CODEWITHSUNDEEP
pathbatch-filecommandcommand-prompt
michael
michael

Reputation: 15302

How to add a set path only for that batch file executing?

Basically, I know I can go through my control panel and modify the path variable. But, I'm wondering if there is a way to through batch programming have a temporary path included? That way it is only used during that batch file execution. I don't want to have people go in and modify their path variables just to use my batch file.

Upvotes: 238

Views: 703916

Answers (3)

dumbak
dumbak

Reputation: 404

That's right, but it doesn't change it permanently, but just for current command prompt.

If you wanna to change it permanently you have to use for example this:

setx ENV_VAR_NAME "DESIRED_PATH" /m

This will change it permanently and yes, you can overwrite it in another batch script.

Upvotes: 23

18446744073709551615
18446744073709551615

Reputation: 16872

There is an important detail:

set PATH="C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%"

does not work, while

set PATH=C:\linutils;C:\wingit\bin;%PATH%

works. The difference is the quotes!

UPD also see the comment by venimus

Upvotes: 38

Mat
Mat

Reputation: 206879

Just like any other environment variable, with SET:

SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want to have a little safety check built in first, check to see if the new path exists first:

IF EXIST c:\whatever\else SET PATH=%PATH%;c:\whatever\else

If you want that to be local to that batch file, use setlocal:

setlocal
set PATH=...
set OTHERTHING=...

@REM Rest of your script

Read the docs carefully for setlocal/endlocal , and have a look at the other references on that site - Functions is pretty interesting too and the syntax is tricky.

The Syntax page should get you started with the basics.

Upvotes: 394

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