Creating Executable JAR file (from java class file)

[MR-D]

Hi all:

Just wondering the easiest way to create an executable JAR file from a java class file. One that can be double-clicked in windows and launch the application.

I usually just write up a batch file, but this won't work due to network restrictions.

Also, the dos "jar" command-line command doesn't seem to be working (jar isn't recognized as a command).

THanks,
MRD

[MysticVegeta]

I dont think you can launch it directly by windows. Only from the command prompt i think ->
after locating the directory
java -jar filename.jar

[rizzix]

no you can launch it directly from windows.. just double click it.. btw.. the command is something like this:

code:

cd to_compiled_class's_base_directory jar -cfm myjar.jar . manifest_file

just make sure in ur manifest file (an empty plain text file) you add lines similar to the following:

code:

Main-Class: mypackage.my_main_class_file

where the my_main_class_file is the .class file containing the public static void main(String[]); method

[jskopek]

just out of curiosity... how would you do this if you need to import drivers? for example, whenever I run my database-communicating application, I need to type
java -classpath sqlconn.jar:. LinkBrowser
is it possible to turn that into a jar file?

[rizzix]

extract the contents of that driver jar and add those contents to your jar (just exclude the META dir)

[jskopek]

huh? so you create your jar fist using the command lines shown above, then you extract the external jar file into your file?

[rizzix]

no first extract and then jar them all together.

[1of42]

OK, I found this thread very useful. One thing though:

If I create an executable jar, it works perfectly in cmd (ie using the java -jar command). However, when I click on it thru the normal Explorer widnows, it will not in fact do the terminal stuff I need it to do(use standard input to ask a couple of things). Anybody know the reason?