Packaging Java apps for the Windows/Linux desktop

Question

I am writing an application in Java for the desktop using the Eclipse SWT library for GUI rendering. I think SWT helps Java get over the biggest hurdle for acceptance on th

Answer 1

Another option I was considering: rather than writing a native launcher from scratch, Eclipse comes with the source code for its own launcher, and this could perhaps be repurposed for my app.

It's a shame that Sun never included anything similar in the JDK.

Answer 2

Please try InstallJammer.The best one I have used ever. Free and powerful.And sufficient for personal and commercial use.

Answer 3

Have you considered writing a small program in C/C++ that just calls CreateProcess to start up the java VM with the jar (or class) file?

You could get Visual C++ Express and put together the startup program pretty easily. This would make it easy to add a friendly icon as well.

Answer 4

I've used the free Launch4J to create a custom launcher for my Java programs on Windows. Combined with the free NSIS Installer you can build a nice package for your Windows users.

Edit: Did not see that you use SWT. Don't know if it works with SWT as well, because I used only Swing in my apps.

Answer 5

I went through the same and found that all of the free options weren't very good. Looks like you'll be writing your own. I'd be interested to see if someone has a free/cheap option that works

Answer 6

I have used JSmooth in the past, and still have luck with it. The UI is pretty buggy, but I only use that for building the config file once, and then I build from Ant after that.

What issues are you having with JSmooth?