running command line args in C#

Question

I'm just switching over to C# from Java, so bear with me. From what I've read in several places online, you need to run commands with the following syntax:

Process.Start("cmd.exe","/C <<command>>");

But, when I do that, the command window opens and immediately closes.

So, I try it without the /C for kicks.

Process.Start("cmd.exe","<<command>>");

This time, the command window stays open, but nothing happens -- no command is run. I've tried it with even the simplest commands.

What am I doing wrong? I'm sure it's a noobish mistake.

Thank you in advance. Using Visual C# 2010 Express.

Alex K. · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-06 13:41:04Z

4

You need /K

Process.Start("cmd.exe", "/k dir c:\\");

Note that running cmd.exe dir c:\ from the shell would not work either as the command line is not valid without a leading /K or /C switch.

answered May 6, 2014 at 13:41

Alex K.

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2 Comments

Cliff Over a year ago

Perfect, thank you! So, what's the difference between /K and /C? When should I use one as opposed to the other?

Alex K. Over a year ago

cmd.exe /? == /C runs the command and terminates, /K runs the command keeping the cmd process alive and active when finished.

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