--- /dev/null
+#ifndef PROGRAM_H
+#define PROGRAM_H
+
+#include "thread_util.h"
+
+#include <string>
+
+/**
+ * A wrapping class for an external program, which can exchange messages with the current process through stdin/stdout
+ * Useful for attaching control of an operation to an external process - for example, AI for a game
+ */
+class Program
+{
+ public:
+ Program(const char * executeablePath); //Constructor
+ virtual ~Program(); //Destructor
+
+
+
+
+ bool SendMessage(const char * print, ...); //Sends a formated message (NOTE: Prints a newline)
+ bool SendMessage(const std::string & buffer) {return SendMessage(buffer.c_str());} //Sends a C++ string message
+ bool GetMessage(std::string & buffer, double timeout=-1); //Retrieves a message, or waits for a timeout (if positive)
+
+ bool Running() const;
+
+ protected:
+ FILE * input; //Stream used for sending information TO the process
+ FILE * output; //Stream used for retrieving information FROM the process
+
+ private:
+ pid_t pid; //Process ID of the program wrapped
+};
+
+#endif //PROGRAM_H
+
+