Concatenating files with DOS COPY — creating a new file: Which DOS command correctly combines FILE1 and FILE2 into a brand-new file named FILE3 (without altering the originals)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: COPY FILE1+FILE2 FILE3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Older DOS workflows often required concatenating text or binary segments into a single file. The COPY command can join files using the plus sign, provided the syntax is correct and you understand implications for text versus binary data.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We have two source files: FILE1 and FILE2.
  • We want to create a new file named FILE3 that contains the contents of FILE1 followed by FILE2.
  • We do not want to modify the original files.


Concept / Approach:

The DOS COPY concatenation syntax is COPY fileA+fileB destination. This writes the combined stream into the destination file. For text files, ensure proper end-of-file markers and line endings. For binary files, be cautious: concatenation is meaningful only when specific formats support it.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify correct concatenation form: COPY FILE1+FILE2 FILE3.Run the command in the desired directory or include paths.Verify that FILE3 exists and includes both file contents sequentially.Keep originals intact, as COPY reads without altering FILE1 or FILE2.


Verification / Alternative check:

Using TYPE FILE3 for text files will show the merged content. The DOS help for COPY demonstrates the plus syntax for joining files just as shown.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • COPY FILE3 FILE1+FILE2: reverses operands; COPY expects sources before destination.
  • COPY FILE1+FILE2+FILE3: missing destination; this would attempt to copy into the current directory and may be invalid or misinterpreted.
  • COPY FILE2 FILE1+FILE3: mixes source and destination incorrectly.
  • None of the above: incorrect because (b) is exactly right.


Common Pitfalls:

Concatenating binary files without understanding format; forgetting that COPY may add end-of-file characters for text in some DOS versions; overwriting an existing FILE3 unintentionally.


Final Answer:

COPY FILE1+FILE2 FILE3

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