Hi all. I just looked over the JDK 1.3 proposed spec changes and I was shocked to find that the java.lang.Runtime.exec() problems in the spec have not been fixed. I reported these problems to Sun in July of 1998, but they still have yet to be addressed. If you want a more detailed description of the problem see bug 4156278 on the Sun bug parade. In short, the Runtime.exec() method is hoplessly flawed because it does not allow a person to set the current directory of a process that is to be exec'ed. There is also the fact that you can not set env vars in the sub process without clearing all the env vars set in the parent process. These problems make it impossible to exec subprograms without using nasty hacks like writing out a shell script and then execing /bin/sh on Unix or command.com under Windows. I think what is needed here is a little of the old "slashdot effect". This bug has been in the top 10 of voted bugs for some time but there has been no word from Sun. If you would like to help please take a few moments to send an email to Sun and tell them that bug 4156278 should be fixed in JDK 1.3. [EMAIL PROTECTED] thanks Mo DeJong [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
