Running a VB App from another program

[snikde]

I have a CAD package (SolidWorks) in which I have created a series of menu choices. As part of the CAD package boot process it starts another VB program that I have created. From the menus I created in the CAD package I would like to execute functions/routines of the VB program that is now running. I can trap events for the menu picks in the CAD package so that part is fine. I just need to understand how to tell the VB program to run various routines that reside in it based on the menu picked in the CAD package. I am assuming this may means I have to "expose" its routines somehow by setting a reference to the VB program.

Thanks.

 

[paulbent]

If the CAD app supports ActiveX and has a scripting language you could make the VB app as an ActiveX exe. Then you can start it with CreateObject and expose its functionality through properties and methods.

Could also put the procedures in the VB app's menus and use API functions to call them.

Another option is command line parameters but this only lets you run a procedure when the VB app is first started.

It all depends on what the CAD app supports programming-wise.

Paul Bent
Northwind IT Systems

http://www.northwindit.co.uk