executable JAR file

GoneShootin

greetings

how can i create an "exe" that can be double clicked from say, a users desktop to launch my application, made using JAVA

I can make a JAR file, but that needs commands from the console to launch it ? need something that the novive [any myself ;] can use easily...

ta

bonkey

Two options spring to mind.

1) Create an accompanying BAT file which contains the "console command" necessary to launch the app. You can actually do the same with a Windows shortcut, but I prefer BAT files personally.

2) You can modify the windows file associations, so that JAR files get "launched" by java or javaw. Really neat, as long as you dont need any of the special switches with your app (in which case, its back to BAT land)

jc

The Corinthian

Why do some people out there still insist that writing Windows exec's with Java is a good idea..?

Give onto Caesar his own.

phobos

What you want to do has been though of, by many before. I at one point asked people the same question. The answer is that it's possible to do, but remember the whole reason to code software in Java is to keep it portable.

If you bundle some dependant shell to launch the program, you will in effect just be making the whole thing dependant on the platform. I notice a lot of people, who are still coding in Java, are thinking in Windows terms, and how they can make it easier to launch Java programs in windows. That's all well and good, you can code your batch file routines, that would have to find the users vm to launch the code, but that same batch file could not be used on a linux box (for example). Hence making your code platform dependant.

just a thought

;-phobos-)

GoneShootin

tbh this app is only gona be on a windows PC, ie the demo computer for my final year project.

the easiest way for me to run the application without opening jbuilder the better

ill try those tips tho bonkey, thanks

bonkey

Originally posted by phobos
but remember the whole reason to code software in Java is to keep it portable.

Not looking to start a philosophy war here, but the ability to write portable code is an advantage you can get with java, as opposed to being "the whole reason" for using java. There are very good reasons why it can, and should be ignored at times.

jc

phobos

as opposed to being "the whole reason" for using java

Applogies!

I didn't actually intend to come across like that. Portability is not the only reason, but it's a bloody good reason. Also when your are specifically targeting the Windows as your only target platform, you have many options open to you.

Batch files being one

also you might check out this program called INSTALL ANYWHERE
http://www.zerog.com/releases/now/#windows

It let's you deploy Java apps without having the end user worry about the intriciecies of locating their JVM etc.

GoneShootin

PROBLEM

tested JAR file and running it from JAVAW, works a treat

BUT

that was for an app without images. the final year project DOES use images. I took the same steps as the other JAR, but when I run it, all that appear are the Frame and Frame Title. None of the images / textfields etc appear.

its a database app by the way.

wat can I do ?

Xian

http://java.sun.com/products/jdk/1.2/runtime.html#example

If you are using java 1.2 or higher you can do the following

1. extract the jar

>jar xf yourJar

2. Modify the META-INF/MANIFEST.MF so that it includes the line

Main-Class: <the class that contains the "main" method - note: no .class extension>

3. repackage the jar using the m option to use your modified manifest file

> jar cmf yourJar yourManifestFile *.class

This should create a "clickable" jar file - platform independent (or so they say: works on OS X and Windows which is all I've tested so far)