Question : ShellExecute alternative

On windows I use ShellExecute (http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/shellcc/platform/shell/reference/functions/shellexecute.asp) to launch external programs.

I want to do the same thing on a linux box,
What command should i use?

Thank you for your help

Answer : ShellExecute alternative

system() or exec()

See 'man system' and 'man exec'.