Related
If I have a Java source file (*.java) or a class file (*.class), how can I convert it to a .exe file?
I also need an installer for my program.
javapackager
The Java Packager tool compiles, packages, and prepares Java and JavaFX applications for distribution. The javapackager command is the command-line version.
– Oracle's documentation
The javapackager utility ships with the JDK. It can generate .exe files with the -native exe flag, among many other things.
WinRun4J
WinRun4j is a java launcher for windows. It is an alternative to javaw.exe and provides the following benefits:
Uses an INI file for specifying classpath, main class, vm args, program args.
Custom executable name that appears in task manager.
Additional JVM args for more flexible memory use.
Built-in icon replacer for custom icon.
[more bullet points follow]
– WinRun4J's webpage
WinRun4J is an open source utility. It has many features.
packr
Packages your JAR, assets and a JVM for distribution on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, adding a native executable file to make it appear like a native app. Packr is most suitable for GUI applications.
– packr README
packr is another open source tool.
JSmooth
JSmooth is a Java Executable Wrapper. It creates native Windows launchers (standard .exe) for your java applications. It makes java deployment much smoother and user-friendly, as it is able to find any installed Java VM by itself.
– JSmooth's website
JSmooth is open source and has features, but it is very old. The last release was in 2007.
JexePack
JexePack is a command line tool (great for automated scripting) that allows you to package your Java application (class files), optionally along with its resources (like GIF/JPG/TXT/etc), into a single compressed 32-bit Windows EXE, which runs using Sun's Java Runtime Environment. Both console and windowed applications are supported.
– JexePack's website
JexePack is trialware. Payment is required for production use, and exe files created with this tool will display "reminders" without payment. Also, the last release was in 2013.
InstallAnywhere
InstallAnywhere makes it easy for developers to create professional installation software for any platform. With InstallAnywhere, you’ll adapt to industry changes quickly, get to market faster and deliver an engaging customer experience. And know the vulnerability of your project’s OSS components before you ship.
– InstallAnywhere's website
InstallAnywhere is a commercial/enterprise package that generates installers for Java-based programs. It's probably capable of creating .exe files.
Executable JAR files
As an alternative to .exe files, you can create a JAR file that automatically runs when double-clicked, by adding an entry point to the JAR manifest.
For more information
An excellent source of information on this topic is Excelsior's article "Convert Java to EXE – Why, When, When Not and How".
See also the companion article "Best JAR to EXE Conversion Tools, Free and Commercial".
Launch4j
Launch4j is a cross-platform tool for wrapping Java applications distributed as jars in lightweight Windows native executables. The executable can be configured to search for a certain JRE version or use a bundled one, and it's possible to set runtime options, like the initial/max heap size. The wrapper also provides better user experience through an application icon, a native pre-JRE splash screen, a custom process name, and a Java download page in case the appropriate JRE cannot be found.
– Launch4j's website
UPDATE: GCJ is dead. It was officially removed from the GCC project in 2016. Even before that, it was practically abandoned for seven years, and in any case it was never sufficiently complete to serve as a viable alternative Java implementation.
Go find another Java AOT compiler.
GCJ: The GNU Compiler for Java can compile Java source code into native machine code, including Windows executables.
Although not everything in Java is supported under GCJ, especially the GUI components (see
What Java API's are supported? How complete is the support? question from the FAQ). I haven't used GCJ much, but from the limited testing I've done with console applications, it seems fine.
One downside of using GCJ to create an standalone executable is that the size of the resulting EXE can be quite large. One time I compiled a trivial console application in GCJ and the result was an executable about 1 MB. (There may be ways around this that I am not aware of. Another option would be executable compression programs.)
In terms of open-source installers, the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System is a scriptable installer. If you're curious, there are user contributed examples on how to detect the presence of a JRE and install it automatically if the required JRE is not installed. (Just to let you know, I haven't used NSIS before.)
For more information on using NSIS for installing Java applications, please take a look at my response for the question "What's the best way to distribute Java applications?"
You could make a batch file with the following code:
start javaw -jar JarFile.jar
and convert the .bat to an .exe using any .bat to .exe converter.
