrokes to the current window, just
as if they had been entered from the keyboard. Any alphanumeric
character, and most punctuation marks and other symbols which appear
on the keyboard, may be sent simply by placing it in the "char-
string." In addition, the following special characters, enclosed in
"curly" braces, may be placed in "char-string" to send the
corresponding special characters:
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Key SendKey equivalent
~ {~}
! {!}
^ {^}
+ {+}
Backspace {BACKSPACE} or {BS}
Break {BREAK}
Clear {CLEAR}
Delete {DELETE} or {DEL}
Down Arrow {DOWN}
End {END}
Enter {ENTER} or ~
Escape {ESCAPE} or {ESC}
F1 through F16 {F1} through {F16}
Help {HELP}
Home {HOME}
Insert {INSERT}
Left Arrow {LEFT}
Page Down {PGDN}
Page Up {PGUP}
Print Screen {PRTSC}
Right Arrow {RIGHT}
Space {SPACE} or {SP}
Tab {TAB}
Up Arrow {UP}
To enter an Alt, Control, or Shift key combination, precede the
desired character with one or more of the following symbols:
Alt !
Control ^
Shift +
To enter Alt-S:
SendKey("!S")
To enter Ctrl-Shift-F7:
SendKey("^+{F7}")
You may also repeat a key by enclosing it in braces, followed by a
space and the total number of repetitions desired.
To type 20 asterisks:
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SendKey("{* 20}")
To move the cursor down 8 lines:
SendKey("{DOWN 8}")
It is possible to use SendKey to send keystrokes to a DOS application,
but only if you are running Windows in 386 Enhanced mode. You would
then transfer the keystrokes to the DOS application via the Clipboard.
Examples:
; Start Notepad, and use *.* for filenames
Run("notepad.exe", "")
SendKey("!FO*.*~")
; run DOS batch file which starts our editor
Run("edit.bat", "")
; wait 15 seconds for editor to load
Delay(15)
; send Alt-F N to the clipboard
ClipPut("!FN")
; paste contents of clipboard to DOS window
SendKey("!{SP}EP")
See Also:
SKDebug
SKDebug
Controls how SendKey works
Syntax:
SKDebug(mode)
Parameters:
mode = @OFF Keystrokes sent to application. No debug file
written. Default mode.
@ON Keystrokes sent to application. Debug file
written.
@PARSEONLY Keystrokes not sent to application. Debug
file written.
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Returns:
(integer) previous SKDebug mode.
This function allows you to direct the keystrokes generated by your
SendKey statements to a disk file in addition to, or instead of, the
application window. Normally, keystrokes are sent only to the
application. If you specify SKDebug (@ON), keystrokes are sent to a
disk file as well as to the application. If you specify SKDebug
(@PARSEONLY), keystrokes are sent only to the disk file, and not to
the application. SKDebug (@OFF) returns to the default mode.
By default, the file which will receive the parsed keystrokes is named
C:\@@SKDBUG.TXT. You can override this by making an entry in your
WIN.INI file, under the heading [WinBatch]:
[WinBatch]
SKDFile=debug.fil
where "debug.fil" is the filename, including complete path
specification, that you want to receive the keystrokes.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
SKDebug(@ON)
SendKey("!FO*.*~")
SKDebug(@OFF)
See Also:
SendKey
StrCat
Concatenates two or more strings.
Syntax:
StrCat (string1, string2[, stringN]...)
Parameters:
"string1", etc = at least two strings you want to "string" together
(so to speak).
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Returns:
(string) concatenation of the entire list of input strings.
Use this command to stick character strings together, or to format
display messages.
Example:
user = AskLine("Login", "Your Name:", "")
Message("Login", StrCat("Hi, ", user))
; note that this will do the same:
Message("Login", "Hi, %user%")
See Also:
StrFill, StrFix, StrTrim
StrCmp
Compares two strings.
Syntax:
StrCmp (string1, string2)
Parameters:
"string1", "string2" = strings to compare.
Returns:
(integer) -1, 0, or 1; depending on whether string1 is less than,
equal to, or greater than string2, respectively.
Use this command to determine whether two strings are equal, or which
precedes the other in an ANSI sorting sequence.
Note: This command has been included for semantic completeness. The
relational operators >, >=, ==, !=, <=, and < provide the same
capability.
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Example:
a = AskLine("STRCMP", "Enter a test line", "")
b = AskLine("STRCMP", "Enter another test line", "")
c = StrCmp(a, b)
c = c + 1
d = StrSub("less than equal to greater than", c * 12, 12)
; Note that above string is grouped into 12-character
; chunks.
