For \F in Batch Script

This article will discuss using the FOR /F loop in Batch Script.

Use the FOR /F Loop in Batch Script

The general format for this type of FOR loop is shown below:

FOR /F ["YOUR_OPTIONS_HERE"] %%PEREMETER IN (file_name_here) DO (
    command
)

Let’s see the options available for this command and an example. The options for this command are shown below:

1. DELIMS=xxx - Provides the delimiter characters; contains a default value for strings, SPACE or TAB.
2. SKIP=n - Specifies the number of lines that should be skipped.
3. TOKENS=n - Holds the line numbers that should be checked or read.

The below example finds the Name and Gender from a text file. Here, tokens=1,2 checks the first and second lines, and delims=; excludes the symbol ; every time it is found.

Example:

@echo off
FOR /F "tokens=1,2 delims=;" %%i IN ( test_list.txt ) DO  (
    echo Full Name: %%i %%j   Gender: %%k
)
pause

Here the full name is divided into two parts: First name and Last name.