Create Java executables

[JeF Ald]

I am developing programs that i want the user to be able to double cick the file and it runs i do not want to have to run the program with the IDE is there a way to do this

[Dirk Schreckmann]

If your users will be running Java 1.2 or higher, packaging your application in a jar file would probably give you the functionality you're after.
Take a look at The Jar Files Trail of Sun's Java Tutorial.
Good Luck.
[ June 05, 2002: Message edited by: Dirk Schreckmann ]

[Younes Essouabni]

The jar file is probably the best solution, but you may write a bat file to launch your appz (very easy)

[JeF Ald]

ok but doesn't the batch file defeat the purpose of having a platform neutral program

[Greg Brouelette]

No, the platform neutral solution is to put the code in a jar with a properly constructed manifest file. Then run the program this way:
java -jar [jar file name]
The batch file is simply a way to make it easier for the customer to run the above command line.
Just make two batch files: one for Dos/WIndows and one for Linux?Unix and you're all set.

[JeF Ald]

ok maybe i dont understand jar files i thought jar files where just like tar files it just puts everything in one file like a zip my delimma is that i want a platform neutral way to click on a file and it runs without having to create a batch file or do *ANY* command line stuff

[Dirk Schreckmann]

Then a jar file is probably what you want to use.
A jar file is a zip file with a little bit more functionality. Browse through the aforementioned tutorial paying special attention to the sections on the Manifest File.

[Dirk Schreckmann]

The question of creating and using jar files comes up quite often, so let's walk through the steps to create one that works...
(Hang on, I'm typing...)

[Dirk Schreckmann]

OK, check out Appendix B - Creating A JAR File of The Game Tutorials.