The default command interpreter for your operating system is invoked and given the command specified for execution. When the command has completed, control is returned to HTBasic. If the command argument is not specified then the default command interpreter is invoked, you are given a prompt and you may issue one or more commands. You must terminate the command interpreter to return to HTBasic. To return, type "EXIT".
After the command has completed execution, if the WAIT OFF option is not specified the message "Hit any key to continue" will be displayed and HTBasic waits until you press any keyboard key. If the WAIT OFF option is specified, control immediately returns to the next HTBasic statement.
If the SAVE ALPHA OFF option is not specified, the screen is cleared before the command is executed and the screen is restored after the command has finished. If the SAVE ALPHA OFF option is specified, the screen is not cleared or restored. Messages written to the screen will write over the current screen. You can, however, redirect the output messages to a file and use the WAIT OFF option to prevent writing over the screen.
If the RETURN option is specified, the executed program's termination error value is returned in the numeric variable. When control is returned to HTBasic, an attempt is made to service any events which occurred while the command interpreter had control.
When operating under a window system, the WAIT OFF and SAVE ALPHA OFF options are ignored. To prevent the appearance of a DOS box when running a Windows application use the following syntax:
EXECUTE CHR$(13) & "appname.exe"
Usage Notes
Under Windows, CMD is the command interpreter used if no command is specified. To execute a built-in command like "DIR", use "cmd /c DIR". An extension of .EXE is assumed for the command; to execute a .BAT, .CMD or .COM file, include the extension.
