MSDOS applications run with pause on exit

I have a shortcut to a .BAT file (or any kind of DOS application). I need after its execution, DOS window not to close until i read the output of the program(s).

Adding a line with pause in the end of file is not an option (my file stays in VCS).

Solution: You could change the command of shortcut from this:

c:\path\shortcut.bat

to this:

c:\path\shortcut.bat & pause

You will get an message "Press any key to continue" and you will read the output of the program.