Multiple Consoles in a Single Console Application

Question

I have created a C# Project which has multiple console applications in it. Now my question is: Is it possible to display multiple consoles when I run one application? if yes, how?

Lets say, I have a Test Application, which is the main application. I have another two Console applications say, ABC and XYZ. Now, when i run the Test Application, the console of both applications ABC and XYZ should appear.

I have written the following code:

Console.WriteLine("\n\t Calling EXE...");
Process myProcess = new Process();
string Exepath = System.IO.Directory.GetCurrentDirectory() + "\\exe\\ABCApplication.exe";
try
{
    myProcess.StartInfo.UseShellExecute = false;
    myProcess.StartInfo.FileName = Exepath;
    myProcess.StartInfo.CreateNoWindow = false;
    myProcess.Start();
}

catch (Exception ex)
{
    CreateLogFile();
}

Do you mean for debugging purposes? Or when running it normally? — vesan, Jun 09 '15 at 06:56
Please note that `GetCurrentDirectory` may not work as you expect it to work! See this question: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/15653921/get-current-folder-path/15653938#15653938 — Thorsten Dittmar, Jun 09 '15 at 07:04
@harsh It may be working now, but you may get in trouble later. Just believe me. It does not solve your current problem, but you *will* run into trouble later on. — Thorsten Dittmar, Jun 09 '15 at 07:21
@Thorsten I am sorry! You are right. It does run into trouble, because the current directory differs from the execution folder. — Harsh, Jun 09 '15 at 08:13

B.K. · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-10T02:31:15.003

11

Here's a quick example of what can be done... obviously, adjust paths to your liking and there are a few other ways:

Preview:

enter image description here

Code:

using (var process1 = new Process())
{
    process1.StartInfo.FileName = @"..\..\..\ConsoleApp1\bin\Debug\ConsoleApp1.exe";
    process1.Start();
}

using (var process2 = new Process())
{
    process2.StartInfo.FileName = @"..\..\..\ConsoleApp2\bin\Debug\ConsoleApp2.exe";
    process2.Start();
}

Console.WriteLine("MainApp");
Console.ReadKey();

This was a quick setup and many things can be and should be adjusted (exception handling, etc., etc., etc.). It should get you started, though.

edited Jun 10 '15 at 02:31

answered Jun 09 '15 at 07:13

B.K.

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@B.K. wow, what program did you use to create that video clip? – Carlo Luther Oct 31 '15 at 15:02
@Luther There are many screen capturing apps that create gifs. I use LICEcap (http://www.cockos.com/licecap/), Screen To Gif (https://screentogif.codeplex.com/) and Gyazo (https://gyazo.com/). Each has pros and cons. – B.K. Oct 31 '15 at 21:08
2

I believe you can open any executable this way. I mistakenly copied the wrong path and it opened a console and a WindowsForms App. This was more than useful. Many thanks. – Tanatos Daniel Aug 02 '17 at 16:19

Thomas · Answer 2 · 2015-06-09T06:58:38.023

1

You can start another process using the Process.Start() call. Take a look here for examples

edited Jun 09 '15 at 06:58

answered Jun 09 '15 at 06:54

Thomas

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I tried to use the option you suggested, but its not working. – Harsh Jun 09 '15 at 06:56
1

@Harsh: Then post some code so we can see why it doesn't work. – vesan Jun 09 '15 at 06:58
I mean, I want the console of both applications ABC and XYZ to appear, when I run the Test Application. – Harsh Jun 09 '15 at 06:58

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jun 09 '15 at 06:55

0

Yes you can.

ProcessStartInfo allows you to capture console output.

You're probably looking for this: Redirect standard output. Note you should also redirect standard error.

answered Jun 09 '15 at 06:55

atlaste

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Multiple Consoles in a Single Console Application

3 Answers3

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