How to create an interactive menu in a Windows batch script

Whenever you need to automate tasks in Windows or facilitate the use of certain functions to other users, batch scripts They become an irreplaceable tool. However, they can often be unfriendly if they only require entering commands complex. Create a menu within a script batch It transforms them into much more intuitive and versatile tools, allowing you to choose options on the screen and execute different actions with little effort.

In the world of batch scripts, having interactive menus It's key to improving the experience for both advanced users and those new to the command line. Knowing how to design a menu in a batch file not only automates the work, but also makes it more secure and less prone to human error, unifying everyday routines under a single executable document.

What is a menu in a batch script and what is it used for?

When we talk about a menu in a batch script, we are referring to a list of options on screen This allows the user to select the action they wish to execute. These actions can range from simple tasks such as creating directories, running other programs, or changing settings, to more complex tasks such as automating builds or deployments in development projects.

The advantages of batch menus are based on the fact that allow for easier interaction with users who are not used to typing commands manually. This way, anyone can choose an option simply by entering a number or letter, following clear instructions.

Main components of a batch menu: labels, conditionals, and flows

To build a batch menu it is essential to know some basic commands:

• Tags: Used with the colon sign (:), function as markers or jump points within the script. For example, :menu marks the start of the main menu.
• goto: Redirects script execution to the specified label, determining which part of the code will be executed next.
• f: It allows decisions to be made based on conditions, such as knowing which option the user has selected.
• set /p: Prompts the user to enter a value and stores it in a variable.
• threw out: Displays information on the screen, which is key to creating clear menus and guiding the user.

The combination of these commands allows you to structure scripts that present options, receive user input, and execute the logic corresponding to each choice.

Basic batch menu example explained step by step

Let's see how a simple menu is structured so the user can choose between performing different tasks, following the most representative examples from the best-ranked tutorials:

@echo off title Options menu :menu echo Choose one of the following options: echo. echo 1) Riddle echo 2) Create directory echo 3) Exit echo. set /p option= if %option%==1 goto riddle if %option%==2 goto newfolder if %option%==3 goto exit :riddle echo What is something and nothing at the same time? pause goto menu :newfolder echo Creating new folder... sleep 2 mkdir riddle pause cls goto menu :exit echo Closing program... sleep 2 pause

Each block of code responds to a menu optionAfter executing the action, the script returns to the main menu unless you choose to exit. This model is easily extensible; simply add new tags and options to offer more functionality.

Advanced example: menu for development and automation tasks

Beyond simple menus, some developers implement menus to manage development projects, especially in enterprise or large team contexts. For example, in an environment where Maven is used, a menu.bat at the root of the project to facilitate operations such as compiling, testing, running servers, or cleaning up the environment.

This type of menu allows:

• Reduce repetitive errors by unifying tasks into a single file.
• Facilitate the incorporation of new members to the team, by practically documenting the main flows.
• Integrate custom commands like mvn clean install or Boot of embedded servers.
• Execute specific parts using subcommands.

This example shows how an advanced menu.bat can make working in development environments easier:

@echo off echo ################################ echo . Quick Tasks Menu echo ################################# :start_menu echo 1. Compile project echo 2. Run application echo 3. Open browser echo 4. Clear environment echo 5. Exit set /p option= if "%option%"=="1" goto compile if "%option%"=="2" goto run if "%option%"=="3" goto browser if "%option%"=="4" goto clean if "%option%"=="5" goto exit :compile echo Compiling... call mvn clean install pause goto start_menu :run echo Running application... rem Here you can launch your app or server pause goto start_menu :browser echo Opening browser... start iexplore.exe http://localhost:8080/myapp/ pause goto start_menu :clean echo Cleaning environment... rem Deletes directories, restarts services, etc. pause goto start_menu :exit exit

This structure allows you to manage different tasks in a single script., facilitating automation and workflow control in complex projects.

Tips and tricks to improve the user experience

Beyond presenting options, it's vital that a batch menu be intuitive and avoid common mistakes. Here we've compiled some essential tips for efficient batch scripts:

• Validate user input: It is advisable to check that the entered option is valid and, if not, display an error message and return to the menu.
• Use colors and formats: You can change the colors of the text and background with the command color to highlight important sections or differentiate types of messages.
• Clear the screen before displaying the menu: Usa cls to keep the console tidy and easy to read.
• Include titles and headings: Usa title to give a descriptive name to the command window and improve the interface.
• Include pauses: The command pause helps the user read the messages before continuing.

Implementing validations and using system functions can make the menu more robust and user-friendly.

Advanced Techniques: Multi-Level Menus and Subcommands

In professional environments, it is common to have multi-level menus, where the main menu provides access to specific submenus for different work areas. For example, a main menu to select between compilation, testing, and deployment, and within each menu, submenus with additional options.

Manage environment variables and call external scripts with call It allows flow control even in complex structures, facilitating system scalability. This is useful in large projects with varied modules and different dependencies.

Flow control by means of if, goto y call It allows you to create scalable and well-structured menus, integrating them with other tools if necessary..

Customizing colors in the batch menu

To improve the visual appearance, you can modify the text and background colors using the command color. The syntax is color XY, where X represents the background color and Y represents the text color, with hexadecimal values ​​from 0 to F. Some useful examples:

• 0: Black
• 7: Blanco
• F: Bright white
• 8: Grey

For example, for a black background with gray text, you would use color 08This helps visually distinguish the different parts of the menu and make the interface more attractive.