Calling exe file in matlab with a user-dependent input

Question

I have a .exe file and want to run it through Matlab. I know that I should use !myfile.exe or system and/or evalc. However, after running the .exe file, it asks for input: Please enter the name of input file.

So, the question is that how should I declare the name of the input in my .m file?

I think we need more information for a definite answer. But if it is the .exe asking for a file name, you should be able to pass it as a parameter via the system call: !myfile.exe filename or (if you need the current file name) system(['myfile.exe ',mfilename('fullpath')]). — TroyHaskin
– TroyHaskin, Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 22:32
The problem is that the exe file does not have any default input file and this file should be typed ! So, I really don't know that how I should enter the name of the input file after running the exe file. — Sam
– Sam, Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 22:35
I'm not sure what you mean by "should be typed !" as the only difference, in my experience, is that the bang shell escape creates a literal line of system input while system allows for dynamic string input. That said, if the .exe doesn't accept the filename as a direct input, you'll have to manually enter the filename it needs via the Matlab command window I'm pretty sure. — TroyHaskin
– TroyHaskin, Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 22:41
Yes :), it works. How can I remove some of the comments that execute after running the .exe file? — Sam
– Sam, Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 22:51
In this case, assuming you needed to enter the filename directly, you either need to deal with the comments, or have the system spawn a shell by appending a & for the end of the system call; then enter the filename in that shell and all comments will be restricted to the instance. — TroyHaskin
– TroyHaskin, Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 23:00

bla · Accepted Answer · 2016-01-27 22:55:56Z

1

Try the following scheme using the java.awt.Robot class.

r = java.awt.Robot;
system([myfile.exe ' &']); % dont forget to use the correct path if needed
pause(2) % allow some time for the computer to process
system([your_input_file_name ' &']);
r.keyPress (java.awt.event.KeyEvent.VK_ENTER); % press "enter" key
r.keyRelease (java.awt.event.KeyEvent.VK_ENTER); % release "enter" key

Another option is to use .net object if you are in windows by using SendWait and SendKeys, for example:

NET.addAssembly('System.Windows.Forms'); % import the .NET assembly
sendkey = @(strkey) System.Windows.Forms.SendKeys.SendWait(strkey) ; %useful function for the next lines:
%% now let's get started
system('myfile.exe &') ;   
pause(2);
sendkey('your_input_file_name')
sendkey('{ENTER}'); % press ENTER

credit to Luis Mendo and Hoki for telling me all about this

edited Jan 27, 2016 at 22:55

answered Jan 27, 2016 at 22:47

bla

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