Open and run a datafile with matlab compiled exe file

Hi, I am trying open a datafile(structural) with my test.exe file, which has been compiled by matlab. Each time I start the test.exe file, it takes 1-5 minutes. So, I am trying to upload the datafile.xyz and run a function, without re-opening test.exe.

So, my test.exe has a function

function read_data() 

I want to double click datafile.xyz to run the function read_data() in test.exe, and read the structural data from datafile.xyz, and do further process. I don’t know where to start. Does matlab have some functions for this, or is it possible through powershell script?

[KSSV]

Provide the filename as input...why you want to double click on the file?

[Mubin R]

I have lots of structural data-file with different names. I want to double click, so the data would be shown in test.exe as a table and run the calculation. I am doing my thesis, so I have to do as I have been told. I solved it with .vbs and .bat, but those codes are chaotic and unprofessional. As a result, I have to do it again. My supervisor suggested to use Powershell script, but he doesn’t know the process. So, I have to figure it out by myself.

[Rik]

Making sure your GUI behaves as a singleton is surprisingly hard. You could circumvent it by using uigetfile.

[Mubin R]

Is it possible to use “open with” for a data file and it send its location address to any.mlapp file and it reads the data without relaunching the app. It works with m files.

Answer 1

[Pratyush]

Hi Mubin,

To open ".xyz" files with your "test.exe" MATLAB compiled application and automatically run a function, follow these steps:

1. Modify your MATLAB function to accept the file path as an input argument.
2. Recompile your MATLAB application to accept command-line arguments.
3. Optionally, create a wrapper script (batch or PowerShell) to call `test.exe` with the file path.
4. Associate the ".xyz" file extension with "test.exe" or your wrapper script using Windows file associations.
5. Double-click a ".xyz" file to test if it opens with "test.exe" and correctly passes the file path to your function.

Hope this helps.