Control another program via C#

Question

Hello!

Is it possible to open another program (C++) via C#?

Preferably minimized or not visible. Similar to a service. Is it possible to close another program (C++) via C#?

The background is.

// So far.
//    C++ application is running
            C++ -----PLC
// New 
//   An extension that is controlled via C#.
     C# ---- C++ -----PLC

Answer 1

Yep, it is possible to start and close a C++ application from C#—even if you want it minimized or hidden, just like a background service. Based on your structure:

C# ---- C++ ----- PLC

your C# app acts like a controller or manager. It launches the C++ process (which talks to the PLC), possibly passing in arguments, monitors its health, and stops it when needed.

1. Starting a C++ application via C# (hidden or minimized)

You can use the System.Diagnostics.Process class in C# to start the C++ executable.

Example (minimized):

startInfo.WindowStyle = ProcessWindowStyle.Minimized;

Example (hidden):

using System.Diagnostics;

Process cppProcess = Process_Start(startInfo);

2. Closing the C++ application from C#

If you keep a reference to the Process object (e.g., cppProcess), you can close it directly:

Close by process object:

cppProcess.Kill(); // Forcefully kills the process
cppProcess.WaitForExit(); // Optional: Waits until it fully exits

You can also find the target app by process name:

foreach (var process in Process.GetProcessesByName("YourCppApp")) {
    process.Kill();
}

Btw. make sure the name does not include .exe in GetProcessesByName—just "YourCppApp".*

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hth

Marcin