Re: Proc::Background does not take file path with spaces

Looking inside the Win32 component of Proc::Background it does some pretty dubious manipulations with the program component of its arg(s), including if, -- after it has done some other incomprehensible manipulations -- the length of the command argument is 0, then it wraps that zero length arg in quotes:

      if (length($arg) == 0 or $arg =~ /\s/) {
        $arg = "\"$arg\"";
      }
[download]

None of which bodes well for success.

If all you need is to start a process in the background, a simple:

my $pid = system 1, 'c:/program Files (x86)/vs.exe';
[download]

Does the job.

if( kill $pid, 0 ) { ... will tell you if it is still running.

kill $pid, 3; will terminate it.

waitpid $pid,0; my $retcode = $?; will get the return code.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".

In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

The start of some sanity?

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Re^2: Proc::Background does not take file path with spaces by SuicideJunkie (Vicar) on Apr 27, 2012 at 13:34 UTC
On a windows command line, your parameters are all (white?)space separated. If you want a zero-length parameter you need to double quote it so it isn't ignored, like so: `USAGE: mangle.exe [filename] [password] [index number] mangle.exe unprotected.dat "" 42` [download] Parameters that are all whitespace have the same problem and solution. No idea on why it had to be done that way though.	[reply] [d/l]
Re^3: Proc::Background does not take file path with spaces by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Apr 27, 2012 at 14:11 UTC
If you want a zero-length parameter Hm. Okay, you got me there. Mind you, in 30 years I don't remember ever having used a command that took a "zero length parameter". Every command I'm aware of that takes a password has an option to supply it. And optional parameters always come at the end. With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday' Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error. "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. The start of some sanity?	[reply]
Re^4: Proc::Background does not take file path with spaces by dinasour (Novice) on Apr 28, 2012 at 00:08 UTC
Hi Guys I end up using the following `use Win32; $CommandNew = Win32::GetShortPathName("C:\\Program Files (x86)\\vs.exe +"); Proc::Background->new($CommandNew);` [download] Thanks for looking	[reply] [d/l]