creating a file in the same directory as the executable program

1978Corvette · 03-03-2006, 09:30 AM

I'm creating/reading/writing a file in my program, but initially the file will have to be created before it is used.

Do I create a file with fopen? If not, what function do I use?

Also, what directory path do I specify if I want to create the file in the same folder as the .exe file of the program that is creating the file?

Thank you.

**Salem** · 03-03-2006, 10:23 AM

Which OS/Compiler are you using?

1978Corvette · 03-03-2006, 10:55 AM

Win XP/ Dev-C++

WaltP · 03-03-2006, 11:45 AM

Yes, fopen() for write will create the file.

bithub · 03-03-2006, 11:57 AM

This code should work for you. It will create the file MyFile.ext in the same directory as your executable. Make sure and include <windows.h>. Another option is to use the executable path given to your main() or WinMain() function.

Code:

char buff[MAX_PATH], *p;
FILE *f;
GetModuleFilePath(NULL,buff,MAX_PATH);
p = strrchr(buff, '\\');
if(p)
{
   strcpy(p+1,"MyFile.ext");
}
f = fopen(buff,"w");

tcpl · 03-03-2006, 02:05 PM

Just call fopen with the file name and the "w" parameter and it will create/overwrite a file in the executable's directory...

1978Corvette · 03-03-2006, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bithub

This code should work for you. It will create the file MyFile.ext in the same directory as your executable. Make sure and include <windows.h>. Another option is to use the executable path given to your main() or WinMain() function.

Code:

char buff[MAX_PATH], *p;
FILE *f;
GetModuleFilePath(NULL,buff,MAX_PATH);
p = strrchr(buff, '\\');
if(p)
{
   strcpy(p+1,"MyFile.ext");
}
f = fopen(buff,"w");

is there anyway to do this without using the WinAPI? How can I get the directory through standard command-based C?

bithub · 03-03-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Just call fopen with the file name and the "w" parameter and it will create/overwrite a file in the executable's directory...

No, it will create the file in the current working directory which could be different than the executable's directory.

Quote:

is there anyway to do this without using the WinAPI? How can I get the directory through standard command-based C?

Yes. Use the directory passed to main(argc, argv).

tcpl · 03-03-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

No, it will create the file in the current working directory which could be different than the executable's directory.

I think you're using MS Visual C++ too much...

**Dave_Sinkula** · 03-03-2006, 10:11 PM

A related thread elseweb from a little while back...
http://forums.devshed.com/c-programm...ry-314721.html

03-03-2006, 09:30 AM	#1
1978Corvette Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15	creating a file in the same directory as the executable program I'm creating/reading/writing a file in my program, but initially the file will have to be created before it is used. Do I create a file with fopen? If not, what function do I use? Also, what directory path do I specify if I want to create the file in the same folder as the .exe file of the program that is creating the file? Thank you.
1978Corvette is offline

03-03-2006, 10:23 AM	#2
Salem and the hat of vanishing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: The edge of the known universe Posts: 21,214	Which OS/Compiler are you using?
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03-03-2006, 10:55 AM	#3
1978Corvette Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15	Win XP/ Dev-C++
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03-03-2006, 11:45 AM	#4
WaltP Been here, done that. Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,036	Yes, fopen() for write will create the file. __________________ There are only 10 types of people in the world -- those that use binary, and those that don't
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03-03-2006, 11:57 AM	#5
bithub Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,845	This code should work for you. It will create the file MyFile.ext in the same directory as your executable. Make sure and include <windows.h>. Another option is to use the executable path given to your main() or WinMain() function. Code: char buff[MAX_PATH], p; FILE f; GetModuleFilePath(NULL,buff,MAX_PATH); p = strrchr(buff, '\\'); if(p) { strcpy(p+1,"MyFile.ext"); } f = fopen(buff,"w");
bithub is offline

03-03-2006, 02:05 PM	#6
tcpl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 17	Just call fopen with the file name and the "w" parameter and it will create/overwrite a file in the executable's directory...
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03-03-2006, 10:11 PM	#10
Dave_Sinkula Just Lurking Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,990	A related thread elseweb from a little while back... http://forums.devshed.com/c-programm...ry-314721.html __________________ 7. It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one. 40. There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.*
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