; Desired chunk is removed with the StrSub statement.
Message("STRCMP", "%a% is %d% %b%")
See Also:
StriCmp, StrIndex, StrLen, StrScan, StrSub
StrFill
Creates a string filled with a series of characters.
Syntax:
StrFill (filler, length)
Parameters:
"filler" = a string to be repeated to create the return string.
If the filler string is null, spaces will be used
instead.
length = the length of the desired string.
Returns:
(string) character string.
Use this function to create a string consisting of multiple copies of
the filler string concatenated together.
Example:
Message("My Stars", StrFill("*", 30))
See Also:
StrCat, StrFix, StrLen, StrTrim
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StrFix
Pads or truncates a string to a fixed length.
Syntax:
StrFix (base-string, pad-string, length)
Parameters:
"base-string" = string to be adjusted to a fixed length.
"pad-string" = appended to "base-string" if needed to fill out
the desired length. If "pad-string" is null,
spaces are used instead.
length = length of the desired string.
Returns:
(string) fixed size string.
This function "fixes" the length of a string, either by truncating it
on the right, or by appending enough copies of pad-string to achieve
the desired length.
Example:
a = StrFix("Henry", " ", 15)
b = StrFix("Betty", " ", 15)
c = StrFix("George", " ", 15)
Message("Spaced Names", StrCat(a, b, c))
See Also:
StrFill, StrLen, StrTrim
StriCmp
Compares two strings without regard to case.
Syntax:
StriCmp (string1, string2)
Parameters:
"string1", "string2" = strings to compare.
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Returns:
(integer) -1, 0, or 1; depending on whether string1 is less than,
equal to, or greater than string2, respectively.
Use this command to determine whether two strings are equal, or which
precedes the other in an ANSI sorting sequence, when case is ignored.
Example:
a = AskLine("STRICMP", "Enter a test line", "")
b = AskLine("STRICMP", "Enter another test line", "")
c = StriCmp(a, b)
c = c + 1
d = StrSub("less than equal to greater than", c * 12, 12)
; Note that above string is grouped into 12-character
; chunks.
; Desired chunk is removed with the StrSub statement.
Message("STRICMP", "%a% is %d% %b%")
See Also:
StrCmp, StrIndex, StrLen, StrScan, StrSub
StrIndex
Searches a string for a substring.
Syntax:
StrIndex (string, sub-string, start, direction)
Parameters:
"string" = the string to be searched for a substring.
"substring" = the string to look for within the main string.
start = the position in the main string to begin search. The
first character of a string is position 1.
direction = the search direction. @FWDSCAN searches forward,
while @BACKSCAN searches backwards.
Returns:
(integer) position of "sub-string" within "string";
0 if not found.
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This function searches for a substring within a "target" string.
Starting at the "start" position, it goes forward or backward
depending on the value of the "direction" parameter. It stops when it
finds the "substring" within the "target" string, and returns its
position.
A start position of 0 has special meaning depending on which direction
you are scanning. For forward searches, zero indicates the search
should start at the beginning of the string. For reverse searches,
zero causes it to start at the end of the string.
Example:
instr = AskLine("STRINDEX", "Type a sentence:", "")
start = 1
end = StrIndex(instr, " ", start, @FWDSCAN)
If end == 0 Then Goto error
Message("STRINDEX", StrCat("The first word is: ", StrSub(instr,
start, end - 1))
Exit
:error
Message("Sorry...", "No spaces found")
See Also:
StrLen, StrScan, StrSub
StrLen
Provides the length of a string.
Syntax:
StrLen (string)
Parameters:
"string" = any text string.
Returns:
(integer) length of string.
Use this command to determine the length of a string variable or
expression.
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Example:
myfile = AskLine("Filename", "File to process:", "")
namlen = StrLen(myfile)
If namlen > 13 Then Message("", "Filename too long!")
See Also:
StrFill, StrFix, StrIndex, StrScan, StrTrim
StrLower
Converts a string to lowercase.
Syntax:
StrLower (string)
Parameters:
"string" = any text string.
Returns:
(string) lowercase string.
Use this command to convert a text string to lower case.
Example:
a = AskLine("STRLOWER", "Enter text", "")
b = StrLower(a)
Message(a, b)
See Also:
StriCmp, StrUpper
StrReplace
Replaces all occurances of a substring with another.
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Syntax:
StrReplace (string, old, new)
Parameters:
"string" = string in which to search.
"old" = target substring.
"new" = replacement substring.
Returns:
(string) updated "string" with "old" replaced by "new"
StrReplace scans the "string", searching for occurrences of "old" and
replacing each occurrence with "new".
