Getting the file name without extension in a Windows Batch Script

Question

I'm trying to create a right-click context menu command for compressing JavaScript files with YUI compressor. My ultimate goal is to try to get this to run on a context menu:

java.exe -jar yuicompressor-2.4.2.jar -o <filename>.min.js <filename>.js

I know I can use the variable %1 to reference the file name being opened. I can't figure out how to get this command into a batch file syntax and haven't been able to find any answers online.

Update:
Jeremy's answer (+comments) worked. For anyone who stumbles upon this, here is what I had to do:

In the action I created for the JavaScript file, I used this as the command:

minify.bat "%1"

Which calls my batch script, which looks like this:

java.exe -jar yuicompressor-2.4.2.jar -o "%~dpn1.min.js" %1

For the batch script, keep in mind that the code above assumes the directories for java.exe & yuicompressor are both added to your PATH variables. If you don't add these to your path, you'll have to use the full path for the files.

The sequence %~dpn is used to get:

%~d - The drive
%~p - The path
%~n - The file name

See CALL /? for the full list of enhancements to windows batch parameters, including %~x1 for the extension. — Assad Ebrahim
– Assad Ebrahim, Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 8:03

YellowAfterlife · Accepted Answer · 2025-07-22 09:02:25Z

57

Change the action to call a batch file:

RunCompressor.bat "%1"

Use %~n1 to get the filename without the extension in RunCompressor.bat:

start javaw.exe -jar yuicompressor-2.4.2.jar -o "%~n1.min.js" "%1"

Helpful article

start javaw.exe closes the command window when running the batch file.

edited Jul 22 at 9:02

YellowAfterlife

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answered Sep 24, 2009 at 14:49

Jeremy Stein

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6 Comments

Dan Herbert Over a year ago

I tried using that, and instead of it evaluating to the name of the file, I ended up with a file with a name of "%~n1.min.js".

Jeremy Stein Over a year ago

What version of Windows are you using?

Jeremy Stein Over a year ago

Oh, is that command line what you're entering into the File Types dialog as a new action?

Dan Herbert Over a year ago

I'm using the Folder Options settings to add the new action, like this: imgur.com/y5nuF

Jeremy Stein Over a year ago

OK. Use %1 there, but call a .bat or .vbs file. I've updated my answer.

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lygstate · Accepted Answer · 2022-03-16 10:56:35Z

12

echo path of this file name is: %~dp0
echo file name of this file without extension is:%~n0
echo file extention of this file is:%~x0
echo The file name of this file is: %~nx0

edited Mar 16, 2022 at 10:56

answered Dec 24, 2013 at 14:16

lygstate

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Comments

Jeremy Stein · Accepted Answer · 2009-09-24 15:42:28Z

0

Write your own class that determines the output filename to send to YUI compressor.

java.exe -cp yuicompressor-2.4.2.jar MyClass "%1"

answered Sep 24, 2009 at 15:42

Jeremy Stein

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