start (command)

The start command is a command-line utility available in various operating systems, most notably Microsoft Windows. Its primary function is to launch a separate program or open a file association without blocking the current command prompt or terminal window. This means that the user can continue working in the original shell while the launched application executes in its own process.

Functionality:

The command essentially creates a new process for the specified program or file. This differs from simply running a program directly from the command line, which would typically suspend the shell's operation until the launched program terminates.

Usage:

The basic syntax for using the start command is:

start [options] [title] [program or file]

• Options: These are optional parameters that modify the behavior of the start command. Common options might include controlling the window size and state (e.g., minimized, maximized) or specifying the program's priority. The availability and specific options vary based on the operating system and version.
• Title: This optional parameter specifies the title for the new command prompt window if a console application is being launched. If omitted, the title defaults to the program's executable name or a system-defined value. Note that this title refers to the console window title, not necessarily the title bar of the launched application itself, particularly for GUI programs.
• Program or file: This specifies the executable file to be launched or the file to be opened using its associated program. If it's a file association (e.g., a .txt file), the start command will use the program configured to open that file type (e.g., Notepad).

Benefits:

• Non-blocking execution: Allows users to continue working in the command prompt while other applications run.
• File association launching: Enables opening files with their default associated programs via the command line.
• Control over window appearance (limited): Certain options allow for basic control over the window state of console applications.

Limitations:

• OS Specificity: The start command and its available options are primarily found in Windows operating systems. Equivalent functionality might be achieved differently in other operating systems (e.g., using & in Unix-like systems to run processes in the background).
• Limited Window Control: The level of control over the window's appearance is relatively basic, particularly for GUI applications. The ability to precisely position or size the window is generally not supported.
• Return Values: The start command typically does not provide a direct mechanism for retrieving the exit code or other return values from the launched program. Users would generally need to use other methods (e.g., scripting or inter-process communication) to obtain this information.