Example:
; Copy all INI files to clipboard
a = FileItemize("*.ini")
crlf = StrCat(Num2Char(13), Num2Char(10))
b = StrReplace(a, " ", crlf)
ClipPut(b)
StrScan
Searches string for occurrence of delimiters.
Syntax:
StrScan (string, delimiters, start, direction)
Parameters:
"string" = the string that is to be searched.
"delimiters" = a string of delimiters to search for within
"string".
start = the position in the main string to begin search. The
first character of a string is position 1.
direction = the search direction. @FWDSCAN searches forward,
while @BACKSCAN searches backwards.
Returns:
(integer) position of delimiter in string, or 0 if not found.
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This function searches for delimiters within a target "string".
Starting at the "start" position, it goes forward or backward
depending on the value of the "direction" parameter. It stops when it
finds any one of the characters in the "delimiters" string within the
target "string".
Example:
thestr = "123,456.789:abc"
start = 1
end = StrScan(thestr, ",.:", start, @FWDSCAN)
If end == 0 Then Goto error
Message("The first parameter", StrSub(thestr, start, end - start
+ 1))
Exit
:error
Message("Sorry...", "No delimiters found")
See Also:
StrLen, StrSub
StrSub
Extracts a substring out of an existing string.
Syntax:
StrSub (string, start, length)
Parameters:
"string" = the string from which the substring is to be extracted.
start = character position within "string" where the sub-string
starts. (The first character of the string is at
position 1).
length = length of desired substring. If you specify a length
of zero it will return a null string.
Returns:
(string) substring of parameter string.
This function extracts a substring from within a "target" string.
Starting at the "start" position, it copies up to "length" characters
into the substring.
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Example:
a = "My dog has fleas"
animal = StrSub(a, 4, 3)
Message("STRSUB", "My animal is a %animal%")
See Also:
StrLen, StrScan
StrTrim
Removes leading and trailing spaces from a character string.
Syntax:
StrTrim (string)
Parameters:
"string" = a string with unwanted spaces at the beginning and/or
the end.
Returns:
(string) string devoid of leading and trailing spaces.
Use this function to remove unwanted spaces from the beginning and end
of text data.
Example:
myfile = AskLine("STRTRIM", "Filename ('exit' cancels)", "")
tstexit = StrTrim(StrLower(myfile))
If tstexit == "exit" Then Goto cancel
; processing of myfile continues...
: cancel
Message("Canceled", "...by user request")
See Also:
StrFill, StrFix, StrLen
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StrUpper
Converts a string to uppercase.
Syntax:
StrUpper (string)
Parameters:
"string" = any text string.
Returns:
(string) uppercase string.
Use this function to convert a text string to upper case.
Example:
a = AskLine("STRUPPER", "Enter text","")
b = StrUpper(a)
Message(a, b)
See Also:
StriCmp, StrLower
TextBox
Displays a file in a listbox on the screen and returns selected line,
if any.
Syntax:
TextBox (title, filename)
Parameters:
"title" = listbox title.
"filename" = file containing contents of listbox.
Returns:
(string) = highlighted string, if any.
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This function loads a file into a Windows listbox and displays the
listbox to the user. TextBox has two primary uses: First, it can be
used to display multi-line messages to the user. In addition, because
of its ability to return a selected line, it may be used as a multiple
choice question box. The line highlighted by the user (if any) will
be returned to the program.
If disk drive and path not are part of the filename, the current
directory will be examined first, and then the DOS path will be
searched to find the desired file.
Example:
; Display WIN.INI
a = TextBox("Choose a line", "c:\windows\win.ini")
Display(3, "Chosen line", a)
See Also:
ItemSelect
Version
Returns the version number of the currently-running WinBatch language
processor.
Syntax:
Version ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) = WinBatch version number.
Use this function to determine the version of WinBatch that is
running. It is useful to verify that a batch file generated with the
latest version of the language will operate properly on what may be a
different machine with a different version of WinBatch installed.
Example:
a = Version()
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
Environment, DOSVersion, WinVersion
WallPaper
Changes the Windows wallpaper.
Syntax:
WallPaper (bmp-name, tile)
Parameters:
"bmp-name" = Name of the BMP wallpaper file.
tile = @TRUE if wallpaper should be tiled.
@FALSE if wallpaper should not be tiled.
Returns:
(integer) always 0.
This function immediately changes the Windows wallpaper. It can even
be used for wallpaper "slide shows."
Example:
DirChange("c:\windows")
a = FileItemize("*.bmp")
a = ItemSelect("Select New paper", a, " ")
tile = @FALSE
If FileSize(a) < 40000 Then tile = @TRUE
Wallpaper(a, tile)
WinActivate
Activates a previously running window.
