Enter text into executable file immediately after it's run

I have an executable file file that I am running by typing ./file into the terminal. When the program runs, I have to type in the text "code". However, the time taken to type it, or paste it into the terminal, results in the program saying "sorry, you took too long!".

I am tying to send the text "code" to the executable file when I run it, as therefore it would be inputted into the program immediately once it’s run.

I’ve tried ./file; "code" and ./file && "code" but have had no luck – the program still wants an input.

echo "code" | ./file