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();
}

Solution 1

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

Preview:

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.

Solution 2

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

Comments

[Harsh]

I tried to use the option you suggested, but its not working.

[vesan]

@Harsh: Then post some code so we can see why it doesn't work.

[Harsh]

I mean, I want the console of both applications ABC and XYZ to appear, when I run the Test Application.

[Carlo Luther]

@B.K. wow, what program did you use to create that video clip?

[B.K.]

@Luther There are many screen capturing apps that create gifs. I use LICEcap (cockos.com/licecap), Screen To Gif (screentogif.codeplex.com) and Gyazo (gyazo.com). Each has pros and cons.

[Tanatos Daniel]

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.