Checking parameters in a DOS batch file

We have a batch file that takes parameters.

We then read the value of the parameter using %1 for the first parameter.

Question is: How can we check that %1 has a value?

From serverfault Shiraz Bhaiji

• According to http://www.robvanderwoude.com/parameters.php you can check them with an if:

  • IF "%1"=="" for non-quoted parameters

  or

  • IF [%1]==[]

  or

  • IF "%~1"=="" (only NT4+SP6 and later)
  From Roald van Doorn

• You can branch on the value of %1. For example, one way to do this is

  if "%1"=="" goto bad
  
  :good
  
  rem Do processing here
  
  goto end
  
  :bad
  
  rem Do error handling here
  
  :end
  

  grawity : It's `%1`, not `%1%`

  dsolimano : Good catch, fixed
  From dsolimano

• you can try this

  Set test=%1

  if %test%.==. (echo test not set)

  From gaotter