Syntax:
WinActivate (partial-windowname)
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be activated.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to activate;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to activate windows for user input.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
Run("clock.exe", "")
WinActivate("Notepad")
See Also:
WinCloseNot, WinGetActive, WinShow
WinArrange
Arranges, tiles, and/or stacks application windows.
Syntax:
WinArrange (style)
Parameters:
style = one of the following: @STACK, @TILE (or @ARRANGE),
@ROWS, or @COLUMNS.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
Use this function to rearrange the open windows on the screen. (Any
iconized programs are unaffected.)
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When you specify @ROWS and you have more than four open windows, or if
you specify @COLUMNS and you have more than three open windows,
WinBatch will revert to @TILE.
Example:
; Reveal all windows
WinArrange(@TILE)
See Also:
WinItemize, WinHide, WinIconize, WinPlace, WinShow, WinZoom
WinClose
Closes an open window.
Syntax:
WinClose (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be closed.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to close;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to close windows.
WinClose will not close the window which contains the currently-
executing WinBatch file. You can, however, use EndSession to end the
current Windows session.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
WinClose("Notepad")
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WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
See Also:
WinCloseNot, WinHide, WinIconize, WinWaitClose
WinCloseNot
Closes all windows, except those provided as parameters.
Syntax:
WinCloseNot (partial-windowname [, partial-windowname]...)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
Any windows whose titles match the partial names will
stay open.
Returns:
(integer) always @TRUE.
Use this function to close all windows except those specifically
listed in the parameter strings.
At least one partial windowname must be given. A null-string
parameter would match all windows, or, in other words, close nothing.
Example:
; The statement below will close all windows except:
; 1) Program Manager (starts with 'Program')
; 2) Clock (starts with 'Clo' )
WinCloseNot("Program", "Clo")
See Also:
WinItemize, WinClose, WinHide, WinIconize, WinWaitClose
WinConfig
Returns WIN3 mode flags.
139
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Syntax:
WinConfig ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(integer) sum of windows configuration bits.
Returns Windows configuration information as a number, which is the
sum of the following individual bits:
1 Protected Mode
2 80286 CPU
4 80386 CPU
8 80486 CPU
16 Standard Mode
32 Enhanced Mode
64 8086 CPU
128 80186 CPU
256 Large PageFrame
512 Small PageFrame
1024 80x87 Installed
You will need to use bitwise operators to extract the individual bits.
Examples:
cfg = WinConfig()
If cfg & 32 Then Display(2, "Windows Mode", "Enhanced Mode")
If cfg & 16 Then Display(2, "Windows Mode", "Standard Mode")
If !(cfg & 1) Then Display(2, "Windows Mode", "Real Mode")
cfg = WinConfig()
If cfg & 1024 Then Display(2, "Math co-processor", "Yes")
If !(cfg & 1024) Then Display(2, "Math co-processor", "No")
WinExist
Tells if Window exists.
140
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Syntax:
WinExist (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a matching window is found.
@FALSE if a matching window is not found.
Note: The partial window name you give must match the initial portion
of the window name (as appears in the title bar) exactly, including
proper case (upper or lower) and punctuation.
Example:
If WinExist("Clock") == @FALSE Then RunIcon("Clock", "")
WinGetActive
Gets the title of the active window.
Syntax:
WinGetActive ( )
Returns:
(string) title of active window.
Use this function to determine which window is currently active.
Example:
currentwin = WinGetActive()
See Also:
WinItemize, WinActivate
141
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
WinHide
Hides a window.
Syntax:
WinHide (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be hidden.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to hide;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to hide windows. The programs are still running
when they are hidden.
A "partial-windowname" of "" (null string) hides the current WinBatch
window.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
WinHide("Notepad")
Delay(3)
WinShow("Notepad")
See Also:
WinClose, WinIconize, WinPlace
WinIconize
Iconizes a window.
Syntax:
WinIconize (partial-windowname)
142
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be iconized.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to iconize;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to turn a window into an icon at the bottom of the
screen.
A "partial-windowname" of "" (null string) iconizes the current
WinBatch window.
Example:
Run("clock.exe", "")
WinIconize("Clo") ; partial window name used here
See Also:
WinClose, WinHide, WinPlace, WinShow, WinZoom
WinItemize
Returns a tab-delimited list of all open windows.
Syntax:
WinItemize ( )
Parameters:
(none)
Returns:
(string) list of the titles of all open windows.
This function compiles a list of all the open application windows'
titles and separates the titles by tabs. This is especially useful in
143
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
conjunction with the ItemSelect function, which enables the user to
choose an item from such a tab-delimited list.
Note this behaves somewhat differently than FileItemize and
DirItemize, which create space-delimited lists. This is because
window titles regularly contain embedded spaces.
Example:
; Find a window
allwins = WinItemize()
htab = Num2Char(9)
mywind = ItemSelect("Windows", allwins, htab)
WinActivate(mywind)
See Also:
DirItemize, FileItemize, ItemSelect
WinPlace
Places a window anywhere on the screen.
Syntax:
WinPlace (x-ulc, y-ulc, x-brc, y-brc, partial-windowname)
Parameters:
x-ulc = how far from the left of the screen to place the upper-
left corner (0-1000).
y-ulc = how far from the top of the screen to place the upper-
left corner (0-1000).
x-brc = how far from the left of the screen to place the
bottom-right corner (10-1000) or @NORESIZE.
y-brc = how far from the top of the screen to place the bottom-
right corner (10-1000) or @NORESIZE or @ABOVEICONS.
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be moved to the new position.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to move;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
144
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Use this function to move windows on the screen. (You cannot,
however, move icons or windows that have been maximized to full
screen.)
The "x-ulc", "y-ulc", "x-brc", and "y-brc" parameters are based on a
logical screen that is 1000 points wide by 1000 points high.
You can move the window without changing the width and/or height by
specifying @NORESIZE for the "x-brc" and/or "y-brc" parameters,
respectively.
You can fix the bottom of the window to sit just above the line of
icons along the bottom of the screen by specifying a "y-brc" of
@ABOVEICONS.
Some sample parameters:
Upper left quarter of the screen: 0, 0, 500, 500
Upper right quarter: 500, 0, 500, 1000
Center quarter: 250, 250, 750, 750
Lower left eighth: 0, 750, 500, 1000
A handy utility program is included with WinBatch, called WININFO.EXE.
This program lets you take an open window that is sized and positioned
the way you like it, and automatically create the proper WinPlace
statement for you. It puts the text into the Clipboard, from which
you can paste it into your batch code:
You'll need a mouse to use WinInfo. While WinInfo is the active
window, place the mouse over the window you wish to create the
WinPlace statement for, and press the spacebar. The new statement
will be placed into the Clipboard. Then press the Esc key to close
WinInfo.
Example:
WinPlace(0, 0, 200, 200, "Clock")
See Also:
WinArrange, WinHide, WinIconize, WinShow, WinZoom
WinPosition
Returns Window position.
145
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Syntax:
WinPosition (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
Returns:
(string) window coordinates, delimited by commas.
Returns the current Window position information for the selected
Window. It returns 4 comma-separated numbers (see WinPlace for
details).
Example:
Run("clock.exe", "") ; start Clock
WinPlace(0,0,300,300, "Clock") ; place Clock
pos = WinPosition("Clock") ; save position
delay(2)
WinPlace(200,200,300,300, "Clock") ; move Clock
delay(2)
WinPlace(%pos%, "Clock") ; restore Clock
See Also:
WinPlace
WinShow
Shows a window in its "normal" state.
Syntax:
WinShow (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be shown.
146
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to show;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to restore a window to its "normal" size and
position.
A "partial-windowname" of "" (null string) restores the current
WinBatch window.
Example:
RunZoom("notepad.exe", "")
; other processing...
WinShow("Notepad")
See Also:
WinArrange, WinHide, WinIconize, WinZoom
WinTitle
Changes the title of a window.
Syntax:
WinTitle (partial-windowname, new-name)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be shown.
"new-name" = the new name of the window.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to rename;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to change a window's title.
A "partial-windowname" of "" (null string) refers to the current
WinBatch window.
147
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Warning: Some applications may rely upon their window's title staying
the same! Therefore, the WinTitle function should be used with
caution and adequate testing.
Example:
; Capitalize title of window
htab = Num2Char(9)
allwinds = WinItemize()
mywin = ItemSelect("Uppercase Windows", allwinds, htab)
WinTitle(mywin, StrUpper(mywin))
Drop(htab, allwinds, mywin)
See Also:
WinItemize
WinVersion
Provides the version number of the current Windows system.
Syntax:
WinVersion (level)
Parameters:
level = either @MAJOR or @MINOR.
Returns:
(integer) either major or minor part of the Windows version
number.
Use this command to determine which version of Windows is currently
running.
@MAJOR returns the integer part of the Windows version number; i.e.
1.0, 2.11, 3.0, etc.
@MINOR returns the decimal part of the Windows version number; i.e.
