How to run application in cygwin without blocking the shell

Question

I would like to open applications in cygwin, e.g. notepad etc, without the shell blocking. Is there a way of doing this?

For example, typing in notepad myfile.txt will open notepad, and the cygwin shell will be unavailable until notepad is closed. I'd like cygwin to remain responsive whilst notepad is open.

Answer 1

If you are using some UNIX shell such as sh, then

notepad &

should work.

Remember: If you're using another shell, then other rules apply. cmd won't block for GUI applications, unless start /wait is used. But on UNIX-likes there is no distinction between console programs and GUI programs. They all run interactively on the console unless detached by starting them with & after the command.