Is it possible for a DLL to open explorer?

Question

Im trying to make (what I thought was a simple) extension for Game maker studio 2.

I am restricted to making a DLL app.

I am wondering is there any was to have a dll app open the file explorer have the user locate a file and then return said directory?

I fell like this is a sumb question but one I really need to know the answer too before slaving away coding for hours only to find its not possible.

The answer is yes, and also, there is no such thing as a DLL app. — user253751, Jul 15 '20 at 13:52
Sorry Yes that should be file. Thanks for the info. I shall now delve into coding and getting it working! — Chris_livermore, Jul 15 '20 at 13:57

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 15 '20 at 15:14

You do not want to launch the explorer but to open a file dialog that allows the user to select a file.

Depending on the framework you use in your program the solutions may differ.

If you are using Qt framework you may use a QFileDialog for a platform independent mechanism.

If you are okay that it will only works on Windows then you may directly use the WinAPI functions GetOpenFileName or GetSaveFileName (that is a lot easier than the Common Item Dialog that is suggested as replacement on their documentation pages)

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 23 '20 at 13:12

0

On GameMaker terms, you want to use get_open_filename or get_open_filename_ext.

See Dialog Module (marketplace, github) for C++ implementation reference.

answered Jul 23 '20 at 13:12

YellowAfterlife

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Is it possible for a DLL to open explorer?

2 Answers2