Create file command in batch files (*.bat)

Question

I want to create a file named "new text document.txt" in the folder `%tv%` using a batch file ( `*.bat`). This is my batch file: ``` set tv=D:\prog\arpack96\ARPACK\SRC cd "%tv%" @CON >> "new text document.txt" set tv= ``` Although I can really create the file in `%tv%`, but when I run the above batch file, I will get an error message saying ' ' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. Is there anyway to get rid of this error message? Or I am creating the file using the wrong command?

Accepted Answer

In order to get a truly empty file without having to provide user interaction, you can use the `set /p` command with a little trickery:

```
set tv=c:\documents and settings\administrator
cd "%tv%"
<nul >"new text document.txt" (set /p tv=)
```

The `set /p` asks the user for input into the `tv` variable after outputting the prompt after the `=` character.

Since the prompt is empty, no prompt is shown. Since you're reading from nul, it doesn't wait for user interaction. And you can store the empty string straight into `tv` thus removing the need to unset it.

Actually, after some more thought, there's an easier way. I've used that `set /p` trick in the past since it's the only way I know of echoing text without a newline being added (great for progress bars in the console). But if all you want is an empty file, you can probably get away with:

```
copy /y nul "new text document.txt"
```

The `copy` simply copies the contents of the `nul` device (effectively an empty file) to your new file name. The `/y` is to ensure it's overwritten without bothering the user.

Create file command in batch files (*.bat)

Solution

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