Making a Java program available online for all to use

Question

I have just written a program in Java. I am curious if I can make the program downloadable online so that my friends and family can take advantage of it. No clue where to even begin.

I would like it to run locally. I am able to run the program locally on my computer by simply double clicking the .class file, I also can create a shortcut to the .class file and run it directly from my desktop. Is there a way to zip the .java file along with the .class files (there are 4 .class files) and email that to those that I wish to use it? I tried to send an email with the zip file to another computer in the house, but the .class file wouldn't run the program on the other computer...is there another way to make this happen?

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Have a look at Java Web Start:

"The Java Web Start software allows you to download and run Java applications from the web. The Java Web Start software:

• Provides an easy, one-click activation of applications
• Guarantees that you are always running the latest version of the
  application
• Eliminates complicated installation or upgrade procedures"

Answer 2

why don't you simply upload your *.jar file to a web server and let your friends download it from there? if you want the program to be embedded in a web page, you should write a java applet.