running executable jars

[Patrick Cobbett]

Any one have any ideas how to run an executable jar within a running java program? I am trying to avoid creating an external process, i.e. calling Runtime.exec(). Is there a way to invoke it without having to explicitly instantiating a new JVM?
thx in advance

[Ben Wood]

Can't you just create a new instance of the main class in the jar from you own program or am I oversimplifying this problem?
e.g. if contents of jar are like:
MainProg.class
SomeClass.class
SomeOtherClass.class
Then call

 new MainProg() 

in your other application.

[A. Wolf]

Hi Patrick,
Why are you trying to avoid creating a new process? I may be wrong but I thought only one instance of the JVM is active while any number of java applications are run?
on another thought couldn't you create a new thread out of the other application somehow? Do you have source for this other application you're trying to run?