JavaScript to execute command line calls

Hi,

This isn't necessarily a web development question, but it does relate to web applications. I've written some Ant scripts to compile and package a java EAR. I want to execute these scripts via JavaScript running on Windows 2000. I simply cannot find any reference to executing command line calls via JavaScript.

Anyone know of some good documentation?

Hi

You can't make command line calls from javascript
because its a serious security risk.

you could run the scripts by calling a CGI program from a web page, if thats what you want to do.

I'm sure the answer is the same, but I should mention I'm talking about simply running JavaScript on a Windows box in this situation. It won't even be imbedded in a web page.

Yep sorry its the same answer

If you let me know why you want to do it this way I can suggest alternatives.

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but you can use JScript with the Windows Scripting Host to execute shell commands via the Run method of the Shell object as in this example:

http://www.winscripter.com/WSH/System/105.aspx

You are right of course.

but still "why" is the big question.

A batch file can do the same, or run it as a scheduled task. or a combination

Basically I am using the Source Integrity change management tool from MKS, which can fire JavaScript based on certain tasks completed with the product (code promotion, file check-in, etc). I haven't dug into these "triggers" yet to determine if they are truly tightly bound to JavaScript, but if they are then I'd like to limit the technologies I'm using in my overall process as much as possible.

Sorry I am not familiar with that software.

If its a windows based tool then it probably uses jscript as its scripting engine, in which case as RichB says you should be able to access the shell object which will then run a command.

check out the link provided and also go to Microsoft msdn.microsoft.com and search for jscript or vbscript (they are pretty synonomous)

Yep, it is a Windows tool and I'll definitely look into RichB's suggestion. Seems very similar to the vbscript methods.

Remember in windows lingo its jscript not javascript

good luck

JScript is the Microsoft version of Javascript. JScript is very similiar in alot of ways and the sample RichB provided you with is written in JScript

You obviously can run the DOS commands from JavaScript.
For this, In your script section add:
try{var wsh = new ActiveXObject('WScript.Shell');} catch(err){}

This will promp user to enable Activex.
Then you can run any of the command using:

wsh.Run("notepad.exe");

I hope it worked for you