How to make java project executable

[jl.lakhnai]

plese help me:)

[harinath_2007]

Did you forgot to write your question or just the Title is your question ?

Dont expect answers by posting like this.

You need to atleast type what exactly your problem...

[NormR1]

Be sure to explain the environment such as what IDE are you using.

[stultuske]

by putting your project into a (valid) .jar file. you can do this by using the functionality of your IDE, but you don't need an IDE to create one. winrar (or a similar program) will do just fine.

[NormR1]

The Java SDK has the jar command that will create a jar file.

[sam.udo]

use a jar file,though it has so many steps......create a manifest file with.mf extension,the manifest file must contain the class file that has the main method,then isssue the following command in your command prompt window
jar-cmf jarfilename.jar manifestfilename classsesname
or
jar-cmf jarfilename.jar manifestfilename *.class
if u use the last one then ur manifest file and ur class files must be in the same directory

[sirlink99]

if it is an application your IDE may provide an export as executable jar file option (I know eclipse does), or you can use a program called Java Launcher, which converts your applications into exes.

If it is an applet then you cannot convert it into an exe.

[stultuske]

do not, I repeat NOT go and create an .exe file unless you have no other option.

if your employer demands an .exe file, and threatens to fire you, now this might be a reason I can understand (although you could also look at him with an "you kiddin' me?" expression on your face).

another reason I could understand, is that you have to develop a piece of code that you have to run under Windows in a certain (spooky?) way which only accept an .exe file.

but unless you're in such a situation, don't go there. a .jar file already is an executable, which can run by command line, or by being 'clicked', just like an exe file.

the main difference is, if you "settle" for a .jar file, you don't limit the users of your code to a particular (Windows) operating system. and this is not mentioning that a lot of 'create exe' apps out there create those exe's based on (who would have guessed?) a .jar file. so, since you'll already have the .jar file, you might as well stick with it :)

[turt2live]

Like stultuske said,

if your employer demands an .exe file, and threatens to fire you, now this might be a reason I can understand

You can also use this tool: http://launch4j.sourceforge.net/

What it does is essentially change the extension and make it run correctly.

Even when my employer says "Make it an EXE file" I say "Why? A jar does the same thing"