How to execute perl script from java in ubuntu

Question

I have a perl script that needs 2 arguments to be run. I am currently using Ubuntu and I managed to execute the perl script from terminal by changing directory to where the perl script exists and by writing

perl tool.pl config=../mydefault.config file=../Test

However, when I am trying to run the perl script from my java program (I am using eclipse), It always gives me the message Command Failure. This is the code :

Process process;
try {
    process = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("perl /home/Leen/Desktop/Tools/bin/tool.pl config=../mydefault.config file=../Test");
    process.waitFor();
    if(process.exitValue() == 0) {
        System.out.println("Command Successful");
    } else {
        System.out.println("Command Failure");
    }
} catch(Exception e) {
    System.out.println("Exception: "+ e.toString());
}

So please what is wrong in my code?

have you checked the exist status of the command when run from the terminal? $?. Are you sure you're running it from the right directory in the Java code? — Matt Whipple
– Matt Whipple, Commented Sep 14, 2012 at 15:28
The path inside exec. function seems wrong. Printout System.properties and check the runtime environment before run the script. Or try with absolute path: I mean /home/user/.... — gersonZaragocin
– gersonZaragocin, Commented Sep 14, 2012 at 15:28

matt b · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-14 15:34:49Z

6

You should be separating the command from it's arguments in the call to exec(), such as:

Runtime.getRuntime().exec(new String[] {"perl", "/home/Leen...", "config=...", "file=..."});

With what you currently have, Runtime is looked for a command literally named perl /home/Leen/Desktop..., spaces and all.

When you run the whole command from the Terminal, your shell is smart enough to realize that a space delimits the name of the command (perl) from the arguments that should be passed to it (/home/Leen/Desktop..., config=..., file=...). Runtime.exec() is not that smart.

answered Sep 14, 2012 at 15:34

matt b

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