computer:os:cpm:copy

Copy Files in CP/M

In CPM, files are copied using the pip command; here's a brief overview.

examples

copy a file from floppy disk A: to floppy disk B:

The problem here is that PIP must be loaded from diskette A before it can copy a file. This requires the CP/M diskette to be inserted in drive A:. Consequently, you cannot simply insert the source diskette and enter the copy command; you must start PIP first and then insert the source diskette. After starting, PIP displays the version number and an asterisk (*) as the prompt, awaiting input.

Start pip
```
A> PIP
```
Don't forget to swap the floppy disk now.
copy command
```
*B:DSTFILE.TXT=A:SRCFILE.TXT
```

Full example:

A> PIP
CP/M 3 PIP VERSION 3.0
*B:DSTFILE.TXT=A:SRCFILE.TXT
*
<CTRL-C>
A>DIR B:
B: DSTFILE    TXT
A>

The command is a bit unconventional to use: the destination file comes first, followed by the source file. Still, this is the standard across CP/M, and one gets used to it.

copy every file from floppy A: to floppy B:

A> PIP
*B:=*.*
*

The command was shortened slightly here. The source drive (A:) was not explicitly specified; pip simply copies the files from the current drive.