1.0, 2.11, 3.0, etc.
148
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
minorver = WinVersion(@MINOR)
majorver = WinVersion(@MAJOR)
Message("Windows Version", StrCat(majorver, ".", minorver))
See Also:
Version, DOSVersion
WinWaitClose
Suspends the batch file execution until a specified window has been
closed.
Syntax:
WinWaitClose (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
WinWaitClose suspends execution until all matching
windows have been closed.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if at least one window was found to wait for;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to suspend the batch file's execution until the user
has finished using a given window and has manually closed it.
Example:
Run("clock.exe", "")
Display(4, "Note", "Close Clock to continue")
WinWaitClose("Clock")
Message("Continuing...", "Clock closed")
See Also:
Delay, Yield
149
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
WinZoom
Maximizes a window to full-screen.
Syntax:
WinZoom (partial-windowname)
Parameters:
"partial-windowname" =
either an initial portion of, or an entire window name.
The most-recently used window whose title matches the
name will be shown.
Returns:
(integer) @TRUE if a window was found to zoom;
@FALSE if no windows were found.
Use this function to "zoom" windows to full screen size.
A partial-windowname of "" (null string) zooms the current WinBatch
window.
Example:
Run("notepad.exe", "")
WinZoom("Notepad")
Delay(3)
WinShow("Notepad")
See Also:
WinHide, WinIconize, WinPlace, WinShow
Yield
Provides time for other windows to do processing.
Syntax:
Yield
Use this command to give other running windows time to process. This
command will allow each open window to process 20 or more messages.
150
WBL FUNCTION REFERENCE
Example:
; run Excel and give it some time to start up
sheet = AskLine ("Excel", "File to run:", "")
Run("excel.exe", sheet)
Yield
Yield
Yield
See Also:
Delay
151
APPENDIX A Predefined Constants
APPENDIX A
Predefined Constants
WBL provides you with a number of predefined integer constants to help
make your batch files more mnemonic:
Logical Conditions String Handling
@FALSE @FWDSCAN
@NO @BACKSCAN
@OFF
@TRUE System Control
@YES
@ON @MAJOR
@MINOR
Window Arranging Error Handling
@NORESIZE @CANCEL
@ABOVEICONS @NOTIFY
@STACK @OFF
@ARRANGE
@TITLE Keyboard Status
@ROWS
@COLUMNS @SHIFT
@CTRL
Debug Control
@PARSEONLY
152
APPENDIX B Errors
APPENDIX B
Errors
If the current error mode is @CANCEL (the default), any WBL errors
encountered while processing a batch file cause the item to be
canceled with an error message.
Minor Errors
Minor errors are ignored if the current error mode has been set to
@OFF. If the error mode is @NOTIFY the user has the option of
continuing with the batch file or canceling it.
1006 File Copy/Move: No matching files found
1017 File Delete: No matching files found
1018 File Delete: Delete Failed
1024 File Rename: No matching files found
1025 File Rename: Rename failed
1028 LogDisk: Requested drive not online
1029 DirMake: Dir not created
1030 DirRemove: Dir not removed
1031 DirChange: Dir not found/changed
1039 WinClose: Window not found
1040 WinHide: Window not found
1041 WinIconize: Window not found
1042 WinZoom: Window not found
1043 WinShow: Window not found
1044 WinPlace: Window not found
1045 WinActivate: Window not found
1119 WinPosition: Window not found
1121 WinTitle: Window not found
1100 StrIndex/StrScan 3rd parameter out of bounds
153
APPENDIX B Errors
1900 WinExec 0: Out of Memory
1902 WinExec 2: File Not Found
1903 WinExec 3: Path Not Found
1905 WinExec 5: Attempt to dynlink to a task
1906 WinExec 6: Lib requires data segs for each task
1910 WinExec 10: Incorrect Windows Version
1911 WinExec 11: Invalid EXE file
1912 WinExec 12: Cannot run OS/2 application
1913 WinExec 12: Cannot run DOS4.0 application
1914 WinExec 14: Unknown EXE type
1915 WinExec 15: Attempt to run old EXE in protect mode
1916 WinExec 16: Attempted 2nd EXE with multiple writeable datasegs
1917 WinExec 17: Nonshareable DLLs already in use
1918 WinExec 18: App marked for protected mode only
1932 WinExec: Undefined Error
Moderate Errors
If the error mode is @NOTIFY or @OFF, the user has the option of
continuing with the batch file or canceling it.
