Running an bat execution from Java

[xan.amini]

Hi,

I am trying to execute a .bat file (called startwatch.bat) from Java using the following code:

public static void main(String[]args){
        //.....
	runCmd("startwatch.bat");		
        //.....
}


public static void runCmd (String cmd) {
String str = null;
try {
	Process p = Runtime.getRuntime().exec(cmd);
	BufferedReader stdInput = new BufferedReader(new 
			InputStreamReader(p.getInputStream()));
	System.out.println("Here is the standard output of the command: " + cmd);
	while ((str = stdInput.readLine()) != null) {
		System.out.println(str);
	}
}
catch (IOException e) {
	System.out.println("exception happened - here's what I know: ");
		e.printStackTrace();
		System.exit(-1);
	}
}

The text inside startwatch.bat is as follows:

start java -classpath ../KNIME_inputs/bin KNIME_inputs

This .bat file will run a different java script. Since this new java script will be monitoring my main script, I must have them running at the same time. When I run the main java script, it opens the bat file executing as planned. However, it does not allow the main java script to continue, as it is waiting for the termination of the bat file.

Is there a way for me to force the main java script to move on, but to also keep the bat file running?

Thanks

[Norm]

it opens the bat file executing as planned. However, it does not allow the main java script to continue

What is the "it" you are referring to? The JVM or the OS?
Where does the "main" program block waiting for completion of called program? You have a loop that would "wait"
Could you put the code that blocks on its own thread?

[Tolls]

And just to add another one -
what happens when you run that BAT file by itself from terminal?
Does it go back to the prompt?

[xan.amini]

Hi Norm,

Can you please explain how I can put

the code that blocks on its own thread?

[xan.amini]

Tolls,

Yes, when I run the BAT file by itself from the terminal it works perfect, executing the code in a separate cmd window and waiting for a new prompt in the original.

[Norm]

To see how to put a section of code on its own thread, read the tutorial. Go here and Find thread:
The Really Big Index

and/or read the API doc:
Java Platform SE 6