Launch4j (a cross-platform tool for wrapping Java applications distributed as jars in lightweight Windows native executables)

[Michael Beijer]

Hi Igor,

I just stumbled across this, and thought it might be interesting to make CT more Windows-like to newbies when downloading and installing it:

http://launch4j.sourceforge.net

“Cross-platform Java executable wrapper

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, and a Java download page in case the appropriate JRE cannot be found.

Features

• Launch4j wraps jars in Windows native executables and allows to run them like a regular Windows program. It's possible to wrap applications on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X!
• Also creates launchers for jars and class files without wrapping.
• Supports executable jars and dynamic classpath resolution using environment variables and wildcards.
• Doesn't extract the jar from the executable.
• Custom application icon with multiple resolutions and color depths.
• Native pre-JRE splash screen in BMP format shown until the Java application starts.
• Initial priority and single application instance features.
• Works with a bundled JRE or searches for newest Sun or IBM JRE / JDK in given version range and type (64-bit or 32-bit).
• Opens Java download page if an appropriate Java version cannot be found or a support website in case of an error.
• Supports GUI and console apps.
• Supports Windows application manifests.
• Passes command line arguments, also supports constant arguments.
• Allows to set the initial/max heap size also dynamically in percent of free memory.
• JVM options: set system properties, tweak the garbage collection...
• Runtime JVM options from an .l4j.ini file.
• Runtime command line switches to change the compiled options.
• Access to environment variables, the registry and executable file path through system properties.
• Set environment variables.
• Option to change current directory to the executable location.
• The JRE's bin directory is appended to the Path environment variable.
• Ability to restart the application based on exit code.
• Custom version information shown by Windows Explorer.
• Digital signing of the executable with sign4j.
• Supports Windows Security Features of the Windows 8 certification kit.
• GUI and command line interface.
• Build integration through an Ant task and a Maven Plugin.
• Lightweight: 35 KB!
• It's free and may be used for commercial purposes.
• Includes a sample application and Ant script that automates the build process from Java sources to native executable.
• The wrapped program works on all Windows platforms (98/Me/NT/2K/XP/Vista/7/8), Launch4j works on NT/2K/XP/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OS X. ”

​

<This email was dictated using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 13 Professional. Please excuse any typos!>

[Hans list]

Innovative cat tool
Proactive developer
Helpful and creative users

What a great tool and community

Happy again

[Dominique Pivard]

On 5 June 2015 at 04:14, Michael Beijer <mic...@beijer.uk> wrote:

I just stumbled across this, and thought it might be interesting to make CT more Windows-like to newbies when downloading and installing it:

Excellent idea. "Windows" programs that don't install following established conventions are a nuisance.

Cheers,

Dominique

[Michael Beijer]

Yeah, I think it could potentially scare people off when first trying to download and install the program, being confronted with the various Java requirements.

Michael

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[Hans List]

On 05 Jun 2015, at 15:06, Michael Beijer <mic...@beijer.uk> wrote:

Yeah, I think it could potentially scare people off when first trying to download and install the program, being confronted with the various Java requirements.

Yes