batch file - Why does "start firefox" command works in Windows command prompt? -

batch file - Why does "start firefox" command works in Windows command prompt? -

i'm curious why commands "start iexplore" , "start firefox" work in windows cmd. they're not standalone commands. if seek type in "firefox", you'll get: "'firefox' not recognized internal or external command, operable programme or batch file."

this leads conclusion special behaviour of "start" command. first guess works in similar way how %path% variable used, having known directories search in. ruled out trying run "start [executable]" executable located in same directory firefox.

my conclusion somewhere on computer there's list of designated file paths, can started typing file name after "start" command, instead of entire path.

imagine potential of beingness able add together things list.. knows can find it?

it in registry

hklm\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\app paths\

under key there defined applications can invoked without need alter path environment variable.

usual invocation (typing name in command line) not search within list, phone call start command, windows run dialog or phone call uses shellexecute or shellexecuteex api calls, check applications defined in list.

windows batch-file cmd