Windows service SERVICE_WIN32_OWN_PROCESS running Qt 5.10 event loop howto

To create a Windows service using the Qt 5.10 framework that runs its own event loop, you can follow these steps:

1. Create a Qt Console Application:
   Start by creating a new Qt Console Application project in Qt Creator.

2. Implement the Service Code:
   In your main application code (typically in the main.cpp file), you need to implement the service-related logic. Here's a basic example:

   cppCopy code
   #include <QCoreApplication>
   
   #include <QDebug>
   
   #include <QThread>
   
   #include <QTimer>
   
   #include <windows.h>
   
   
   
   // Service control handler
   
   BOOL WINAPI ConsoleCtrlHandler(DWORD dwCtrlType) {
   
       if (dwCtrlType == CTRL_CLOSE_EVENT) {
   
           qInfo() << "Service stopping...";
   
           QCoreApplication::exit();
   
       }
   
       return FALSE;
   
   }
   
   
   
   int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
   
       QCoreApplication a(argc, argv);
   
   
   
       SetConsoleCtrlHandler(ConsoleCtrlHandler, TRUE);
   
   
   
       qInfo() << "Service starting...";
   
   
   
       // Your application logic here
   
       QTimer timer;
   
       QObject::connect(&timer, &QTimer::timeout, []() {
   
           qInfo() << "Service is running...";
   
       });
   
       timer.start(1000); // Update interval: 1 second
   
   
   
       return a.exec(); // Start the event loop
   
   }
   
   

3. Configuring the Project:
   You'll need to configure your project to build for Windows as a console application. Also, make sure you have the necessary Qt libraries properly linked.

4. Service Setup:
   To install and manage your service, you'll need to use the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM). This involves creating service control entry points, registering the service with the SCM, starting/stopping the service, and handling other service-related functions.

   The CreateService, StartServiceCtrlDispatcher, and other SCM-related functions should be used to set up the service. Refer to the Microsoft documentation for more details on these functions.

   Please note that creating Windows services involves a fair amount of boilerplate code for proper service registration, handling, and error checking. You might also need to adjust the security settings for your service.

5. Debugging:
   For debugging purposes, you can run your application from the command line without installing it as a service. Once it's stable, you can proceed with installing it as a service.

Remember that creating Windows services requires dealing with low-level Windows APIs and service management. It's recommended to read the official Microsoft documentation on how to create and manage Windows services for more comprehensive guidance.