Question

Using batch commands how do I get the folder path/directory from a string?

For example, if I have the string “C:\user\blah\abc.txt” how do I split the string so I can just get the folder part, ie, “C:\user\blah\”?

If pass the string “C:\user\blah\abc.txt” in the command line of a batch file, how do I split that string into just the folder part?

REM // Grab "C:\user\blah\abc.txt" from the command line
SET path="%*" 
REM // The following doesn't successfully capture the "C:\user\blah\" part
SET justFolder=%path:~dp1%

Answer 1

the ~dp option only works with the batch parameters (%1 %2 …) or with FOR substitution parameters (%%a %%b …). Read HELP CALL.

So, to achieve what you want, try the following code

call :setJustFolder "%*"
echo %justFolder%
goto :eof

:setJustFolder
set justFolder=%~dp1
goto :eof

As an aside note, my personal preference is not to add ” around user entered filenames. I would code the previous code simply as

set justFolder=%~dp1
echo %justFolder%