TCC-RT offers several ways to start applications.

 

First, you can simply type the name of any application in a batch file. As long as the application's executable file is in one of the standard search directories (see below), TCC-RT will find it and start it. If you type the full path name of the executable file at the prompt the application will be started even if it is not in one of the standard search directories.

 

For additional flexibility, you can also start applications with the START command. START provides a number of switches to customize the way an application is started.

 

TCC-RT has two methods to simplify and speed up access to your applications. One is to create an alias, for example:

 

alias myapp d:\apps\myapp.exe

 

You can also start an application by typing the name of a data file associated with the application. TCC will examine the file's extension and run the appropriate application, based on executable extensions or Windows file associations.

 

Searching for Applications

 

When you start an application without specifying a path, TCC-RT searches for the application in the current directory, and then all directories on the PATH. TCC-RT also searches the Windows and Windows system directories; see the PATH command for details. (If you do enter an explicit path, TCC will only look in the directory you specified.)

 

If you enter a file name with no extension, TCC-RT will search each directory for a matching .EXE, .BTM, .BAT, or .CMD file (and .REX and/or .REXX if a REXX interpreter is loaded), then for a file matching a Windows file association or executable extension. That search order may be altered via the PathExt environment variable. If no such file is found, TCC-RT will move on to the next directory in the search sequence.