We're using Install4J to build installers for windows or unix environments.
It's easily customizable up to the point where you want to write scripts for special actions that cannot be done with standard dialogues. But even though we're setting up windows services with it, we're only using standard components.
installer + launcher
windows or unix
scriptable in Java
ant task
lots of customizable standard panels and actions
optionally includes or downloads a JRE
can also launch windows services
multiple languages
I think Launch4J is from the same company (just the launcher - no installer).
PS: sadly i'm not getting paid for this endorsement. I just like that tool.
The latest Java Web Start has been enhanced to allow good offline operation as well as allowing "local installation". It is worth looking into.
EDIT 2018: Java Web Start is no longer bundled with the newest JDK's. Oracle is pushing towards a "deploy your app locally with an enclosed JRE" model instead.
IMHO JSmooth seems to do a pretty good job.
If you need to convert your entire application to native code, i.e. an EXE plus DLLs, there is ExcelsiorJET. I found it works well and provided an alternative to bundling a JRE.
EDIT: This was posted in 2010 - the product is no longer available.
I would say launch4j is the best tool for converting a java source code(.java) to .exe file
You can even bundle a jre with it for distribution and the exe can even be iconified.
Although the size of application increases, it makes sure that the application will work perfectly even if the user does not have a jre installed. It also makes sure that you are able to provide the specific jre required for your app without the user having to install it separately.
But unfortunately, java loses its importance. Its multi platform support is totally ignored and the final app is only supported for windows. But that is not a big deal, if you are catering only to windows users.
As of JDK14, jpackage replaces javapackager mentioned in #Jay answer. The Windows version requires Wix 3.0 and it is fairly straightforward to take a java application and build an installer which provides EXE launcher.
It can also be used with jlink to build a cut-down Java runtime image which is bundled with the installer and only contains the set of modules needed to support your application. The jlink step will also be run implicitly by jpackage if no runtime is specified, but I prefer to make the JRE image separately as it will only change when you update JDK or add new module dependencies to your project.
Example main for Java class:
package exe;
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
for (int i = 0; i < args.length; i++) {
System.out.println("args["+i+"]="+args[i]);
}
}
}
Here are example steps to build on Windows - obviously you'd set up your local build environment (Maven / ant / etc) to re-produce this:
mkdir jpackage.input\jars tmp
javac -d tmp src\exe\Main.java
pushd tmp && jar cvf ..\jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar . && popd
Check it runs:
java -cp jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar exe.Main X Y Z
Create a runtime image with jlink for the set of modules use by your application:
set jlink.modules=java.base
jlink --add-modules %jlink.modules% --strip-debug --no-man-pages --no-header-files --compress=1 --output jpackage.jre
In case there are missing modules above, you should check the jlink JRE runtime image can run your app:
jpackage.jre\bin\java -cp jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar exe.Main X Y Z
Use jpackage to generate installer, with app version based on date+hour (this saves on need to un-install every re-install) and to print out all system properties - remove the parameter "-XshowSettings:properties" after testing:
set appver=%date:~6,2%.%date:~3,2%.%date:~0,2%%time:~0,2%
jpackage --win-console --input jpackage.input --runtime-image jpackage.jre --app-version %appver% --type exe --name "MyApp" --dest jpackage.dest --java-options "-XshowSettings:properties" --main-jar jars\myapp.jar --main-class exe.Main
Run the installer:
jpackage.dest\MyApp-%appver%.exe
Test the application:
"C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe" ONE 2 THREE
... Prints system properties ...
args[0]=ONE
args[1]=2
args[2]=THREE
You can use Janel. This last works as an application launcher or service launcher (available from 4.x).
Alternatively, you can use some java-to-c translator (e.g., JCGO) and compile the generated C files to a native binary (.exe) file for the target platform.
