PV-WAVE Foundation > User Guide > Getting Started: Windows > Executing a Command (Batch) File at Startup
Executing a Command (Batch) File at Startup
A command file, or “batch file,” is a file containing PV‑WAVE commands. When executed, each command in it is executed. When the end of the file is reached, control reverts to interactive mode. In other words, the Console window and the WAVE> prompt are displayed, and you can make menu selections and type commands from the keyboard. Alternatively, you may call the EXIT procedure from within the command file to exit PV‑WAVE and return to the operating system prompt.
You can execute a command file directly at startup by entering the following command at the prompt in a Command Prompt window:
wave filename 
 
note
The filename must be a correctly constructed command file. It cannot be a PV‑WAVE procedure file or a file created with the SAVE procedure. Command files are explained in more detail in the PV‑WAVE Programmer’s Guide.
You can also set the environment variable WAVE_STARTUP to execute a command file when you enter the command that starts PV‑WAVE. For more details, see the PV‑WAVE Programmer’s Guide.