RunningExternal

Applications1

There are times when you may wish to run an external application from a VB application.

2

External Applications

As another example, you are asked to create a VB program that tests a user’s knowledge of Microsoft Word. Part of the test is multiple choice (like Assignment-6) and part is hands-on. From your VB program, you want to open Word and a specific document, have the user make changes to the document, and then save it.

This can be done using the Shell Method or the Process Class.

3

External Applications

After learning about these two options, we will use them to create the interface shown on the previous slide.

Shell(“application_name”, windows_style)

Shell(“c:\windows\notepad.exe”,AppWinStyle.NormalFocus)

Shell(“c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\winword.exe FontTest.doc”,AppWinStyle.NormalFocus)

4

Shell Method

There are two additional parameters, but we will not examine them. See helpon the Shell method for details.

For additional window styles see:http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/microsoft.visualbasic.appwinstyle.aspx

Since the paths can vary, using the Shell method on different computerscan cause problems. Even on the samecomputer, there can be problems.

You cannot split a string acrosstwo lines. I needed the room!

If no path is specified, VB searchesthe Documents folder not debug.

Process.Start (“application_name”) Process.Start(“c:\windows\notepad.exe”)

Process.Start (“document_name”)

Process.Start(“FontTest.doc”)

5

Process Class

Since the paths can vary, using the Process.Start on different computer can cause problems. Even on the samecomputer, there can be problems.

If no path is specified, VB searchesthe debug folder not Documents.

The application associatedwith the file type is used.For additional information see

Help on the Process.Class

Let’s look at VB and see how to create the interface to execute these three applications.

6

Accessingthe

Web

7

The first example we will look at is a VB project that opens the CIS 400 home page.

This is done by using the WebBrowsercontrol and setting some of its properties such as:

AllowNavigationDockUrl

8

Accessing the Web

For additional details about the WebBrowser class, visit:http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/5d67hf8a.aspx

9

Let’s look at VB and see how to create this Web interface.

As another example, suppose you are working for the IT department of a school system, and you are asked to limit student access to only specific Web sites and links on those sites.

Remember, in the previous topic, we were able to run IE from with VB. Unfortunately, IE has an address text box in which users can type any URL.

To prevent this, you will use VB to create a browser interface that does NOT contain an address text box, thereby preventing users from typing a URL.

10

Accessing the Web

You will also have to use someWebBrowser methods.

11

Let’s look at VB and see how to create this Web interface.

ListBox of approved sites.