Best way to upload/deploy jar files in Github

Question

I've used Google code in the past and had the ability to upload runnable jar files for download, now I am using GitHub and understand it had a download tab where developers were able to upload files (i.e. a runnable jar file), unfortunately it is deprecated now.

For non developers to download the whole project as a zip file and compile it, is a bit complicated. Is there another/better way to deploy/upload a runnable jar files on GitHub for download?

Answer 1

Since 2d July 2013, you now have a new way to "upload runnable jar files for download" , through a release.

Releases, a workflow for shipping software to end users.
Releases are first-class objects with changelogs and binary assets that present a full project history beyond Git artifacts. They're accessible from a repository's homepage:

• Releases are accompanied by release notes and links to download the software or source code.
• Following the conventions of many Git projects, releases are tied to Git tags. You can use an existing tag, or let releases create the tag when it's published.
• You can also attach binary assets (such as compiled executables, minified scripts, documentation) to a release. Once published, the release details and assets are available to anyone that can view the repository.

That now replaces the old binary upload service, which was removed in December 2012.