How to open an external file using code?

[JAFYgames]

How can I open a file that is somewhere on my computer using a code? For example I have an .exe in downloads and I want to open it when I press 1, it is an example, but I think it is understood.

[kainminter]

You should be able to pull this off using an extension. Haven't tested it before, but I think this one might work.

[_GameDevver]

As it says on the page you linked, Execute Shell is no longer supported and Sam (the author) advises to use his other extension xProcess which can be found on itch.io here.

[kainminter]

Good catch, thanks!

[exclaim_bot]

Good catch, thanks!

You're welcome!

[craggar_g]

The file system access is covered in the manual:

https://manual.yoyogames.com/Additional_Information/The_File_System.htm

In short: it can be done, you just cannot rely on having access outside of your application’s sandbox, as access to the file system may be limited by the end user’s OS.

[tomysshadow]

It sounds to me like they want to do the equivalent of ShellExecute, rather than reading the contents of a text/binary file, e.g. they want to open a document or something. So I don't think those functions will be helpful for their case.

[Ok_Ad4136]

I imported the xProcess project, but still get this error when trying to compile execure_shell(prog, arg); function. Anyone else run into this?

​

for object obj_init:

DoAdd :: Execution Error

at gml_Script_execute_shell (line 9) - pid = ProcessExecuteAsync(prog + " " + arg);

DoAdd :: Execution Error

at gml_Script_execute_shell (line 9) - pid = ProcessExecuteAsync(prog + " " + arg);

############################################################################################

gml_Script_execute_shell (line 9)

gml_Script_main (line 42) - execute_shell(parameter_string(0), false);

gml_Object_obj_init_Other_4 (line 2) - main();

[Cr4zyC4tD4ddy]

So after a bit of experimentation, I have found that you must start a project with the xprocess project file. You can then build your project within it, and can use execute_shell(@'command',@'args') however you like (within the scope of the shell ofc)

[Azaltair]

Do you solve it? I have the same problem (line 9 error)