Batch file how to call another batch file at a specified label or call and immediately goto a certain label?

Question

I am trying to figure out how file1.bat can call file2.bat at a specified label.

I figured I can do it like this:

File1.bat

:config
         


        

Answer 1

You can use a strange trick!
You can goto a label in a secondary batch without calling it in the secondary batch!

First.bat

@echo off
call :label
echo returned
exit /b

:label
second.bat
exit /b

Second.bat

@echo off
echo Main of second.bat
exit /b

:label
echo This is second.bat at LABEL
exit /b

OUTPUT

This is second.bat at LABEL
returned

There seems to be no cause why the label is called, nor why the control should return to the first.bat, as second batch was called without a CALL.
The cause for the first point seems to be the internal code of the goto command.
The second point can be explained, as there is one call prior to the dummy label in the first batch file.
The exit /b in second.bat returns directly to the call (line 3) of first.bat not to the invocation of second.bat at line 7

EDIT: How to disable the odd behaviour

if you append a command at second.bat it will no longer implicit jump to the label in second.bat.

second.bat & rem will change the output to OUTPUT

Main of second.bat
returned