Overview
process_runner is a Dart package that provides an abstraction for executing and managing system processes, particularly useful for handling multiple processes in a controlled queue. It simplifies process invocation with features like asynchronous execution, output capture, and error handling. Designed for cross-platform use, it supports Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux, making it ideal for desktop and device-level applications requiring external command execution. The package is maintained by Google and integrates seamlessly into Flutter projects.
Use cases
- Running shell commands from Flutter apps
- Managing background tasks via system processes
- Automating build or deployment scripts
- Executing external tools in CI/CD pipelines
- Handling long-running process operations
Key features
- Multi-process queuing
- Asynchronous process management
- Output and error stream handling
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Simple API for process execution
Suitable for
- Desktop app developers
- CI/CD automation tools
- DevTools and build systems
- System-level integrations
- Flutter apps needing shell command support
Considerations
- Requires proper error handling for external process failures
- May need elevated permissions on some platforms
- Not suitable for high-frequency short-lived processes
- Limited to synchronous execution patterns without additional wrappers
- Depends on underlying OS process capabilities