1. Command Syntax Chapter 2 Using the DIR Command with
Parameters and Wildcards
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2. Overview
Will learn to read a syntax diagram and explain the function of each part of the diagram.
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3. Overview
Will learn some basic commands, their syntax, and how to make commands more specific.
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4. Will be able to define prompts and explain how they are used.
Overview
Will be able to define prompts and explain how they are used.
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5. The purpose and function of defaults will be explained.
Overview
The purpose and function of defaults will be explained.
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6. Will learn how to change the default drive and directory.
Overview
Will learn how to change the default drive and directory.
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7. Overview
Will learn how to use subdirectories and wildcards with the DIR command.
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8. Overview
The purpose and function of redirection will be explained and then will learn how to redirect the output of the DIR command to a file or a printer.
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9. Will learn to use the Online
Overview
Will learn to use the Online
Help feature.
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10. All languages have rules or conventions for speaking and writing.
Command Syntax
All languages have rules or conventions for speaking and writing.
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11. Command Syntax To communicate with computer at command line prompt:
Learn its language (commands)
Follow its syntax (word order)
Use correct punctuation
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12. Command Syntax in Windows operating system uses syntax and rules.
The graphical user interface
in Windows operating system
uses syntax and rules.
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13. What Are Parameters? Parameter:
Information to modify or qualify a command
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14. What Are Parameters?
Parameters can be:
Variable
Fixed
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15. What Are Parameters?
Variable parameter:
x + y = z
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16. What Are Parameters?
Fixed parameter:
x + 5 = z
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17. Reading a Syntax Diagram
Command line interface language has:
Vocabulary (commands)
Grammar (punctuation)
Syntax (order)
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18. Reading a Syntax Diagram
DIR command syntax used earlier:
DIR [drive:] [path] [filename] [/A [[:] attributes]] [/B] [/C] [/D] [/L] [/N] [/O[[:] sortorder]] [/P] [/Q] [/S] [/T[[:] timefield]] [/W] [/X] [4]
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19. Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR Command
Referred to as a switch.
Begins with / (the slash).
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20. Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR Command
Slash = forward slash (/).
\ = Backslash.
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21. Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR Command
DIR command with /P parameter displays one screen of information at a time.
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22. Using Fixed Parameters with the DIR Command
Notes for lab activities:
Check notes at beginning of each activity
At end of work session return to Windows desktop and follow shut-down procedure
Know your laboratory procedures
If system varies from text refer to the Configuration Table in Chapter 1.6
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23. Activity—Using Fixed Parameters with DIR Command
KEY CONCEPTS:
Clear Screen
Display directory using:
/P parameter
/W parameter
/P /W parameters
Delimiter
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24. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
File specification (name) consists of:
File name
File extension
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25. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
Conventions for Naming Files
All files in directory (subdirectory) must have unique names.
File names - mandatory - may be less than but no longer than 256 characters
File extensions - usually three characters long.
Following characters illegal - may NOT be used in file name: \ / : * ? < > |
All other characters, including periods and spaces, are legal in Windows file names.
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26. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
File name reflects subject of file.
File extension usually given by application creating file.
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27. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
When naming files, many older 16-bit application packages adhere to older 8.3 DOS rules.
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28. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
Can locate specific file by using file name.
Give DIR command information about file you seek:
DIR [drive:] [path] [filename] [/P] [/W]
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29. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
In some syntax diagrams you will see: [filename[.ext]]
If a file name has an extension, it must be included.
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30. Using File Names as Variable Parameters
A dot (.), delimiter, is used between file name and file extension. Example: MYFILE.TXT
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31. Activity—Using a File Name as a Variable Parameter
KEY CONCEPTS:
System messages
DIR command with long file names
File extensions - more than 3 characters
8.3 file name
Use of quotation marks
Use of /x parameter
How 8.3 name derived from LFN
Reasons for keeping file names short/concise
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32. Command Line Editing
Can reuse last command keyed in without rekeying it:
<F1> - recalls one letter at a time
<F3> - recalls entire command line
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33. Command Line Editing Table 2.1 Editing Keys Command Summary p. 53
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34. Command Line Editing Table 2.1 Editing Keys Command Summary p. 53
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35. Command Line Editing Table 2.1 Editing Keys Command Summary p. 53
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36. Activity—Using Command Editing
KEY CONCEPT:
Use editing keys to recall and edit commands
Overstrike mode
Insert mode
Delete line quickly by using <Esc> key
How to search for previously entered command
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37. Device is a place to read information from/to.
