What function allows for the creation and management of processes in the Windows API?

The function that allows for the creation and management of processes in the Windows API is CreateProcess(). This function is fundamental in Windows programming, as it initiates a new process and can provide a way to set up various attributes for that process, such as its environment, security settings, and the initial state of the standard input/output handles.

When you call CreateProcess(), it takes parameters that specify the application to execute, command-line arguments, and various flags that dictate how the new process behaves in terms of priority, visibility, and resource allocation. This capability is crucial for software development in Windows environments, as it enables the launching of applications and background tasks necessary for a wide range of operations, including complex user interfaces and system services.

The other functions mentioned do not fulfill the same purpose. For instance, StartService() is used specifically for starting services that are defined in the Windows Service Control Manager, while OpenProcess() is utilized for obtaining a handle to an existing process based on its ID, rather than creating a new one. RunProcess() is not a standard function in the Windows API. Thus, CreateProcess() stands out as the definitive function for managing the lifecycle of new processes on Windows systems.