How to return to the original directory after invoking change directory in DOS batch

batch-filedos

I want to create a batch file, batch.bat, that accepts 2 mandatory arguments:

  • %1 represents a path relative to the current directory.
  • %2 represents a filaname.

Assume the current directory is father\me\.

User can use this batch as follows:

  • batch child/grandchild log
  • batch ../brother log

The job description of batch.bat is as follows.

  1. Moves to %1 directory,
  2. Iterates all *.tex file in the %1 directory.
  3. Save the result in the directory before moving.

The following is the incomplete code:

rem batch.bat takes 2 arguments.
cd %1
dir /b *.tex > <original directory>\%2.txt

How to return to the original directory after invoking change directory in DOS batch?

Best Answer

If you want to RETURN to original directory, do the first change with PUSHD and return with POPD. That is, moves to %1 directory must be achieved with

PUSHD %1

instead of CD %1, and the return is achieved with

POPD

instead of CD where?

If you want to ACCESS the original directory after changed it, store it in a variable this way:

SET ORIGINAL=%CD%

and use %ORIGINAL% later, for example:

dir /b *.tex > %original%\%2.txt
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