Hidden features of Windows batch files

Line continuation:

call C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntbackup.exe ^
    backup ^
    /V:yes ^
    /R:no ^
    /RS:no ^
    /HC:off ^
    /M normal ^
    /L:s ^
    @daily.bks ^
    /F daily.bkf

PUSHD path

Takes you to the directory specified by path.

POPD

Takes you back to the directory you "pushed" from.

Not sure how useful this would be in a batch file, but it's a very convenient command to use in the command prompt:

C:\some_directory> start .

This will open up Windows Explorer in the "some_directory" folder.

I have found this a great time-saver.

I have always found it difficult to read comments that are marked by a keyword on each line:

REM blah blah blah

Easier to read:

:: blah blah blah

Variable substrings:

> set str=0123456789
> echo %str:~0,5%
01234
> echo %str:~-5,5%
56789
> echo %str:~3,-3%
3456