How to use the command 'path' (with examples)

The ‘path’ command in Windows is used to display or set the search path for executable files. The search path is a list of directories that the operating system searches when looking for an executable file to execute.

Use case 1: Display the current path

Code:

path

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to view the current search path for executable files in your system. It allows you to see the directories that are included in the search path.

Explanation: This command does not require any arguments. It simply outputs the current search path.

Example output:

PATH=C:\Windows\system32;C:\Windows;C:\Windows\System32\Wbem

Use case 2: Set the path to one or more semicolon-separated directories

Code:

path path\to\directory1 path\to\directory2 ...

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to set the search path to specific directories. By specifying the directories as arguments with semicolons separating them, you can customize the search path to include only the directories you want.

Explanation: In this command, you need to provide the full paths to the directories you want to include in the search path. Separate multiple directories with semicolons. This will replace the current search path with the specified directories.

Example input:

path C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_291\bin;C:\Python27;C:\Windows\system32

Example output:

The search path has been updated successfully.

Use case 3: Append a new directory to the original path

Code:

path path\to\directory;%path%

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to add a new directory to the existing search path without removing any of the current directories. It allows you to extend the search path to include additional directories.

Explanation: In this command, you need to provide the full path to the directory you want to add, followed by a semicolon and %path%. The %path% is a placeholder that expands to the current search path. This appends the new directory to the original path.

Example input:

path C:\Program Files\NewDirectory;%path%

Example output:

The new directory has been added to the search path successfully.

Use case 4: Set command prompt to only search the current directory for executables

Code:

path ;

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to limit the search for executables to only the current directory. This can be helpful in certain scenarios where you don’t want the command prompt to search other directories for executables.

Explanation: In this command, you need to provide a semicolon (;) as the argument. This clears the search path and sets it to only the current directory.

Example input:

path ;

Example output:

The search path has been updated to include only the current directory.

Conclusion:

The ‘path’ command in Windows provides various use cases for managing the search path for executable files. It allows you to view the current search path, set it to specific directories, append new directories, and limit the search to only the current directory. Understanding these different use cases can help you customize the search path based on your requirements.