While searching for a version control system to replace Visual Source Safe, I came across SubVersion. SubVersion appeared to be a reliable alternative, so I downloaded a snapshot of the code, built it, and launched the svnserve.exe program, which is the SubVersion server instance. Getting everything up and running was surprisingly quick and easy. However, one thing stood out: I couldn’t configure the server to run as a Windows service.

There’s a significant category of software that would greatly benefit from being able to start as a Windows service. For example, JINI services written in Java or other standalone Java applications without user interfaces that provide essential backend services for other applications. This need isn’t exclusive to Java applications—it applies to any software that should run in the background, independently of whether a user is logged in. Applications like these, which currently require manual startup or reliance on being placed in the startup group, would be far better served if they could be set up to run automatically as services when the machine boots.

Reflecting on this need led to the concept for RunAsService.

The foundational requirements for this application are:

RunAsService must enable the execution of one or more applications as native Windows services, ensuring they start automatically with the system.

Given how straightforward it is to create a Windows service using the .NET Framework, C# was chosen as the development language for this project.

To simplify setup, configuration should be centralized. Utilizing the app.config XML file, which is standard for .NET applications, would be ideal for defining service parameters.

For debugging and error tracking, the application should leverage Log4Net, the .NET counterpart to Log4J. Based on my experience with Log4J as a robust logging and debugging tool, it seemed only logical to use its .NET version for this project.

To enhance its functionality and usability, additional features could include:

• Service Management GUI: A user-friendly graphical interface to create, edit, and manage services without requiring deep technical expertise.
• Support for Multiple Languages: Extend support beyond .NET and Java to accommodate a broader range of executables, such as Python scripts, batch files, or native binaries.
• Dependency Management: Allow services to define dependencies, ensuring that critical services start in the correct order.
• Dynamic Service Behavior: Provide advanced configurations for scenarios like restarting services on failures, setting execution priorities, or triggering services at specific times.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Eventually, extend support for non-Windows platforms to accommodate the growing diversity of enterprise systems.

RunAsService is a solution designed to bridge the gap between applications requiring manual interaction and the convenience of automated, background execution. It streamlines processes, boosts reliability, and ensures services are always available when needed.

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