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Thread: writing a program to interface with other programs

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    Default writing a program to interface with other programs

    There must be some mechanism that windows provides that allows an application programmed in whatever language to interface with other programs running on the same computer.

    Specifically, I will be beginning a project soon in which I have to program in Java an application that reads from a dxf file and produces a plan/model from it in AutoCAD. It needs some kind of I/O channel opened so as to send it instructions to AutoCAD (ex. draw line, make face, create new layer, etc.).

    Does Windows have resources/mechanisms that allow one to do this in Java?


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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    It is going to be application dependent - if the application you wish to send information to doesn't listen for information sent to it then there isn't really a mechanism to do so. You could write a file in the format of said application, but it wouldn't be on the fly. Often, data is sent dynamically to an application via port/socket communication - so I recommend investigating whether AutoCAD has this capability.

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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    Thanks copeg, I will look into port/socket communication.

    My first thought was that my Java application could somehow "borrow" the user input channels (i.e. keyboard and mouse) and send info as if it were the devices on those channels. Is this a possibility?

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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    Quote Originally Posted by gib65 View Post
    Thanks copeg, I will look into port/socket communication.

    My first thought was that my Java application could somehow "borrow" the user input channels (i.e. keyboard and mouse) and send info as if it were the devices on those channels. Is this a possibility?
    Have a look at the Robot class.
    Robot (Java Platform SE 6)
    No guarantees it will fit your needs, but it might be worth a quick test to see

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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    Too late, he already got help elsewhere and neglected to update this thread.

    This thread has been cross posted here:

    http://www.java-forums.org/advanced-java/50782-writing-program-interface-other-programs.html

    Although cross posting is allowed, for everyone's benefit, please read:

    Java Programming Forums Cross Posting Rules

    The Problems With Cross Posting

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  6. The Following User Says Thank You to KevinWorkman For This Useful Post:

    copeg (November 4th, 2011)

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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    Yes, I came across that myself. Looking into it. Thanks.

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    Default Re: writing a program to interface with other programs

    Quote Originally Posted by KevinWorkman View Post
    Too late, he already got help elsewhere and neglected to update this thread.

    This thread has been cross posted here:

    http://www.java-forums.org/advanced-java/50782-writing-program-interface-other-programs.html

    Although cross posting is allowed, for everyone's benefit, please read:

    Java Programming Forums Cross Posting Rules

    The Problems With Cross Posting

    Doh! I forgot about being forward about cross-posting!!!

    Sorry about that. I should know better - because I do know better.

    I only forgot because I'm really anxious to figure out how to do this because my butt is on the line, and being forward about my cross-posts kinda slipped on my priority list (not to mention my memory) - that's no excuse, I realize, but for what it's worth: every answer I get is useful! I mean it: I've never come across an answer that was exactly the same as every other one.

    So I do appreciate the time and information provided to me by those willing to give it.

    And I promise I will remember to mention my cross-posts next time (I'm writing it on a sticky as we speak ).

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