Using the command "print" (with examples)

The command “print” in Windows allows you to print text files directly from the command prompt. In this article, we will explore two different use cases of this command with code examples to illustrate how it can be used effectively.

Use Case 1: Print a text file to the default printer

Code:

print path\to\file

Motivation:

Printing a text file to the default printer can be useful when you want to quickly print the content of a file without specifying a specific printer. This use case is convenient for printing simple text-based files such as logs, reports, or notes.

Explanation:

• print: This is the command itself.
• path\to\file: This argument is the path to the text file you want to print. Replace “path\to\file” with the actual file path on your system.

Example Output:

Suppose we have a text file named “example.txt” located at “C:\Documents\example.txt”. Running the following code will print the contents of the file to the default printer:

print C:\Documents\example.txt

Use Case 2: Print a text file to a specific printer

Code:

print /d:printer path\to\file

Motivation:

Sometimes, you may need to print a text file to a specific printer on your network. This use case allows you to choose the printer you want to use, ensuring that your file is printed on the correct device.

Explanation:

• print: This is the command itself.
• /d:printer: This argument specifies the printer you want to use. Replace “printer” with the name of the desired printer. You can find the printer name by going to “Control Panel > Devices and Printers” or by using the command wmic printer list brief in the command prompt.
• path\to\file: This argument is the path to the text file you want to print. Replace “path\to\file” with the actual file path on your system.

Example Output:

Suppose we want to print a text file named “example.txt” to a printer named “HP LaserJet”. Assuming the file is located at “C:\Documents\example.txt”, the following code will print the contents of the file using the specified printer:

print /d:"HP LaserJet" C:\Documents\example.txt

By using the “print” command with these examples, you can easily print text files on your Windows system, either to the default printer or to a specific printer of your choice. Whether you need to quickly print a file without specifying a printer or want to ensure that your file is printed on a specific device, the “print” command provides a convenient solution.