Backslash in the directory path, what is the difference?

Question

I have a batch script that checks to see if a directory exists then maps it, if it does exist.

if exist \\server\folder1\%username% net use g: \\server\folder1\%username%

Lately the script hasn't been mapping correctly with some computers, on those computers in needs to be change to

if exist \\server\folder1\%username%\ net use g: \\server\folder1\%username%

Why would that backslash make a difference? Isn't it pointing to the same directory? Why would "if exist" need it and "net use" not need it? Users do NOT have access to folder1.

Now, I came across an older version of the same file written by a previous employee and he wrote it as

net use g: \\\\server\folder1\%USERNAME%

Why would he put four slashes?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if this is your problem, but if exist \\server\folder1\%username% is TRUE if
%username% is a valid file or folder within folder1.

Adding a backslash at the end forces the condition to only be true if a folder exists.