Hello everyone.

I was wondering how to PROPERLY make a multi-tabbed or multi-window application that can handle file start requests.

For example, on startup my "Desktop Application" runs and sits there waiting for a task, either through the main menu, or for a file to display in a window. Now the problem is simple, how can I make this already running program load the dropped file (dropped on the executable (!)), instead of starting a new instance.

I understand I will have to check if the process is running, and if so, do some stuff with it. But the problem is passing the message to the active program.

Previously I used text files with paths/arguments in them, but I don't like the idea of the OS/program checking every 500 ms if a file is created in the "load this" folder...

Then I thought of sending a message using "Send Message", for example changing the text in a textbox and handle the "Text Changed" event, but is this reliable? Can any other program interfere with it?

So, basically I need the proper way of doing all of this. For example, Microsoft Visual Studio does this nicely, and no lag whatsoever...