2001 SendKey: Illegal Parameters
2002 File Copy/Move: 'From' file illegal
2003 File Copy/Move: 'To' file illegal
2004 File Copy/Move: Cannot copy/move wildcards into fixed root
2005 File Copy/Move: Cannot copy/move wildcards into fixed extension
2007 File Move: Unable to rename source file
2015 File Move: Unable to remove source file
2016 File Delete: File name illegal
2019 File Rename: 'From' file illegal
2020 File Rename: 'To' file illegal
2021 File Rename: Attempt to rename across drive boundary. - Use MOVE
instead.
2022 File Rename: Cannot rename wildcards into a fixed filename root
2023 File Rename: Cannot rename wildcards into a fixed filename
extension
2038 WinCloseNot Function Syntax error
2045 WinActivate: Window not found
2058 StrCat function syntax error
2060 Average function syntax error
154
APPENDIX B Errors
2093 Dialog Box: Bad Filespec, using *.*
2112 FileSize: File Not Found
2118 FileCopy/Move: Destination file same as source
Fatal Errors
Fatal errors cause the current batch file to be canceled with an error
message, regardless of the error mode in effect. (We show the error
codes here for consistency, but in practice you will never be able to
call LastError after a fatal error.)
3008 File Copy/Move: 'From' file open error
3009 SendKey: Could not open DEBUG text file
3010 SendKey: Could not install hook - Already Active??
3011 File Copy/Move: 'From' file length error
3012 File Copy/Move: No room left on disk. Out of space??
3013 File Copy/Move: 'To' file open error
3014 File Copy/Move: I/O Error
3015 File Move: Unable to remove source file
3026 LogDisk: Illegal disk drive
3027 LogDisk: DOS reports no disks!! ???
3032 GoTo unable to lock memory for batch file
3033 GoTo label not found
3034 Clipboard owned by another app. Cannot open.
3035 Clipboard does not contain text for ClipAppend.
3036 Clipboard cannot hold that much text (>64000 bytes)
3037 Unable to allocate memory for clipboard. Close some applications
3046 Internal Error 3046. Function not defined
3047 Variable name over 30 chars. Too Long
3048 Substitution %Variable% not followed by % (Use %% for %)
3049 No variables exist??!!
3050 Undefined variable
3051 Undefined variable or function
3052 Uninitialized variable or undefined function
3053 Character string too long (>256 chars??)
3054 Unrecognizable item found on line
3055 Variable name is over 30 chars. Too Long
3056 Variable could not be converted to string
3057 Variable could not be converted to integer
3059 Illegal Bounds for StrSub function
3061 Illegal Syntax
3062 Attempt to divide by zero
3063 Internal Error 3063. Binary op not found
3064 Internal Error 3064. Unary op not found
3065 Unbalanced Parenthesis
3066 Wrong Number of Arguments in Function
155
APPENDIX B Errors
3067 Function Syntax. Opening parenthesis missing.
3068 Function Syntax. Illegal delimiter found.
3069 Illegal assignment statement. (Use == for equality testing)
3070 Internal error 3070. Too many arguments defined.
3071 Missing or incomplete statement
3072 THEN not found in IF statement
3073 Goto Label not specified
3074 Expression continues past expected end.
3075 Call: Parse of file/parameter line failed
3076 FileOpen: READ or WRITE not properly specified
3077 FileOpen: Open failed
3078 FileOpen: Too many (>5) files open
3079 FileClose: Invalid file handle
3080 FileClose: File not currently open
3081 FileRead: Invalid file handle
3082 FileRead: File not currently open
3084 FileWrite: Invalid file handle
3085 FileWrite: File not currently open
3087 FileRead: File not open for reading
3088 FileRead: Attempt to read past end of file
3089 FileWrite: File not open for writing
3090 Dialog Box: File open error
3091 Dialog Box: Box too large
3092 Dialog Box: Non-text control used w/filebox.
3094 Dialog Box: Window Registration Failed
3095 Compare could not be resolved into a integer or string compare
3096 Memory allocation failure. Out of memory for string storage
3097 Memory allocation failure. Out of memory for variable storage
