How to Handle Spaces in Parameters When Using C \'s `system()` Function?

C system() Function Error with Spaces in Parameters

Problem Statement

When using the system() function in C to run an executable with parameters, an error occurs if there are spaces in both the executable's path and the path of a file passed as a parameter. The error message reads:

The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.

Explanation

The system() function executes system commands by passing them to the Windows command processor (cmd). When the command contains spaces, the command processor interprets everything between the first and last double quotes as a single argument. However, in this case, the double quotes around the executable's path and the double quotes around the parameter file path are causing a conflict.

Solution

To resolve the issue, an additional set of double quotes must be added to enclose the entire command. This way, the command processor treats everything within these outermost double quotes as a single argument, even though it contains spaces and other double quotes.

<code class="cpp">system("\"\"C:\Users\Adam\Desktop\pdftotext\" -layout \"C:\Users\Adam\Desktop\week 4.pdf\"\"");</code>

Additional Notes

• The cmd /S /C flags can be added to the system() function call to ensure that the string is always parsed as a case 2 scenario, where the double quotes are treated as part of the argument.

<code class="cpp">system("cmd /S /C \"\"D:\test\" nospaces \"text with spaces\"\"");</code>

• Using this quoting mechanism overcomes the error caused by spaces in the paths of both the executable and the parameters.

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