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.
