[shockin!]

Okay so I'm JUST starting c++, and was wondering, how can I open an external program (for example notepad.exe) in c++?

[no2pencil]

Can you further describe open?

Do you mean open to edit the source code, or open as in launch?

[shockin!]

When I say open I mean to launch the program.e

[no2pencil]

issue System with the full path to the program. Since notepad.exe is in the Windows path, you are free to exclude the full path.

[shockin!]

Wait, what?
I'm confused.

[gronk]

shockin!, on 7 Nov, 2009 - 08:53 PM, said:

Wait, what?
I'm confused.

Yep, that's to be expected. Ask a little later in your understanding of C++; get the basics sorted out before you try more complicated things.

But I see no harm showing you the code. Build a console application using Visual Studio* and give it the following:

#include <stdlib.h>
int main()
{
	system("notepad.exe");
	return 0;
}

Build and run it, and Notepad will appear as directed.

*In VS2008: File -> New Project. In Project Types select Visual C++ -> Win32, and in Templates select Win32 Console Application. Give the project a name, check the location is fine, ensure "Create new solution" is selected, doesn't matter if Create Directory is selected or not (I prefer not) and click OK. In the App Wizard click Next, the defaults should be fine so click Finish and it'll drop you into a code editor. Replace

int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
	return 0;
}

with the above, select Build->Build Solution to build it; there shouldn't be any errors if you've followed the above instructions *exactly*, then Ctrl-F5 to run it.

[Crunch]

try this also

#include <windows.h>

int main(){

ShellExecute(GetDesktopWindow(), "open", "notepad", NULL, NULL, SW_SHOWNORMAL);  
	
return 0;
	
}

[shockin!]

The system code doesn't work for reason: system identifier not found.

[gronk]

What compiler are you using?

[shockin!]

Visual Studio 2010 Beta2, that's all I know.

[hackterr]

you must include header files for using system or shellexecute
and the program must run from a location where notepad.exe is available