I can be forgiven for being against converting a java program to a .exe Application and I have My reasons. the Major one being that a java program can be compiled to a jar file from A lot of IDE's. When the program is in .jar format, it can run in Multiple Platforms as opposed to .exe which would run Only in very limited Environment. I am for the Idea that Java Programs shoudl not be converted to Exe unless it is very neccesary. One can always write .bat files that runs the Java program while it is a jar file.
if it is really neccesary to convert it to exe, Jar2Exe converter silently does that and one can also attach Libraries that are compiled together with the Main Application.
You can convert jar to exe using jar2exe. However you need to purchase the software. If you need a open source software i would suggest JSmooth.
Cautionary note: Much has changed with packaging and deployment since this question was first asked. Most of the answers given are not even current with JIGSAW (Java 9+).
If the goal is to create OS specific packages, information is provided in Oracle Docs Java 17 Packaging Tool User Guide. This guide includes documentation for the jpackage tool, which allows one to create platform-specific packages for Linux, macOS and Windows. I assume the Windows-specific instructions should include arriving at an .exe file, since that remains the most familiar way for Windows users to install and run applications.
My own personal experience creating an exe (for sale on itch.io) was with the Java Platform, Standard Edition Deployment Guide, which included making use of the tool Inno Setup 5. This documentation is older, is for Java 9. The section directly pertaining to .exe packaging is located here As a first step, I used jlink to make a self-contained package. At the time I was first wrangling with this, I was unable to figure out how to get jpackage to work with my modular program. But now that Jigsaw has been around for several years, jpackage is now likely much easier to use, and would be my first choice for the next Java app I might publish for Windows users.
Java projects are exported as Jar executables. When you wanna do a .exe file of a java project, what you can do is 'convert' the JAR to EXE (i remark that i putted between quotes convert because isn't exactly this).
From intelij you gonna be able to generate only the jar
Try following the next example : https://www.genuinecoder.com/convert-java-jar-to-exe/
I am writing an application in Java. Does a Java SDK have to be installed to run the application from the command line? If so, can I package the SDK with the application to be installed when installing the application?
From Java 9 onwards you can use jlink to produce a custom JRE for your application. The JRE includes a copy of the java command and (only) the libraries / classes that your application needs. It will be platform specific.
From Java 14 onwards, you can use jpackage to produce (platform specific) native executables for Java applications.
There are also 3rd-party tools that can generate executables, and third party installer generators that (in some cases) can install Java for the end user.
Note: if you take the approach of distributing your application as a self-contained JRE or native executable, the user no longer has the option of updating their Java to address security related issues. It becomes your problem / responsibility ... as the supplier of the software ... to make available in a timely fashion application updates that incorporate the new Java releases with important security patches.
If you use something like GraalVM to compile a native binary, then there is nothing more you should need for a simple application (meaning, nothing is tried to dynamically load classes at runtime with reflection)
Other than that, the Java JRE is required, and can be included as part of an application package; for example, IntelliJ or Eclipse IDE come with their own JRE.
Thanks everyone for your input.
After doing more research I found that by using a jdk greater than 8.?, it is possible to bundle everything an application needs in the deployment process.
If I have a Java source file (*.java) or a class file (*.class), how can I convert it to a .exe file?
I also need an installer for my program.
javapackager
The Java Packager tool compiles, packages, and prepares Java and JavaFX applications for distribution. The javapackager command is the command-line version.
– Oracle's documentation
The javapackager utility ships with the JDK. It can generate .exe files with the -native exe flag, among many other things.
WinRun4J
WinRun4j is a java launcher for windows. It is an alternative to javaw.exe and provides the following benefits:
Uses an INI file for specifying classpath, main class, vm args, program args.
Custom executable name that appears in task manager.
Additional JVM args for more flexible memory use.
Built-in icon replacer for custom icon.
[more bullet points follow]
– WinRun4J's webpage
WinRun4J is an open source utility. It has many features.
packr
Packages your JAR, assets and a JVM for distribution on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, adding a native executable file to make it appear like a native app. Packr is most suitable for GUI applications.
– packr README
packr is another open source tool.
JSmooth
JSmooth is a Java Executable Wrapper. It creates native Windows launchers (standard .exe) for your java applications. It makes java deployment much smoother and user-friendly, as it is able to find any installed Java VM by itself.
