In computing, <code>dpath</code> is an internal cmd.exe command on IBM OS/2 and Microsoft Windows that allows using a set of files with the <code>TYPE</code> command and with input redirection as if they are in the current directory. On Windows it is undocumented and deprecated. <code>dpath</code> differs from the <code>append</code> command in the way it operates. <code>dpath</code> informs programs what directories they should search in order to find computer files. It is then up to the applications to recognize <code>%DPATH%</code>. Using the <code>append</code> command on the other side, programs are able to find files without recognizing that the command is in effect.
In DOS the <code>append</code> command allows programs to open data files in specified directories as if they were in the current directory. Since Windows NT this is not working as the cmd.exe introduced command processor extensions and <code>append</code> become redundant. Despite this the executable was and is still available in 32-bit versions of Windows. Anyway, the command relied on <code>%DPATH%</code> environment variable, which can be edited with the <code>dpath</code> command. In the modern Windows installations only the <code>dpath</code> command is working despite the help message still is pointing to the <code>append</code> command.
DPATH pathname [;pathname] [;pathname] [;pathname]... DPATH DPATH ; pathname : drive letter and/or folder ; : the command 'DPATH ;' will clear the path
Without parameters the will display the current list of the directories. Editing <code>%DPATH%</code> environment variable also can be used. DPATH /? will print the <code>append</code> command help message.
Input redirection:
With TYPE command: