About
Doskey is an utility that:
- edits command lines,
- recalls Windows commands,
- and creates macros.
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Syntax
DOSKEY
[/REINSTALL]
[/LISTSIZE=size]
[/MACROS[:ALL | :exename]]
[/HISTORY]
[/INSERT | /OVERSTRIKE]
[/EXENAME=exename]
[/MACROFILE=filename]
[macroname=[text]]
| Switches | Description |
|---|---|
| /REINSTALL | Installs a new copy of Doskey. |
| /LISTSIZE=size | Sets size of command history buffer. |
| /MACROS | Displays all Doskey macros. |
| /MACROS:ALL | Displays all Doskey macros for all executables which have Doskey macros. |
| /MACROS:exename | Displays all Doskey macros for the given executable. |
| /HISTORY | Displays all commands stored in memory. |
| /INSERT | Specifies that new text you type is inserted in old text. |
| /OVERSTRIKE | Specifies that new text overwrites old text. |
| /EXENAME=exename | Specifies the executable. |
| /MACROFILE=filename | Specifies a file of macros to install. |
| macroname | Specifies a name for a macro you create. |
| text | Specifies commands you want to record. |
Hot Key
- UP and DOWN ARROWS recall commands;
- ESC clears command line;
- F7 displays command history;
- ALT+F7 clears command history;
- F8 searches command history;
- F9 selects a command by number;
- ALT+F10 clears macro definitions.
Macro
The following are some special codes in Doskey macro definitions:
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
| T | Command separator. Allows multiple commands in a macro. |
| 1-9 | Batch parameters. Equivalent to %1-%9 in batch programs. |
| $* | Symbol replaced by everything following macro name on command line. |
How to
display command history
doskey /history
:: or
:: Press F7
search command history
Example with the following command history buffer:
dir /?
dir /A
dir /B
dir /C
dir /L
dir /N
dir /B
dir /OD
By typing “di” and pressing F8:
- for the first time, you will get:
dir /OD - for the second time, you will get:
dir /B - etc…