(solved) Problems using ConsoleRead() to read input

[TurionAltec]

I'm trying to make a command line utility that will read input from the console that it was called from, and write output back to the console.

I have the following code:

;Console.au3
;Reads console input and outputs message box
#AutoIt3Wrapper_Change2CUI=Y

ConsoleWrite("Please enter data:")
Sleep(6000)
$console = ConsoleRead()
$buttoncode = MsgBox(2, "From console I read", $console)
If $buttoncode = 3 Then
    $button = "abort"
ElseIf $buttoncode = 4 Then
    $button = "retry"
ElseIf $buttoncode = 5 Then
    $button = "ignore"
EndIf
ConsoleWrite(@CRLF & "The " & $button & " button was pressed in the Msgbox." & @CRLF)

When run from Scite it runs as expected. In the Output Pane at the bottom of Scite "Please enter data:" appears, any text typed within 6 seconds will appear in the Msgbox, and the pressed msgbox button will appear in the Output pane.

When compiled to an .exe, the program will accept input only if piped into it.

Echo test message | console.exe

If the program is just launched as console.exe, and keys are typed on the keyboard, the Msgbox will appear blank, and pressed keys are passed back to cmd when the script terminates.

Is there anyway to get ConsoleRead() to read keyboard input?

Edited September 28, 2009 by TurionAltec

[PsaltyDS]

The command shell "DOS Box" is not a "console" in the meaning of ConsoleRead() and ConsoleWrite(). As you found, the console at the bottom of SciTE is a "console" for this purpose.

When you compile as a console (non-GUI) application, ConsoleRead() connects to STDIN and ConsoleWrite() connects to STDOUT. Now you can see ConsoleWrite() data through STDOUT show up on the "DOS Box", but what is typed in there does not go to STDIN for ConsoleRead() to see unless you ECHO it or pipe it there.

Confusing, ain't it?

[TurionAltec]

So no way to easily link the keyboard input in a "DOS box" to STDIN?

Sigh, I guess I'll try a workaround like listening on a local TCP port and telneting in.

[TurionAltec]

Found a solution to this. Using FileOpen("con")

http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=79275&p=571658

Got there from this post:

http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=103132&view=findpost&p=731004

[carstengiese]

You were assuming, that "ConsoleRead()" waits till you press any key, but this is NOT the case.
Even if you do not enter anything, it will continue with an empty output.

Here is a function that reads input from the console:

func ReadInput() ; read input from STDIN till two line-breaks are entered
    Local $sResult
    Local $sText
    While True
        $sText = ConsoleRead()
        If @error Then ExitLoop
        if $sText<>"" then
            if $sText=@CRLF then
                ExitLoop
            Else
                $sResult &= $sText
            EndIf
        EndIf
        Sleep(20)
    WEnd
    return $sResult
EndFunc

[carstengiese]

...and in case you just want to read till a single line-break, then use this:

func ReadLine()
    Local $sResult
    Local $sText
    While True
        $sText = ConsoleRead()
        If @error Then ExitLoop
        if StringRight($sText, 1) = @LF then
            $sResult &= $sText
            ExitLoop
        EndIf
        Sleep(20)
    WEnd
    return $sResult
EndFunc

[Jos]

@carstengiese,

Welcome to our forums, but .....
Do you realised you just answered a "SOLVED" marked 10 years old topic?

Jos

[Bidder]

@Jos

It may be that the answer belongs in a new thread, but it was exactly what I was looking for and is a better, simpler answer.