topic X Command - possible to start command window minimized? in SAS Programming

X Command - possible to start command window minimized?

desertsp — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 16:57:43 GMT

I'm using the X statement to execute a Python script(*.py) towards the end of a long SAS program.

This may be a Python or Windows question, but is it possible to have the Command window launch minimized, or otherwise keep it from "stealing" focus? Because the SAS script is long-running, I may be working in another application by the time X executes, so the window is an interruption (or worse, if it captures inadvertent keystrokes).

Suggestions?

OPTIONS XWAIT XSYNC;  

X "C:\PATHWAY\SCRIPT.PY  &ARG1 &ARG2 ";

Re: X Command - possible to start command window minimized?

Tom — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 17:00:24 GMT

Do you even need a window for the Python script?

If not then don't ask for one.

data _null_;
  infile "C:\PATHWAY\SCRIPT.PY  &ARG1 &ARG2" pipe ;
  input;
  put _infile_;
run;

Re: X Command - possible to start command window minimized?

desertsp — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 17:21:17 GMT

Didn't realize this was an option.

As the script is currently configured, it does print a few informative messages to the window, although I could easily remove that functionality.

Re: X Command - possible to start command window minimized?

desertsp — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 17:28:00 GMT

Well your approach does exactly what I wanted!

The window does still open, but it's minimized by default. The messages still print too.