[Solved] Would like to run PowerShell code from inside a C++ program
I want to be able to run like 30 lines of PowerShell script from my c++ program. I’ve heard it’s a terrible idea, I don’t care. I still would like to know how.
I just want to code directly in the C++ program, i do not want to externally call the PowerShell script. Is there any way to do this? If it’s impossible, just say no.
For example
void runPScode() {
//command to tell compiler the following is PowerShell code
//a bunch of PowerShell code
}
Thanks!
I’ve looked for commands to do this and have read several ‘similar’ questions.
Solution #1:
//command to tell compiler the following is PowerShell code
No! There’s no such command to tell the compiler, and
//a bunch of PowerShell code ...
being executed inline.
You can achieve this using the CreateProcess() function choosing your shell, and provide it with the appropriate code to execute.
Solution #2:
This just for completeness’ sake:
PowerShell has an API – see System.Management.Automation.PowerShell. The API is managed (i. e. .NET-based). It’s possible to build a mixed mode C++ application and invoke said API from the managed part.
Place the following into a separate C++ file:
#include "stdafx.h"
#include <vcclr.h>
#using <mscorlib.dll>
#using <System.dll>
#using <System.Management.Automation.dll>
using namespace System;
using namespace System::Management::Automation;
void RunPowerShell(LPCWSTR s)
{
PowerShell::Create()->AddScript(gcnew String(s))->Invoke();
}
In Project Properties, under VC++ Directories, add C:Program Files (x86)Reference AssembliesMicrosoftWindowsPowerShell3.0 to Reference Directories (your path may vary).
Set the following compiler options for that file only:
- Common Language RunTime Support (/clr)
- Debug information format – Program Database (/Zi)
- Enable C++ exceptions – No
- Basic runtime checks – Default
- Precompiled header – Not Using Precompiled Headers
You need /clr for calling .NET from C++, but /clr is incompatible with a bunch of other C++ options. If you miss something, the compiler error messages will let you know.
Declare void RunPowerShell(LPCWSTR) as a regular external function in the unmanaged parts of the project, invoke as needed.
That said, whatever your Powershell does, C++/Win32 probably can do too.
Solution #3:
You have two options: using system or CreateProcess. The system documentation is found at:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/c-runtime-library/reference/system-wsystem?view=vs-2019
Using this method you pass a string command. An example, as shown in the documentation:
system( "type crt_system.txt" );
CreateProcess documentation is found at:
Using this command is a little trickier and I wouldn’t recommend it for simple commands.
For additional information please see:
how can we use a batch file in c++?