Introduction

Language Structure

IB Statements

File System

Comet 32 Runtime

Index

(Shell to DOS)

Mnemonic: (Shell to DOS=ARG1$)
Hex equivalent: "@0E0E0A00@"
Discussion: This mnemonic shells to DOS.

ARG1$ is a string constant or variable containing a DOS command or program name. If ARG1$ is null, the DOS command prompt will be displayed.

The shell to DOS feature is intended for single user Comet systems only (networked or standalone).

When this instruction is executed, the Comet environment (base memory only) is written to disk. Comet writes this data on the first configured local RAM drive. If no local RAM drive is configured, Comet writes this data to the current DOS directory on the hard drive.

This feature requires DOS 6.22 or later.

Returning to Comet:

  1. If a DOS command is not passed to the DOS shell, you can return to Comet by typing EXIT at the DOS prompt. This restarts Comet and returns to the next instruction following the (Shell to DOS) instruction.

  2. If a DOS command is passed to the DOS shell, Comet is restarted automatically when the DOS program is done. You are returned to the next instruction following the (Shell to DOS) instruction.

Also see (Launch).

History: Starting with Comet98 Build 231, this mnemonic launches a Windows application.
Example 1: 
a. 100 FORMAT (Shell to DOS)
   .
   PRINT (0,100)

b. PRINT (0) (Shell to DOS)
This example shells to DOS and displays the DOS command prompt.
Example 2: 
a. 100 FORMAT (Shell to DOS="DIR C:\ /p")
   .
   PRINT (0,100)

b. PRINT (0) (Shell to DOS="DIR C:\ /p")
This example shells to DOS and performs the DIR command on the root directory of drive C:, using the /p parameter to pause the display when the screen is full.