Perl and C++

[ranadhir]

Is it possible to execute a C++ console application through perl.We have a windows console application which needs to be run recursively at specified interval ,and the output from stdout to be collected.
Since the framework we are integrating with this application, provides interfaces through perl script,we wanted to explore if the above option is possible.
If yes,samples or links will be very helpful.

 

[raklet]

From what you described, it sounds possible. You could launch your console with the system command and capture stdout to a file:

system("application.exe >> c:/temp/output.txt");

If you want to bring stdout into perl itself for processing, then use backticks `` to execute the program.

my $output = `application.exe`;

Raklet

 

[ranadhir]

Thanks a lot for the help.
I indeed have to collect the stream from stdout into perl itself.
So i believe the second option will be more suitable.
But in this option,will it be feasible to pass in input parameters to the console exe?
That is also one of the requirements of this application

 

[raklet]

Yes, you can pass parameters. Using the system or backticks commands are the same as if you are typing directly on the command line.

`notepad c:/temp/output.txt`;

Run notepad and pass file to open parameter.

Raklet

 

[ranadhir]

Thanks a lot for the advice;i am now able to pass parametrized arguements to application and invoke it.Thats a big progress - with a small hitch.When i pass in a xml string,it doesnt allow.

C:\perlexecs>perl backtick.pl '<root></root>' 20
< was unexpected at this time.

and sending it in as
C:\perlexecs>perl backtick.pl "'<root></root>'" 20,consumes the entire stream including the quotes.

Sorry for the trouble,but am almost at the last point of this endeavour with your help

 

[raklet]

You need the double quotes in order to pass the argument. Clean up the string once it is inside the perl script. Something like this:

my $data = shift @ARGV; # get the param pass at command line
$data =~ s/^'|'$//g; # remove the beginning and ending single quotes
print "This is $data\n";  # do something with it