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Windows BREAK command

The Windows BREAK command is a powerful tool for managing command line processes. This command is used to exit a loop, batch file, or program execution. By using the BREAK command, you can effectively terminate a running process and return to the command prompt.

The syntax of the BREAK command is simple:

BREAK

When you enter this command in the command prompt, it will immediately stop the execution of the current process. This can be useful when you need to interrupt a batch file or loop that is running indefinitely.

In addition to the basic syntax, the BREAK command also supports a few options that can enhance its functionality. For example, you can use the /NOBREAK option to disable the BREAK key checking, or the /? option to display help information about the command.

Overall, the Windows BREAK command is a handy tool for command line management. Whether you need to exit a loop, stop a batch file, or terminate a running program, the BREAK command can help you do so quickly and effectively.

BREAK Syntax:

Terminal window
break [/?]

Options:

OptionDescription
/?Displays help for the break command.

Parameters:

None.

BREAK Usage:

Break Command on a Loop

Terminal window
for %%i in (1 2 3 4 5) do (
    echo %%i
    if %%i == 3 (
        break
    )
)

The break command is used to exit the loop prematurely when the value of %%i equals 3.

Breaking Out of a While Loop

Terminal window
:loop
set /a count+=1
echo %count%
if %count% == 5 (
    break
)
goto :loop

The break command is used to exit the while loop when the value of count reaches 5.

Exiting a For Loop Early

Terminal window
for /l %%i in (1,1,10) do (
    echo %%i
    if %%i == 5 (
        break
    )
)

The break command is used to prematurely exit the for loop if the value of %%i equals 5.

Terminating a Nested Loop

Terminal window
for %%i in (1 2 3) do (
    for %%j in (A B C) do (
        echo %%i %%j
        if %%i == 2 (
            break
        )
    )
)

The break command is used to exit the nested loop early when the value of %%i equals 2.

How do I use break in CMD?

To use the break command in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
break

How can I stop a CMD script execution using the break command?

To stop a CMD script execution, you can use the break command followed by the /immediate option. Here is an example:

Terminal window
break /immediate

How do I resume CMD script execution after using the break command?

You can resume CMD script execution after using the break command by turning off the break feature. Here is how you can do it:

Terminal window
break off

Is it possible to enable the CMD break functionality only on specific lines in a script?

Yes, you can enable the CMD break functionality only on specific lines by using the off option followed by line numbers. Here is an example:

Terminal window
break off 5 10

How do I display the current state of the break setting in CMD?

To display the current state of the break setting in CMD, you can use the on option. Here is an example:

Terminal window
break on

Can I customize the message displayed when the CMD break is triggered?

Yes, you can customize the message displayed when the CMD break is triggered by using the /message option. Here is an example:

Terminal window
break /message "Custom Break Message"

How can I enable the CMD break function globally for all scripts?

To enable the CMD break function globally for all scripts, you can use the on option followed by the /global option. Here is an example:

Terminal window
break on /global

Applications of the BREAK Command

  • Used to set or clear extended CTRL+C checking
  • Can be used to set or clear the extended checking feature
  • Helps determine if CTRL+C checking is required
  • Used in batch files to set or clear checking for CTRL+C