Exception in the `startup.py` tries to open a random command line file

[andry81]

• PythonScript: 3.0.20.0

I have an extension to the Notepad++.
In the extension I have using the startup.py to parse an extra command line looking like this:

notepad++.exe -nosession -multiInst -z --custom_parameter_1 -z "<path-to-custom-file-list>" -z --custom_parameter_2 -z custom_parameter_3

The startup.py has a code:

...
with open(path_to_custom_file_list, 'rb') as file_list:
  ...
...

Which throws the exception:

FileNotFoundError: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: "<path-to-custom-file-list>"

This is ok, as long the file does not exist.

But, then Notepad++ tries to create a new file with the dialog box:

---

Create new file

"-z --custom_parameter_2 -z custom_parameter_3" doesn't exist. Create it?

Yes No

This is not expected. The Notepad++ should not proceed to open anything. Just open an empty tab instance would be enough.

I suspect the Notepad++ tries to detect the rest of the command line after a random file parameter as a path to a file.

Suggestion: May be command line cleanup in the default exception handler would be enough.

[alankilborn]

@andry81 Please paste your Notepad++ Debug Info data here.

[alankilborn]

@andry81 The user manual states: The only intended and supported use for this option is for the Notepad Replacement syntax.. Thus, don't do what you're doing with -z.

You could try -pluginMessage="text for plugin(s)" instead...

[andry81]

@andry81 Please paste your Notepad++ Debug Info data here.

Notepad++ v8.8   (64-bit)
Build time : Apr 24 2025 - 02:59:05
Scintilla/Lexilla included : 5.5.6/5.4.4
Boost Regex included : 1_85
Path : C:\Programs\Utility\notepad-plus-plus.org\Notepad++\notepad++.exe
Command Line : -nosession -multiInst
Admin mode : OFF
Local Conf mode : OFF
Cloud Config : OFF
Periodic Backup : OFF
Placeholders : OFF
Scintilla Rendering Mode : SC_TECHNOLOGY_DEFAULT (0)
Multi-instance Mode : monoInst
File Status Auto-Detection : cdEnabledOld (for all opened files/tabs)
Dark Mode : ON
OS Name : Windows 8.1 Single Language (64-bit)
OS Build : 9600.20778
Current ANSI codepage : 1251
Plugins : 
    HTMLTag (1.5.2)
    mimeTools (3.1)
    MultiReplace (4.2.2.25)
    NppConverter (4.6)
    NppExport (0.4)
    NppTextFX (1.4.1)
    PythonScript (3.0.20)
    XMLTools (3.1.1.13)

[andry81]

@andry81 The user manual states: The only intended and supported use for this option is for the Notepad Replacement syntax.. Thus, don't do what you're doing with -z.

It works as expected. Don't see a problem here.

The problem is with a not catched exception, which alters the behavior.

[alankilborn]

It works as expected.

Ok, but not sure how far anyone here will attempt to carry support along, for an unsupported usage.

---

The problem is with a not catched exception,

Well, are you trying to catch it in the Python?
Really, you don't show much of anything in your writeup of this issue.

[andry81]

Really, you don't show much of anything in your writeup of this issue.

startup.py:

print(notepad.getCommandLine())

raise Exception('123')

Run:

cd c:\test
notepad++.exe -nosession -multiInst -z "" -z test

Result:

---

Create new file

"c:\test\-z test" doesn't exist. Create it?

Yes No