How do I make a C++ program that opens another program?

Question

So I know how to make it, I just want it to open the file without specifying the path.

For example: I have it in

C:\Users\\(me)\Desktop\Projects\BCs\BSCV2\bin\Debug\BSC.exe

but if I give it to a friend, he has a different username, (him) for example, so the command won't be able to execute even if he has it on his desktop because the path isn't valid anymore.

Here's a part of the code:

#include <iostream>
#include <windows.h>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
    int a;
    cout << endl;
    cout << " This window is used for launching the programs." << endl;
    cout << " Type in the number of the program you want to use and press Enter." << endl;
    cout << endl;
    cout << " 1) BSCV2 << endl;
    cout << endl;
    cout << " "; cin >> a; cout << endl;
    cout << endl;

        if (a == 1){
            system ("start C:\\Users\\(me)\\Desktop\\Projects\\BCs\\BSCV2\\bin\\Debug\\BSCV2.exe");
            system ("pause");
        }

    return 0;
}

How can I make it run on anyone's PC, regardless of where they put it? Also, if you could re-write my code as an example, I'd appreciate it.

I don't think `cout << " 1) BSCV2 << endl;` would compile, would it? — Spikatrix, Sep 27 '15 at 11:09
I must've accidentally deleted the " at the end. I meant `cout << " 1) BSCV2" << endl;` — VeeZee, Sep 27 '15 at 11:17
Impressive to "accidentally delete" characters when you verbatim copy/paste your testcase from your IDE. — Lightness Races in Orbit, Sep 27 '15 at 11:52
I actually cut some of the code since it was the same but would (at least should) just open another executable. — VeeZee, Sep 27 '15 at 12:50

score 0 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:03

You will need to get the "home" directory for the current user logged in. Reference this post: How to get the current user's home directory in Windows, or this one: How can I find the user's home dir in a cross platform manner, using C++?

However, are you absolutely sure that all users (on their respective machines) running your application will have the exact directory path to the executable you're trying to call (\Desktop\Projects\BCs\BSCV2\bin\Debug\BSCV2.exe)?

You may be better off writing a function to search for the executable, or ask the user to specify where it is.

How do I make a C++ program that opens another program?

1 Answers1