Setting Path

PATH
The PATH command sets permanent search path to a specified directory.

• MS-DOS will look for program having extension COM, EXE, BAT in the path specified (to execute such files
• PATH on its own, displays the search path.
• Even if a permanent search paths is set, the operating system first looks in the current directory and then successively in the directories in the search path.
• Permanent path remains active as long as the computer is switched On or until you remove the path.

Syntax

PATH : Path, the command with out any parameter displays the currently active search path.

[drive] : The drive to be searched.

path    : The path (or name) of the directories and sub directories to be searched.

Example 1

C:CLASS9>PATH =C:\WP51  (press enter key)

- if you type WP at C:\CLASS9> and (press enter key)

(i.e. C:\CLASS9>WP press enter key)

DOS will search the WP.EXE file in the directory wp51 and then execute it.

Example 2

C:\>PATH = A:\DBASE (press enter key)

It sets search PATH to directory dBASE of A: drive from the C: drive.

Example 3

C:\>PATH =C:\GWBASIC ; C:\WP51 ; C:\LOTUS (press enter key)

It sets search Path to directories GWBASIC,WP51, LOTUS

Path for two directories is separated by a semi colon(;)

Note : Search Path can be permanently specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.