# SHLEXC

> [HTML Version](shlexc_lit.htm)

**SHLEXC <command or object spec> \{waitflag\}**

SHLEXC, short for "Shell Execute," causes your PC to execute the command or object you have specified, using the Windows file association list of applications. This is the A-Shell command line equivalent of executing a file from Explorer. If you issue, for example, the command:

shlexc %MIAME%\\miame.ini

Windows checks the file association list to find out the application associated with ".ini" files (let's say it's Notepad), launches Notepad, and loads the file "miame.ini."

_command or object spec_ can be in either A-Shell or native (Windows) format, and supports embedded environment variables as shown above. If the command or object contains spaces, it must be quoted. Possibilities include: 

•	a URL, e.g. http://www.microsabio.com

•	a program, e.g. NOTEPAD.EXE

•	a document file, e.g. README.TXT

•	a directory, e.g. C:\\VM\\MIAME (to open folder in Explorer)

_waitflag_ can be used only with ATE:

| **Value** | **Action ** |
|------|------|
| 0 | no wait |
| 1 | wait for application to signal |
| 2 | don't wait, but try to get focus back |




**History**

2017 January, A-Shell 6.3.1542, SHLEXC.LIT 1.0(103): Enhanced using XSHLEX.SBX so that it now works in server environments with ATE or ZTERM clients, auto-transferring the file to the client if necessary. Requires XSHLEX.SBX and ATEAPX.SBX in BAS: