Deploying Java projects to other users

Question

I am new to Java and is using Eclipse.

Whenever I have build a Java (JFrame) project successfully on my PC and when I deploy the java project files to other users, I have to compile the projects on other ppl's PC before they can really use it.

Is there any convenient way to tackle this? i.e. When I placed those Java files to a shared folder, all other users (new/existing) can execute it on their PC.. (juz like .exe in MS Window) Actually how is the practice outside?

Answer 1

The best way to distribute a desktop app. to users is Java Web Start. It requires some extra work from us the developer, but is a breeze for the end user.

Java Web Start (JWS) is the Oracle Corporation technology used to launch rich client (Swing, AWT, SWT) desktop applications directly from a network or internet link. It offers 'one click' installation for platforms that support Java.

JWS provides many appealing features including, but not limited to, splash screens, desktop integration, file associations, automatic update (including lazy downloads and programmatic control of updates), partitioning of natives & other resource downloads by platform, architecture or Java version, configuration of run-time environment (minimum J2SE version, run-time options, RAM etc.), easy management of common resources using extensions..

Answer 2

You can use Eclipse to create a JAR file for your project, and it will generate an executable JAR that the others can run. For more on creating JARs in Eclipse, see this.