SHELL (function) - mkilgore/QB64pe GitHub Wiki

The SHELL function displays the console and returns the INTEGER code value sent when the external program exits.

return_code = SHELL(DOScommand$)

• The literal or variable STRING command parameter can be any valid external command or call to another program.

• A SHELL to a QB64 EXE program with an exit return code parameter after END or SYSTEM will return that code value.
• The return_code is usually 0 when the external program ends with no errors.
• The console window may appear when using the SHELL function. The _SHELLHIDE function will hide the console from view.

[[CONST|CONST]] SM_CXSCREEN = 0
[[CONST|CONST]] SM_CYSCREEN = 1

[[DECLARE LIBRARY|DECLARE LIBRARY]]
    [[FUNCTION|FUNCTION]] GetSystemMetrics& ([[BYVAL|BYVAL]] n [[AS|AS]] [[LONG|LONG]])
[[DECLARE LIBRARY|END DECLARE]]

[[PRINT|PRINT]] trimstr$(GetSystemMetrics(SM_CXSCREEN)); "X"; trimstr$(GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYSCREEN))

s& = [[_SCREENIMAGE|_SCREENIMAGE]]
[[PRINT|PRINT]] [[_WIDTH (function)|_WIDTH]](s&); "X"; [[_HEIGHT|_HEIGHT]](s&)

[[END|END]] 3 '<<<<<< add a code to return after END or SYSTEM in any program

[[FUNCTION|FUNCTION]] trimstr$ (whatever)
trimstr = [[LTRIM$|LTRIM$]]([[RTRIM$|RTRIM$]]([[STR$|STR$]](whatever)))
[[END FUNCTION|END FUNCTION]] '' ''

Explanation: To set a program exit code use an INTEGER parameter value after END or SYSTEM in the called program.

After compiling DesktopSize.EXE run the following code in the QB64 IDE. After 1st program is done 3 will appear on screen:

PRINT returncode% 'prints code sent by called program after it is closed

END '' ''

3 

See also:

• _SHELLHIDE (function)
• SHELL, _HIDE
• _CONSOLE, $CONSOLE
• SYSTEM, END