windows - Open a program with python minimized or hidden

Question

What I'm trying to do is to write a script which would open an application only in process list. Meaning it would be "hidden". I don't even know if its possible in python.

If its not possible, I would settle for even a function that would allow for a program to be opened with python in a minimized state maybe something like this:

import subprocess
def startProgram():
    subprocess.Hide(subprocess.Popen('C:est.exe')) #  I know this is wrong but you get the idea...
startProgram()

Someone suggested to use win32com.client but the thing is that the program that i want to launch doesn't have a COM server registered under the name.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

It's easy :)
Python Popen Accept STARTUPINFO Structure...
About STARTUPINFO Structure: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms686331(v=vs.85).aspx

Run Hidden:

import subprocess

def startProgram():
    SW_HIDE = 0
    info = subprocess.STARTUPINFO()
    info.dwFlags = subprocess.STARTF_USESHOWWINDOW
    info.wShowWindow = SW_HIDE
    subprocess.Popen(r'C:est.exe', startupinfo=info)
startProgram()

Run Minimized:

import subprocess

def startProgram():
    SW_MINIMIZE = 6
    info = subprocess.STARTUPINFO()
    info.dwFlags = subprocess.STARTF_USESHOWWINDOW
    info.wShowWindow = SW_MINIMIZE
    subprocess.Popen(r'C:est.exe', startupinfo=info)
startProgram()