Delphi 7: how to execute shell command and check the result?

Question

I\'m using Delphi 7 and can\'t predict the target version of Windows.

I need to create a database (probably MySql, but might be something else) and define some table

Answer 1

I wonder why everybody who wants launch a new process tends to use ShellExecute instead, which is designed to open file in associated application?

You want new process? Then use CreateProcess. End of story.

CreateProcess allows you to wait for process, to get its exit code, to read its console output and many more.