Drives as Device Names
Device is a place to read information from/to.
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38. Disk drives have assigned device names.
Drives as Device Names
Disk drives have assigned device names.
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39. Defaults Default: Implied instructions
Value used unless another value is specified
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40. Defaults
As an example, when A: \ > is displayed on screen it is the:
Prompt
Default drive
Designated or logged drive
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41. Activity—Working with the Default
KEY CONCEPTS:
“Shelling out to DOS”
Using Default drive
Determining drive to be searched
Why DIR A: HELLO TXT is a very clear request
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42. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
Used primarily on hard disks
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43. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
Subdirectories permit the . . .
grouping of files by type.
disk to be divided into smaller more manageable sections.
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44. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
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45. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
Root directory:
Created and named by OS when disk is formatted
Indicated by the backslash (\)
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46. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
Other subdirectories created and named by user.
Naming rules same as rules for naming files.
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47. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
First backslash - root directory
Following backslashes – delimiters.
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48. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path
Route followed by OS to locate, save, and/or retrieve a file
Subdirectory name
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49. Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path Fig 2
Brief Introduction to Subdirectories—The Path Fig 2.1 File Cabinets and Subdirectories p.63
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50. Activity—Using Path with the DIR Command
KEY CONCEPTS:
Delimiter for path names
Backslash (first and others)
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51. Changing Defaults Default drive can be changed.
Command line is not case sensitive.
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52. Activity—Changing the Default Drive
KEY CONCEPTS:
Changing default
Locating file not in default directory
C:\ - major subdirectory
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53. Changing Directories
Default directory
can be changed.
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54. Changing Directories CD [/D][Drive:][path] Partial command syntax:

55. Changing Directories
CD with no parameters - current default directory.
CD followed by path name - change default.
/D parameter - change drive and directory.
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56. Activity—Changing Directories
KEY CONCEPTS:
Results of keying in
CD alone - display current default directory
CD followed by path - will change default directory
CD \ - will always return to root directory
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57. Global File Specifications: Wildcards, the ?, and *
Can operate on group of files instead of just a single file
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58. Global File Specifications: Wildcards, the ?, and *
* - represents a group of characters.
? - represents a single character.
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59. Activity—DIR and Wildcards
KEY CONCEPTS:
Locating files with insufficient data
Using * and *.*
Using ? and ???
Using *.SYS
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60. Redirection Keyboard: Screen: Standard input device
Standard output device
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61. Redirection Redirection:
Changes output from monitor to somewhere else (usually file or printer)
To work with printer must be local printer
Works only with commands that write to standard output
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62. Redirection Redirection syntax command:
COMMAND > DESTINATION (Space required on both sides of >)
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63. Activity—Redirecting Output to a File
KEY CONCEPTS:
Redirecting output to a file
Redirection is “instead of” procedure
Dealing with write-protected disks
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64. Redirecting Output to the Printer
Can redirect computer output to a file or to a printer.
To redirect to printer need a local printer.
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65. Redirecting Output to the Printer
Printers device names:
PRN, LPT1, LPT2 and sometimes LPT3.
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66. Activity—Redirecting the Output to the Printer
KEY CONCEPTS:
Redirection
Hardware solutions
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67. Activity—Redirecting the Output to the Printer Fig 2
Activity—Redirecting the Output to the Printer Fig 2.2 Redirected Output p.79
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68. Getting Help Documentation:
Reference manual that comes with any software package
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69. Getting Help
In DOS 6.0 and above, documentation provided less in written form and more online.
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70. Getting Help For help in DOS environment:
Key in command, then a space, forward slash, and question mark
Use HELP followed by command name
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71. Activity—Getting Help with a Command
KEY CONCEPT:
Results of commands: ? ON
O-N S
BLP B/L/P
E D
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