When Scilab is called the user can automatically load into the environment functions, libraries, variables, and perform commands using the the file .scilab in his home directory. This is particularly useful when the user wants to run Scilab programs in the background (such as in batch mode). Another useful aspect of the .scilab file is when some functions or libraries are often used. In this case the command getf can be used in the .scilab file to automatically load the desired functions and libraries whenever Scilab is invoked.