What Are Arguments?

Batch scripts can receive values directly from the command line. These values are called arguments and they allow you to pass data into the script when you run it.

myscript.bat Hello World
      

In the script, you access arguments using:

• %1 → first argument
• %2 → second argument
• %3 → third argument
• … and so on

Example: Print Arguments

@echo off
echo First argument: %1
echo Second argument: %2
pause
      

Passing Multiple Values

Run the script like this:

details.bat Kaloyan 12 Bulgaria
      

echo Name: %1
echo Age: %2
echo Country: %3
      

%*

%* means “all arguments at once”.

echo All arguments: %*
      

SHIFT Command

SHIFT moves all arguments one position left. Useful for processing each argument in a loop.

:loop
if "%1"=="" goto end
echo Processing: %1
shift
goto loop
:end
      

Check If an Argument Exists

if "%1"=="" (
  echo You must enter a name!
  exit /b
)
echo Hello, %1!
      

Using Arguments in Real Scripts

1. Delete a Specific File

del "%1" || echo Failed to delete file!
      

2. Backup Script

copy "%1" "%1.bak"
      

3. Logging With a Custom Message

echo [%date% %time%] %1 >> log.txt
      

Why Arguments Matter?

• Make scripts reusable
• Let users control behavior
• Allow dynamic input
• Perfect for automation

What’s Next?

Next you’ll learn how Python dictionaries work — key/value data storage used everywhere in Python.