Developer Overview: WinBatch Scripting

Scripting tools are the "quick and dirty" procedural, interpreted languages used as glue for component integration. WinBatch is a macro scripting language specifically designed for Windows and Windows NT. It features a unique language called WIL for Windows Interface Language. It is specialized for controlling the Windows operating system, the PC it runs on, and the software applications used on that computer.

No other scripting tool offers so much control over the Windows environment. The table below covers many products. Yet, only WinBatch provides universal access and control to everything that is Windows.

Usability

You can learn WinBatch quickly because it features truly simple programming that works just like other languages you have used.

Every script is actually a list of operations. A sequential structure is ideal for automating sequential operations. No objects need to be instantiated. No object properties need to be set. Just put instructions into a list and WinBatch does the rest.

To make your work even easier, you can structure your script files to look like other programming tools. The logic in WinBatch is modeled on C. But Visual Basic programmers and users of other programming languages will be immediately at home with WinBatch.

This is fortunate, because WinBatch tends to be used as a ingredient in many different projects. WIL includes the hints you will need to quickly start any new project.

Rapid Development

WinBatch Studio is the Integrated Development Environment that ships with WinBatch. It provides a central location to refer to all the help files and information on WinBatch functions and language extensions. Use it for fast coding, and debugging.

The Studio has a keyword feature for locating sample code. Each of over 1,000 functions is documented with a sample of the most commonly used code. All you have to do is copy it, paste it into your script, make minor changes, and you are done.

When it comes to gluing together integrated systems, keystroke macros are the simplest way to control software programs. WinBatch includes WinMacro for recording keystrokes, mouse movements, or both. Mouse recording is great for illustrating procedures in education applications.

Functionality

WinBatch packs practical use into single functions. For instance, our AskPassword() function not only builds a dialog, but it also hides the password. In other scripting languages this takes much more time and effort to code.

Many WinBatch functions access the Windows APIs. Since there are many Windows versions, WinBatch has got to have the internal smarts to detect the operating system and adjust to it. At Wilson WindowWare we pride ourselves on keeping our products up to date. But be sure, that when you download the latest WinBatch update, it will run your older scripts without a hitch.

As you consider scripting tools, consider the range of capabilities they provide. The core of WinBatch includes just half of our over 1,000 functions. The remainder are included in several language "extenders". We update these to be current with networking, the Internet, and other rapidly changing areas. Be sure the tool you select has all the functionality you will need to get 100% of your work done.

Quick Product Information

WinBatch comes in three versions. The single PC (we use this as our demo) version WinBatch, sells for about $100. WebBatch, for NT servers, sells for $300 and comes with a copy of WinBatch. Our Compiler package ($500) makes royalty-free runtimes for unlimited distribution to thousands of grateful customers. You can save money and time by getting WinBatch from resellers--particularly overseas.

How do you try WinBatch, in your own hands, at no risk? Buy a copy. It comes with our 90 day money back guarantee, so you can try the complete package without risk. If you wish a quick sample, you can download an evaluation copy from www.winbatch.com (where you may be right now). PDFs of the help files are there, too.

Using WinBatch

This simple example below shows, in just four lines, how to automate a common end-user chore. It attaches to a server, runs an application, waits for the user to quit the application, and then closes the connection to the server. The functions are all given common sense names to make maintaining scripts very easy.

Sample WinBatch script:

AddExtender("WWWNT32I.DLL")

wntAddDrive(@default,@default,"\\SERVER\PUB","E:",@false)

RunWait("E:\EXCEL\EXCEL.EXE","\E")

wntCancelCon("E:",@TRUE,@TRUE)

The example above is just one way to use WinBatch to save time. The table below shows an outline of the functions in WinBatch. Pick your function from this list and your job is almost over. It is as easy as that.

Finding Your Solutions from WinBatch Studio

The integrated development environment, IDE, in WinBatch is WinBatch Studio. It contains the easiest access to the WIL functions in WinBatch. Simply start up Studio, start a new or old file, and then click the right mouse button.

From one location, you get immediate access to all the help files, functions, and prebuilt solutions in the WIL and 22 other help files. Plus, you also get the ability to run a script and test its operation in a debug window