BAT Files

Windows .bat scripts that launch matching Python files, load .env, and pass arguments automatically

What is a .bat file?

A Windows batch script that executes a sequence of shell commands by double‑clicking a file. In practice, place the exact commands and arguments you would type into a terminal inside a .bat so tasks run with one click—no manual terminal steps or retyping flags each time.

How this template works

Runs the Python file with the same base name in the same folder.
Loads variables from a .env in current, parent, or grandparent folder (if present).
Can embed command‑line arguments (e.g., --input/--output) to preconfigure runs.
Reports success/failure and pauses so output can be read before the window closes.

Copy template.bat next to your_script.py, rename it to your_script.bat, adjust arguments if needed, then double‑click to run.

Full template.bat

@echo off
setlocal enabledelayedexpansion

REM Get current directory and base filename without extension
set "CURRENT_DIR=%~dp0"
set "BASE_NAME=%~n0"

REM Load environment variables from .env (current > parent > grandparent)
if exist "%CURRENT_DIR%.env" (
    set "ENV_PATH=%CURRENT_DIR%.env"
) else if exist "%CURRENT_DIR%..\.env" (
    set "ENV_PATH=%CURRENT_DIR%..\.env"
) else if exist "%CURRENT_DIR%..\..\.env" (
    set "ENV_PATH=%CURRENT_DIR%..\..\.env"
) else (
    set "ENV_PATH="
)

if defined ENV_PATH (
    echo Loading environment from: %ENV_PATH%
    for /F "usebackq tokens=*" %%A in ("%ENV_PATH%") do set "%%A"
) else (
    echo Warning: .env file not found in current, parent, or grandparent
)

echo Running %BASE_NAME%.py from %CURRENT_DIR%

REM Run Python script with same base name (add your args here)
python "%CURRENT_DIR%%BASE_NAME%.py" --input "%CURRENT_DIR%input\example.mp4" --output "%CURRENT_DIR%export"

REM Check for errors
if errorlevel 1 (
    echo Error: Failed to run %BASE_NAME%.py
    pause
    exit /b 1
) else (
    echo Success: %BASE_NAME%.py completed
)

pause

Remove the pauses

Then run with NO_PAUSE=1 your_script.bat or set it in your .env.

REM Set NO_PAUSE=1 to skip pauses
if not defined NO_PAUSE pause

REM ... run python ...

if errorlevel 1 (
    echo Error: Failed to run %BASE_NAME%.py
    if not defined NO_PAUSE pause
    exit /b 1
) else (
    echo Success: %BASE_NAME%.py completed
)

if not defined NO_PAUSE pause

Notes

Ensure python is on PATH (or use py launcher).
.env lines are KEY=VALUE; quote values only when they contain spaces.
Keep the .bat next to the .py and give them the same base name.