Category : Batch File Utilities - mostly for DOS
Archive   : ABFS.ZIP
Filename : ADVBAT20.TXT

You are about to enter the BATCAVE for real!

The program "BATMENU.PAS" is a utility program that allows you to have
a MENU system that DOES NOT USE RAM LIKE A TSR!

Here is what happens:

1. MENU.BAT rumbles around for a few lines, and then invokes BATMENU

(the /C is just for this class ... it calls up more help text!)

2. BATMENU presents the user with some {example} menu choices and
checks for valid input etc.

3. BATMENU then REWRITES the ORIGINAL MENU.BAT such that the line
following BATMENU is replaced by the user's choice!

4. BATMENU then returns to MENU.BAT, (the rewritten copy!), and good
old DOS just executes the NEXT LINE ... only it is not the same
line as when we came in! Instead, it is the user's choice,
placed there by BATMENU.



5. When the {chosen} program completes, the balance of MENU.BAT simply
loops back up to the top and starts the entire process over again!

WHEEEE HOOO!


I invented this technique under DOS 1.0, and it has even been used by
a commercial product (independent invention) "ENERGRAPHICS" which
keeps writing "ENG.BAT" copies all over my disk! (They forgot to CD back
to a single directory!).

Well, lets do it ... lets try out MENU.BAT .... but wait ... how do
we get OUT of the MENU loop?


Inside BATMENU, pick OTHER, then type in: EXIT

Then, at the next prompt, use CTRL-BREAK to terminate the batch file
MENU.BAT.

Lastly, type INTRO.5 to finish up the seminar!