How to Launch Executables from C : A Safer Alternative to `system()`?

Launching Executables from C : An Alternative to system()

In C , launching an executable from another executable can be achieved using the system() function, but this method poses security and system efficiency concerns. A more robust approach involves utilizing the CreateProcess() function.

<code class="cpp">#include <windows.h>

void startup(LPCTSTR lpApplicationName) {
   STARTUPINFO si;
   PROCESS_INFORMATION pi;

   ZeroMemory(&si, sizeof(si));
   si.cb = sizeof(si);
   ZeroMemory(&pi, sizeof(pi));

  CreateProcess(lpApplicationName, 
         argv[1], 
         NULL, 
         NULL, 
         FALSE, 
         0, 
         NULL, 
         NULL, 
         &si, 
         &pi
    );
    CloseHandle(pi.hProcess);
    CloseHandle(pi.hThread);
}</code>

Using CreateProcess():

1. Define the startup() function as shown above.
2. Specify the path to the executable in lpApplicationName.
3. Call CreateProcess() to launch the executable.
4. Close process and thread handles for resource cleanup.

Error Troubleshooting:

Ensure that the specified path to the executable is correct. The error encountered in the provided code is likely due to an invalid path to "OpenFile.exe".

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