Category : Batch File Utilities - mostly for DOS
Archive   : BATPOWER.ZIP
Filename : ASK.DOC

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********** ASK **********
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Documentation for ASK.COM by Bob Magnuson, April 12, 1984


Occupying 96 bytes and written by Bob Magnuson, ASK is a command to be used in a
batch file. Its purpose is to be able to branch within the batch file according
to an interactive question and answer with the console.

Before ASK the only choice that was offerred involved the use of the PAUSE
getting a Y ASK quits with ERRORLEVEL set to zero. An N response sets the
ERRORLEVEL to 1. By testing the ERRORLEVEL with the IF batch command, the
branching is effected.

Assuming that the above batch file is named ASKTEST.BAT, here are a couple of
examples of its use:

1) C>ASKTEST

C>echo off
Do you want your coffee now or later? yes
He said affirmative

C>



2) C>ASKTEST

C>echo off
Do you want your coffee now or later? no
Negatory

C>

Although the console user types in a simple Y or N, the 'yes' or 'no' appearing
on the screen is supplied by ASK.