– JSmooth's website
JSmooth is open source and has features, but it is very old. The last release was in 2007.
JexePack
JexePack is a command line tool (great for automated scripting) that allows you to package your Java application (class files), optionally along with its resources (like GIF/JPG/TXT/etc), into a single compressed 32-bit Windows EXE, which runs using Sun's Java Runtime Environment. Both console and windowed applications are supported.
– JexePack's website
JexePack is trialware. Payment is required for production use, and exe files created with this tool will display "reminders" without payment. Also, the last release was in 2013.
InstallAnywhere
InstallAnywhere makes it easy for developers to create professional installation software for any platform. With InstallAnywhere, you’ll adapt to industry changes quickly, get to market faster and deliver an engaging customer experience. And know the vulnerability of your project’s OSS components before you ship.
– InstallAnywhere's website
InstallAnywhere is a commercial/enterprise package that generates installers for Java-based programs. It's probably capable of creating .exe files.
Executable JAR files
As an alternative to .exe files, you can create a JAR file that automatically runs when double-clicked, by adding an entry point to the JAR manifest.
For more information
An excellent source of information on this topic is Excelsior's article "Convert Java to EXE – Why, When, When Not and How".
See also the companion article "Best JAR to EXE Conversion Tools, Free and Commercial".
Launch4j
Launch4j is a cross-platform tool for wrapping Java applications distributed as jars in lightweight Windows native executables. The executable can be configured to search for a certain JRE version or use a bundled one, and it's possible to set runtime options, like the initial/max heap size. The wrapper also provides better user experience through an application icon, a native pre-JRE splash screen, a custom process name, and a Java download page in case the appropriate JRE cannot be found.
– Launch4j's website
UPDATE: GCJ is dead. It was officially removed from the GCC project in 2016. Even before that, it was practically abandoned for seven years, and in any case it was never sufficiently complete to serve as a viable alternative Java implementation.
Go find another Java AOT compiler.
GCJ: The GNU Compiler for Java can compile Java source code into native machine code, including Windows executables.
Although not everything in Java is supported under GCJ, especially the GUI components (see
What Java API's are supported? How complete is the support? question from the FAQ). I haven't used GCJ much, but from the limited testing I've done with console applications, it seems fine.
One downside of using GCJ to create an standalone executable is that the size of the resulting EXE can be quite large. One time I compiled a trivial console application in GCJ and the result was an executable about 1 MB. (There may be ways around this that I am not aware of. Another option would be executable compression programs.)
In terms of open-source installers, the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System is a scriptable installer. If you're curious, there are user contributed examples on how to detect the presence of a JRE and install it automatically if the required JRE is not installed. (Just to let you know, I haven't used NSIS before.)
For more information on using NSIS for installing Java applications, please take a look at my response for the question "What's the best way to distribute Java applications?"
You could make a batch file with the following code:
start javaw -jar JarFile.jar
and convert the .bat to an .exe using any .bat to .exe converter.
We're using Install4J to build installers for windows or unix environments.
It's easily customizable up to the point where you want to write scripts for special actions that cannot be done with standard dialogues. But even though we're setting up windows services with it, we're only using standard components.
installer + launcher
windows or unix
scriptable in Java
ant task
lots of customizable standard panels and actions
optionally includes or downloads a JRE
can also launch windows services
multiple languages
I think Launch4J is from the same company (just the launcher - no installer).
PS: sadly i'm not getting paid for this endorsement. I just like that tool.
The latest Java Web Start has been enhanced to allow good offline operation as well as allowing "local installation". It is worth looking into.
EDIT 2018: Java Web Start is no longer bundled with the newest JDK's. Oracle is pushing towards a "deploy your app locally with an enclosed JRE" model instead.
IMHO JSmooth seems to do a pretty good job.
If you need to convert your entire application to native code, i.e. an EXE plus DLLs, there is ExcelsiorJET. I found it works well and provided an alternative to bundling a JRE.
EDIT: This was posted in 2010 - the product is no longer available.
I would say launch4j is the best tool for converting a java source code(.java) to .exe file
You can even bundle a jre with it for distribution and the exe can even be iconified.
Although the size of application increases, it makes sure that the application will work perfectly even if the user does not have a jre installed. It also makes sure that you are able to provide the specific jre required for your app without the user having to install it separately.
But unfortunately, java loses its importance. Its multi platform support is totally ignored and the final app is only supported for windows. But that is not a big deal, if you are catering only to windows users.
As of JDK14, jpackage replaces javapackager mentioned in #Jay answer. The Windows version requires Wix 3.0 and it is fairly straightforward to take a java application and build an installer which provides EXE launcher.
It can also be used with jlink to build a cut-down Java runtime image which is bundled with the installer and only contains the set of modules needed to support your application. The jlink step will also be run implicitly by jpackage if no runtime is specified, but I prefer to make the JRE image separately as it will only change when you update JDK or add new module dependencies to your project.
Example main for Java class:
package exe;
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
for (int i = 0; i < args.length; i++) {
System.out.println("args["+i+"]="+args[i]);
}
}
}
Here are example steps to build on Windows - obviously you'd set up your local build environment (Maven / ant / etc) to re-produce this:
mkdir jpackage.input\jars tmp
javac -d tmp src\exe\Main.java
pushd tmp && jar cvf ..\jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar . && popd
Check it runs:
java -cp jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar exe.Main X Y Z
Create a runtime image with jlink for the set of modules use by your application:
set jlink.modules=java.base
jlink --add-modules %jlink.modules% --strip-debug --no-man-pages --no-header-files --compress=1 --output jpackage.jre
In case there are missing modules above, you should check the jlink JRE runtime image can run your app:
jpackage.jre\bin\java -cp jpackage.input\jars\myapp.jar exe.Main X Y Z
Use jpackage to generate installer, with app version based on date+hour (this saves on need to un-install every re-install) and to print out all system properties - remove the parameter "-XshowSettings:properties" after testing:
set appver=%date:~6,2%.%date:~3,2%.%date:~0,2%%time:~0,2%
jpackage --win-console --input jpackage.input --runtime-image jpackage.jre --app-version %appver% --type exe --name "MyApp" --dest jpackage.dest --java-options "-XshowSettings:properties" --main-jar jars\myapp.jar --main-class exe.Main
Run the installer:
jpackage.dest\MyApp-%appver%.exe
Test the application:
"C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe" ONE 2 THREE
... Prints system properties ...
args[0]=ONE
args[1]=2
args[2]=THREE
You can use Janel. This last works as an application launcher or service launcher (available from 4.x).
Alternatively, you can use some java-to-c translator (e.g., JCGO) and compile the generated C files to a native binary (.exe) file for the target platform.
I can be forgiven for being against converting a java program to a .exe Application and I have My reasons. the Major one being that a java program can be compiled to a jar file from A lot of IDE's. When the program is in .jar format, it can run in Multiple Platforms as opposed to .exe which would run Only in very limited Environment. I am for the Idea that Java Programs shoudl not be converted to Exe unless it is very neccesary. One can always write .bat files that runs the Java program while it is a jar file.
if it is really neccesary to convert it to exe, Jar2Exe converter silently does that and one can also attach Libraries that are compiled together with the Main Application.
You can convert jar to exe using jar2exe. However you need to purchase the software. If you need a open source software i would suggest JSmooth.
Cautionary note: Much has changed with packaging and deployment since this question was first asked. Most of the answers given are not even current with JIGSAW (Java 9+).
If the goal is to create OS specific packages, information is provided in Oracle Docs Java 17 Packaging Tool User Guide. This guide includes documentation for the jpackage tool, which allows one to create platform-specific packages for Linux, macOS and Windows. I assume the Windows-specific instructions should include arriving at an .exe file, since that remains the most familiar way for Windows users to install and run applications.
