Get user input from DOS prompt

Introduction

A lot of times, when we write batch files (*.bat) or command files (*.cmd), we would want to take user input at the DOS prompt during runtime of the script. This article explains how to fulfill that need.

Taking User Input at DOS Prompt

It is a very simple way to get the user input at the DOS prompt. You need to use the SET command with a variable name for this purpose.

SET Command (syntax)

SET /P <var>=[<prompt message>]

Example

@ECHO OFF
SET /P uname=Please enter your name: 
IF "%uname%"=="" GOTO Error
ECHO Hello %uname%, Welcome to DOS inputs!
GOTO End
:Error
ECHO You did not enter your name! Bye bye!!
:End

Points of Interest

The word "uname" in the above script is the variable that captures the user input. The above script also shows the validation whether any input is given or not. Use GOTO and Labels to control the flow.