Java Deployment

After all the hard work of developing a Java application, the next step is to deploy it so that users can benefit from your creation. Deployment involves making your application available for installation and use on various platforms. Before deploying, you must ensure that you well-prepare your Java application for its journey into the world.

Java offers a convenient way to package your project into a single executable JAR (Java Archive) file, simplifying deployment and distribution. The JAR file includes all the necessary classes, resources, and dependencies, making it a self-contained unit that can be easily run on any Java-enabled platform.

Let’s take a look at a simple example of creating an executable JAR:

// Main class
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Hello, World!”);
}
}

Compile the Java class: javac Main.java

Create a manifest file (manifest.txt) that specifies the entry point of the application:

Main-Class: Main
Create the executable JAR using the jar command:

jar cfm MyApp.jar manifest.txt Main.class
The MyApp.jar is now an executable JAR that can be distributed and run on any machine with Java installed.