3098 Internal error, NULL pointer passed to xstrxxx subroutines
3099 CallExt function disabled. Not currently available.
3101 Substituted line too long. (> 256 characters)
3102 Drop: Can only drop variables
3103 IsDefined: Attempting to test non-variables item
3104 Dialog Box: Window Creation Failed
3105 Batch Compiler: CALL and CALLEXT not supported in compiled EXE
versions
3107 Run: Filetype is not COM, EXE, PIF or BAT
3108 FileItemize: Unable to lock file info segment
3109 FileItemize: Unable to unlock file info segment
3110 FileItemize: Unable to lock file index segment
3111 FileItemize: Unable to unlock file index segment
3113 FileSize: Filelength I/O Error
3114 FileSize: Buffer Overrun Error
3115 FileDelete: Buffer Overrun Error
3116 FileRename: Buffer Overrun Error
3117 FileCopyMove: Buffer Overrun Error
156
Index
Index
Display 13,51,81
A DOSVersion 59,81-82
Drop 59,81-83
Abs 58,63
AskLine 14,51,63-64 E
AskYesNo 14,51,64-65
Average 58,65 EndSession 19,59,83
Environment 28,59,83-84
B ErrorMode 21,59,84-85
Errors 49-51,152-157
batch files fatal 155-157
error handling 49-51 minor 153-154
statement summary 51-61 moderate 154-155
statements 61-151 see also Debug, ErrorMode,
WBL language components 44-49 LastError
Beep 14,51 Exclusive 59,86-87
Execute 59,85-86
C Exit 59,86
Call 58,66-67 F
CallExt 59,67-68
Char2Num 56,66-69 File Management 19
ClipAppend 58,69-70 in WBL 52-53
ClipGet 58,70 FileAppend 52,87-88
ClipPut 58,70-71 FileClose 52,88-89
Command Line 49-50 FileCopy 20,52,86-90
Comments 47-48 FileDelete 20,52,90
Constants 44-45 FileExist 20,52,90-91
predefined 45 FileExtension 52,91-92
FileItemize 23,52,91-93
D FileLocate 52,93-94
FileMove 52,94-95
DateTime 59,71-72 FileOpen 52,95-96
Debug 59,72-73 FilePath 53,96
Delay 15,59,73-74 FileRead 53,96-97
DialogBox 31-38,51,74-75 FileRename 20,53,95-98
DirChange 19,53,74-76 FileRoot 53,98
Directory Management FileSize 53,98-99
in WBL 53-54 FileWrite 53,99-100
DirGet 19,54,76-77
DirHome 54,77 G
DirItemize 24,54,77-78
DirMake 54,78-79 Goto 10,60,100-101
DirRemove 54,79
DirRename 54,79-80 I
DiskFree 54,79-81
157
Index
Identifiers 45 command-line 49-50
If ... Then 8,60,101 function 49
IgnoreInput 60,101-102 ParseData 56,114-115
IniRead 53,99-103 Pause 13,52,114-116
IniReadPvt 53,103-104
IniWrite 53,103-104 R
IniWritePvt 53,104-105
IsDefined 60,104-106 Random 58,116-117
IsKeyDown 60,106 Registration 159-161
IsLicensed 60,106-107 Return 60,117
IsNumber 56,106-108 Run 12,56,117-118
ItemCount 51,108 RunHide 56,118-119
ItemExtract 51,108-109 RunIcon 13,56,119-120
ItemSelect 24,51,109-110 Running programs 12
DOS programs 28
K in WBL 56
RunZoom 12,56,120-121
Keywords 46
S
L
Sample WBT file 30
LastError 60,108-111 SendKey 29,60,121-123
LogDisk 54,111-112 SKDebug 60,123-124
Statements 48
M reference 61-151
StrCat 27,57,121-125
Max 58,112 StrCmp 57,125-126
Message 13,51,112-113 StrFill 57,126-127
Microsoft Windows StrFix 57,127
date & time formatting 72 StriCmp 57,127-128
determining the version StrIndex 57,128-129
61,148-149 StrLen 57,129-130
ending the session 83 StrLower 57,130
Min 58,113-114 StrReplace 57,130-131
StrScan 57,130-132
N StrSub 57,132-133
StrTrim 57,133-134
Num2Char 26,56,113-114 StrUpper 58,134
Substitution 48-49
O and StrCat 121-125
Operators 46-47 T
Precedence 47
TextBox 51,134-135
P
V
Parameters
158
Index
Variables 7,45-46
Version 60,135-136
W
WallPaper 60,136
WinActivate 16,54,136-137
WinArrange 54,137-138
WinClose 16,55,138-139
WinCloseNot 17,55,139
WinConfig 55,139-140
Window Management 15
in WBL 54-56
WinExist 17,55,140-141
WinGetActive 55,139-142
WinHide 55,142
WinIconize 15,55,142-143
WININFO 145
WinItemize 55,143-144
WinMacro 39-43
WinPlace 55,144-145
WinPosition 55,145-146
WinShow 15,55,145-147
WinTitle 55,147-148
WinVersion 61,148-149
WinWaitClose 17,56,149-150
WinZoom 15,56,150
Y
Yield 61,150-151
159
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USA
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