Java Runner 2

For the most up-to-date instruction, go to
This site's new address:    http://go.to/kevink


Description:
Java Runner is a handy small program that let's you run all the java applications(.class files) as if they are .EXE files on your Windows computer.  All you have to do is double click on a class file in Windows Explorer to run it.  Normally you would have to open a DOS box, change to the directory of the class file, and then type "java classname".  Now Y2K Ready!! 
  
  
What's new:
In version 2 (Sept 19, 1999), new option to run Java applications with no DOS box displayed .   Before you will see a DOS box opened along with your Java program; the text outputs of your program will be shown in the DOS box.  However if the Java application is completely window GUI based, the DOS box can be annoying.  A side effect is that if your program displays any error messages that normally go to the DOS box, you will not see them.  You can however redirect those error messages to a window.

Since Java Runner is supposed to be as unobstrusive as possible, reducing the interface (no DOS box) should count as a major enhencement.  I guess that justifies calling it Java Runner version 2.  How else can you improve the program? I don't know.  This program still does not support any options on the command line.  But options on command line are for text based applications anyways.  GUI applications should have options set inside the program.

By the way, if you package your application into a .jar file, you can treat the .jar file as an windows EXE file without using Java Runner at all.  That is, if your JRE is setup properly.  
Requirements:
Windows 95 and Sun's Java Runtime Environment, or the JDK (Get JDK if you write your own java programs). 
This is for java applications, NOT applets, which you view in a browser. 
Download:
jr.zip           size 38k 
  
Installation:
After you download the jr.zip file, unzip it and put the whole folder where you like it. 
Edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT to include the folder where java.exe and javaw.exe are, found in Sun's JDK, in your PATH. 
In Windows Explorer, goto View  ->  Options  ->  File Types ->  New Type... 
You can click on Change Icon and use the supplied icon. 
Description of Type can be anything.  Ex: "Java Class" 
For Content Type (MIME), I set it to be application/java 
Default Extension for Content Type is .class 
Then click on New... 
Type Run in Action box 
Browse to where jrw.exe is, then click OK. 
Click New... again 
Type Run(console) in Action box 
Browse to where jr.exe is, then click OK. 
Then click OK , then OK again. 
Most of the time you can just double click a class file to run the application.  But if your program is text based, or if you want to see error messages, right click on the class file and choose 'Run(console)' to run it with a DOS box open. 
Make sure that "java.exe" and "javaw.exe" is in your PATH setting in AUTOEXEC.BAT.  Otherwise Java Runner can't find it. 
Two test programs are included.  After installation, right click on test.class (located in 'test' folder), then click Run(console) to see if it works. 
For a fancier test, double click on testSwing.class (also in test folder) to see Java application that uses Swing user interface. If it does not work, you may need to get newer version of Sun's JDK for it to work. 
Only test.class and testSwing.class will run when double clicked on. The other .class files are support files needed to run. 
Disclaimer:
This program has only been tested on my computer and I'm not sure if it'll work on yours :)  I disclaim any and all liability in cases the program causes any unwanted effects to anybody or anything!! 
Written by Kevin Kuang. 



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have questions, or comments, or if you find this program useful at all please email me ,
or sign my guest book! (http://www.theguestbook.com/egbook/7569.gbook)
You can also view my guest book (http://www.theguestbook.com/vgbook/7569.gbook). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Home 
