how do I convert my java files into an application? [closed]

Question

I coded up 4 .java files. The thing is that I can only execute my .java files from my IDE, how do I execute the .class files like an application? I study at uni, and I was told that Java is platform independent. Any tutorial/book recommendations would be highly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

The basic idea (to give you some things to search for) is:

• Bundle your compiled .class files into a 'jar'.
• Add a manifest to your jar specifying a main class to run.

You might find your IDE already creates this when you run a 'clean build'. Netbeans puts this into a 'dist' folder.

Modern JREs will allow you to run the jar by double clicking it etc.

You can also go a bit further by wrapping the jar in a native executable using a tool such as JSmooth.

Answer 2

Look at executable jar. Here is the precise one, without any details, Creating executable jar files.