Java File path to Executable has spaces

Question

I have a Java program that asks the user to enter in the path to a file that needs to be executed.

the path can be something like this for example: C:/ProgramFiles/Citrix/ICA Client/pnagent.exe I create a File Object with this path, and check to make sure it exists, and check to make sure it's a File, and check to make sure it's executable. as far as File is concerned, it's a completely valid Object that exists.

note: the File object is called "script"

BUT When I run the script, I receive errors on the spaces.

Runtime rt = java.lang.Runtime.getRuntime();
Process pp = rt.exec(script.getAbsolutePath());

I am 100% the first line works correctly. The error I receive is the image below: (I have it displayed in a JOptionPane.)

Error Image

What is the best way to remove my errors? Thanks in advanced!

Attempted Solution #1: Process pp = rt.exec("\""+script.getAbsolutePath()+"\"");

When I use C:\Tools\IT Support\bookmark.htm I get enter image description here

@Blaine I tried, I wasn't able to figure it out. Hence why I am posting on here. — Kryptos, Aug 13 '13 at 18:52
You'll find solutions in this question http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6686592/runtime-exec-on-argument-containing-multiple-spaces — Benoit Wickramarachi, Aug 13 '13 at 19:10
It would seem to me that that last update you posted shows that `script.getAbsolutePath()` isn't returning a full path. Might check that. — BlackHatSamurai, Aug 13 '13 at 19:13

score 4 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:06

4

EDIT:
By far the most reliable way is to use Runtime.exec(String[] cmdarray).

If you use Runtime.exec(String command), Java only splits the command on whitespace.

the command string is broken into tokens using a StringTokenizer created by the call new StringTokenizer(command) with no further modification of the character categories. The tokens produced by the tokenizer are then placed in the new string array cmdarray, in the same order.

See also g++: File not found

Or use ProcessBuilder something like this:

ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder("ln", "-s", "dir1/dir2", "my dir/dir2");
Process p = pb.start();

edited May 23 '17 at 12:06

Community

1
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answered Aug 13 '13 at 18:46

Khinsu

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This did not solve the issue, I updated my original post with the results. – Kryptos Aug 13 '13 at 18:53
@Kryptos did you try the `ProcessBuilder` approach? Because I don't see the results in your question. If no, please try that – c.s. Aug 13 '13 at 19:20
@c.s. I tried that just now.. I get nothing.. the JFrame freezes, no errors, or anything. – Kryptos Aug 13 '13 at 19:28

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 13 '13 at 22:24

Try

String[] commands = {"cmd", "/c", "start", "\"DummyTitle\"",script.getAbsolutePath()};
Runtime.getRuntime().exec(commands);

It is a Windows only solution.

java.awt.Desktop is maybe a better solution in your situation since you need the "file-association" mechanism.

public static void open(File document) throws IOException {
    Desktop dt = Desktop.getDesktop();
    dt.open(document);
}

Java File path to Executable has spaces

2 Answers2