C# TreeNode control, how do I run a program when node is clicked?

Question

Hi all,

I'm creating an application launcher for our company and I would like to use the TreeNode control (we have 100s of network applications that need a structure), when a user clicks a Node (Example: Application 1) then I would like to run the program on it's own i.e. the app launcher isn't waiting for it to close etc.

How would I do this? All I have currently is the TreeNode structure in AD with no code behind it apart from:

private void treeView1_AfterSelect(object sender, TreeViewEventArgs e)
{


}

Many thanks

Answer 1

You can use the static Process method Start()

private void treeView1_AfterSelect(object sender, TreeViewEventArgs e)
{
    // Starts Internet Explorer
    Process.Start("iexplore.exe");

    // Starts the application with the same name as the TreeNode clicked
    Process.Start(e.Node.Text);
}

If you wish to pass parameters too then look at using the ProcessStartInfo class.

The only delay you will get, is the waiting for the process to start. You're code won't block while the program is running.

Answer 2

using the ProcessStartInfo let you have more control over the app

when creating your TreeView nodes, place the full path to the app inside each of TreeNode.Tag property and retrieve it to run your process

using System.Diagnostics;

private void treeView1_AfterSelect(object sender, TreeViewEventArgs e)
{
    //Retrieving the node data
    TreeNode myClickedNode = (TreeNode)sender;

    //The pointer to your new app
    ProcessStartInfo myAppProcessInfo = new ProcessStartInfo(myClickedNode.Tag);

    //You can set how the window of the new app will start
    myAppProcessInfo.WindowStyle = ProcessWindowStyle.Maximized;

    //Start your new app
    Process myAppProcess = Process.Start(myAppProcessInfo);

    //Using this will put your TreeNode app to sleep, something like System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(int miliseconds) but without the need of telling the app how much it will wait.
    myAppProcess.WaitForExit();
}

For all properties look at MSDN ProcessStartInfo Class and MSDN Process Class

Answer 3

1. I'd suggest at least requiring a double-click or Enter keypress to launch the app, instead of mere selection. Otherwise, what happens when the user just clicks to give focus, or navigates the tree with the arrow keys? Chaos.

2. The TreeViewEventArgs is where you find what node was affected: e.Node

3. Ian already pointed out how you can launch a process.