My own personal experience creating an exe (for sale on itch.io) was with the Java Platform, Standard Edition Deployment Guide, which included making use of the tool Inno Setup 5. This documentation is older, is for Java 9. The section directly pertaining to .exe packaging is located here As a first step, I used jlink to make a self-contained package. At the time I was first wrangling with this, I was unable to figure out how to get jpackage to work with my modular program. But now that Jigsaw has been around for several years, jpackage is now likely much easier to use, and would be my first choice for the next Java app I might publish for Windows users.
Java projects are exported as Jar executables. When you wanna do a .exe file of a java project, what you can do is 'convert' the JAR to EXE (i remark that i putted between quotes convert because isn't exactly this).
From intelij you gonna be able to generate only the jar
Try following the next example : https://www.genuinecoder.com/convert-java-jar-to-exe/
I am getting this weird error when trying to run my Java program that I created as well as Jet Control Panel and JetPack 2. I have tried to run it on different computers with the same result.
In the manual page on configuring the JET Runtime, there is a section about system files shipped with JetPackII, which tells you that JET includes its own copy of the Java runtime libraries.
The error message is telling you that the Java Runtime that is packaged with JET is an expired evaluation version. That indicates that your version of JET is an evaluation version that has expired.
There are several ways to solve this error:
Pay the licensing fee
Get a free license for non-commercial use
Try to install another 90-day evaluation copy
Find another way to package your software
Background info for the drive-by reader, from the Excelsior JET User's Guide:
Excelsior JET is a toolkit and complete runtime environment for optimizing, deploying and running applications written in the Java programming language.
Maybe you could try to re-install the java runtime environment(jre) and then export it again. Did you try running it without putting it in an exe?
When compiled, most Java applications wind up as a series of .classfiles (containing bytecode) that are then archived into a .jar (java archive) file. This JAR file is actually a zip-format file that corresponds to certain layout and compression specifications. In order to be run, that JAR file must be fed into a Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which contains libraries as well as a virtual machine (JVM) and is typically downloaded straight from Oracle's servers.
Unlike a jar file, an exe file contains code that Windows can run natively without a JRE. By outputting an .exe file, your IDE is doing one of two things:
Adding a "stub" that finds a JRE that the user already installed, and then feeding the rest of the application packaged as Java bytecode in that exe file into it. If a JRE cannot be found, the program fails. An example would be the possibly-defunct JSmooth library.
Packaging the application with an entire Java Runtime Environment itself, which allows it to execute the Java bytecode regardless of what is already installed on the user's system. You may have to purchase a license to redistribute the JRE (which may or may not be Oracle's official JRE) alongside your application. This is likely what's happening to you here.
To help confirm that this is the case, post the name of the IDE you're using, and inspect the choices under your exe-generation command regarding redistribution, licenses, runtimes, and JREs/JVMs.
StackOverflow does have some existing answers about "converting a Java program into a .exe file", which you may find helpful for context.
I wonder if there is a AOT complier(s) for the Mac to compile Java apps into native executables, therefore eliminating the need for a JRE?
I have seen commercial examples for both Windows and Linux but haven't been able to find anything for the Mac, other than the opensource GCJ which has limited success with some of the poplar java libraries.
A native executable for the Mac would rid it of the JRE and, possibly, allow it to be signed allowing Java developed applications to possibly be accepted into the app store.
Install4J can compile your Java into a native OS X application but the system still should have JRE installed. Install4J just creates a wrapper for a JRE call.
You can use the Avian JVM for this. (Wikipedia article).
You can compile your application to a standalone executable and it supports different class libraries: openjdk, the Android class library implementation (even if you are not running on Android), and a custom class library that is very limited (basically they add methods to it as the authors need APIs to run their own applications).
In the README in the code repository there is a description how to embed the VM and generate a "boot" C++ program that will run your application and refer to the section "bootimage" if you want to AOT compile all the methods and generate a binary image obviating the need for JIT compilation at runtime.
Without the boot image, you can ship the jar files and a executable that will "start" them (the executable will embed the virtual machine). With the boot image, the jar files will additionally be pre-compiled to native code.
On the other hand, if you just need a managed language/platform, you can also use .NET/Mono AOT. See the mkbundle tool included with Mono 2.x.