Creating Executable Java Programs: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

If you have been developing Java applications, you might have found yourself wondering how to create an executable Java program. In this step-by-step guide, we will go through the process of creating an executable Java program that can be run on any computer.

Step 1: Writing the Java Code

The first step in creating an executable Java program is to write the Java code. You can use any text editor to write the code, but it is recommended to use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.

For this example, let's create a simple "Hello World" program:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello World!");
    }
}

Step 2: Compiling the Java Code

Once you have written the Java code, the next step is to compile it. Open the command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where the Java file is saved.

Type the following command to compile the Java code:

javac HelloWorld.java

This will generate a class file called "HelloWorld.class".

Step 3: Creating the Manifest File

The next step is to create a manifest file that will tell Java how to run the program. Create a new file called "manifest.txt" in the same directory as the Java file.

Open the file and add the following line:

Main-Class: HelloWorld

This tells Java that the main class of the program is "HelloWorld".

Step 4: Creating the Executable JAR File

The final step is to create the executable JAR (Java Archive) file. Type the following command in the command prompt or terminal:

jar cvfm HelloWorld.jar manifest.txt HelloWorld.class

This will create an executable JAR file called "HelloWorld.jar".

Conclusion

Creating an executable Java program is a simple process that involves writing Java code, compiling it, creating a manifest file, and creating an executable JAR file. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create an executable Java program that can be run on any computer.