Type

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Type

Displays the contents of a text file. Use the type command to view a text file without modifying it.

Syntax

type [Drive**:**][Path] FileName

Parameters
  • [Drive:][Path] FileName
    Specifies the location and name of the file or files that you want to view. Separate multiple file names with spaces.
  • /?
    Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
  • If you are using an NTFS drive and FileName contains spaces, use quotation marks around the text (that is, "File Name").

  • If you display a binary file or a file created by a program, you may see strange characters on the screen, including formfeed characters and escape-sequence symbols. These characters represent control codes used in the binary file. In general, avoid using the type command to display binary files.

Examples

To display the contents of a file named Holiday.mar, type:

type holiday.mar

To display the contents of a lengthy file one screen at a time, type:

type holiday.mar | more

Formatting legend

Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Ellipsis (...)

Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd}

Set of choices from which the user must choose only one

Courier font

Code or program output

See Also

Concepts

Using filters
Using command redirection operators
Command-line reference A-Z
Command shell overview