ZDNet Definition for: DOS Doskey

An external command starting with DOS 5 that provides command history and macros (typed-in commands stored for later use). The command buffer (reserved space) is 512 bytes long unless you specify otherwise. Three examples for loading Doskey follow:

    doskey                 512 byte buffer
    doskey /bufsize=1000   1K buffer
    doskey /bufsize=256    minimum size

Use Up and Down Arrow to move through command history, and press Page Up and Page Down for the oldest and most recent command. Doskey uses these additional key commands:

   Key       Function
   F7        Display command history
   Alt-F7    Clear command history
   Alt-F10   Clear macros
   F9        Recall command by number
   Ctrl <--  Cursor previous word
   Ctrl -->  Cursor next word
   Home      Cursor beginning of line
   End       Cursor end of line
   Esc       Clear line
   Ins       Insert mode for this line

CREATING MACROS
Doskey macros are useful for shortening phrases that are hard to type; for example, suppose you often copy the file D:PKWAREPKUNZIP.EXE to different directories or disks. You could create a macro named PK as follows:

   doskey pk = copy d:pkwarepkunzip.exe $1

The $1 creates a blank field for data entry. Now that the macro is created, to copy PKUNZIP.EXE to the B drive, you would type:

            pk b:

Entering the command above converts the macro into the following command (the b: replaces the $1):

    pk = copy d:pkwarepkunzip.exe  b:

To see the macros you've created, type:

            doskey /macros

Doskey macros last for only the current session. If you save them in a batch file and add the word DOSKEY in front of each one, you can execute the batch file and recreate the macros in the next session. To store your macros in MYMACRO.BAT, type:

       doskey /macros > mymacro.bat

In order to make the resulting file a command file, you have to type the word DOSKEY at the beginning of each line.

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.