File formatting in DOS

 

File formatting in DOS

1. Viewing File Content

The TYPE command in DOS is used to display the content of a text file in the terminal. It reads the file sequentially and outputs the content directly on the screen. For large files, scrolling through the content manually can be tedious, so the MORE command is used to pause the output after each page.

è       TYPE filename.txt

• Usage:
• When a file contains important information, such as logs or configuration details, you can quickly check its content without opening an editor.

è     TYPE filename.txt | MORE

• This displays the content one screen at a time. It’s especially useful for large files.

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2. Creating or Editing Files

Theory:

Files in DOS can be created or edited using simple commands. The EDIT command (available in older versions of DOS) provides a basic text editor. In modern systems, NOTEPAD or redirection using ECHO is used.

1. Using EDIT (if available):

è EDIT example.txt

• Opens the EDIT editor to create or modify the file.
1. Using NOTEPAD:

è NOTEPAD example.txt

• Opens the file in Notepad, which allows more advanced editing.
2. Using ECHO for Quick File Creation:
• Create a file and add content:

è ECHO Hello, World > example.txt

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3. File Management

Theory:

File management includes renaming, moving, copying, and deleting files. These operations ensure proper organization and easy access.

Commands:

1. Rename a file:

è REN oldname.txt newname.txt

2. Move a file:

è MOVE example.txt C:\NewFolder

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4. File Attributes

Theory:

File attributes define the behavior of files. For instance:

• Read-Only (R): Prevents modification.
• Hidden (H): Hides the file from default views.
• System (S): Marks it as a system file.

Commands:

1. View attributes:

è ATTRIB filename.txt

2. Set attributes:
• Make read-only:

è ATTRIB +R filename.txt

• Remove hidden attribute:

è ATTRIB -H filename.txt

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5. Listing Files and Directories

Theory:

The DIR command lists files and directories. It has options to filter and sort output.

Examples:

1. List all files:

è DIR

2. Include hidden files:

è DIR /A

3. Pause output:

è DIR /P