B4J Tutorial Create Windows native executables (exe files)

This tutorial is no longer relevant. Use B4JPackager11: B4JPackager11 - the simplest way to distribute UI apps

Spoiler

When you compile in Release mode the complete app is packed as an executable jar file.

You can distribute this jar file and run it on Windows, Mac or Linux.

However there are cases where you want to convert this jar file to a native executable. For example if you want to set a custom icon.

You can use a free tool named Launch4j to convert the jar file to a native Windows executable.

1. Download Launch4j: http://sourceforge.net/projects/launch4j/files/launch4j-3/
2. Compile your app in Release mode.
3. Set the icon and other required parameters:

4. Click on the Build Wrapper button.

The output will be a standard Windows executable.

For example:

Another distribution option: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/ui-apps-packaging-self-contained-installers.56854/
B4J Packager will create a single installer file that includes an embedded Java Runtime.

 

[Kiffi]

Thanks!

Greetings ... Kiffi

 

[desof]

No me funciona dice que la version no es válida en JRE ...??

I work does not say that the version is not valid in JRE ...?

MIN = ??
MAX= ??

 

[Theera]

Hi Desof,
We know that B4J starts using Java1.7

 

[electro179]

Hello

I have a problem

When I launch the exe or jar file , my program runs and closes immediately .

Why ?

 

[Erel]

If it happens when you start the jar file then it is not related to this thread. Please start a new one.

 

[electro179]

sorry i'm not understand.
How to relate to thread ?

 

[Erel]

What I meant is that if your app doesn't work when you double click on the jar file then the issue is not related to this forum thread. You should start a new thread in B4J Questions forum.

 

[desof]

Pardon my ignorance but I fail to understand very well that advantages can give me convert a. Into a jar. Exe?
Create a. Exe I guarantee that only run on windows?
Create a. Exe I guarantee that other agencies are not required to work the same

 

[Erel]

The main advantage is that you can set a custom file icon.

 

[desof]

?If I convert a Jar Exe I can run on a Black Berry?

 

[Erel]

No. The Exe file will only run on Windows.

 

[margret]

Is there a way to compile the .jar file to a stand alone .exe that does not require a Java runtime environment?

 

[Erel]

I wasn't able to do it with Launch4J. Though according to their documentation it should be possible to bundle the jre.

 

[magoandroid]

Is there a way to compile the .jar file to a stand alone .exe that does not require a Java runtime environment?

Hi Margret,
you can do it.
I did it using Launch4J-3.1.0-beta2-win32 and I bundle the jre.

Verified on local PC with XP, W7 without JVM, it works fine.

A little example.

Created a folder with subfolders (BIN, JRE, CFG).
BIN (My application with the .exe and the .jar and all the other stuff)
JRE (The folder I'm using is just a copy & paste from the jre folder installed on a Windows system).
CFG (To save the user configuration, but it's not needed).

Is that the trick here is not the path to the java.exe file.
The path to the jre is related to the position of the .exe and It should point to one folder before the java.exe file.

The attached picture should help.

Greetings.
MAgo

 

[margret]

I will try this and report back!

Thank You

 

[margret]

I have tried this many ways and can not get it to work. It wraps the file fine and runs on any other pc that has Java 1.7. However, if I put it on another machine that does not have a Java runtime, it fails. Can you provide any more info? It would really be great to get this working.

 

[magoandroid]

I have tried this many ways and can not get it to work. It wraps the file fine and runs on any other pc that has Java 1.7. However, if I put it on another machine that does not have a Java runtime, it fails. Can you provide any more info? It would really be great to get this working.

Hi Margret,
I L4J encapsulated using JRE 1.7 in the following situations:
1) PC (Local) with a JRE installed (works fine)

2) PC (Local) without JRE installed (works fine)

3) PC (network with user permission) with an old JRE installed (version 1.5), which can not be updated.
The exe file is in a folder on the server that requires JRE 1.7 (works fine).

You can make your layout a simple example to try.

Greetings.
MAgo

 

[margret]

I see in L4J, under the error messages, that you should be able to bundle the Java runtime. The issue is that when I wrap the project, the EXE is only about 10k larger and does not include the JRE. I did it just like your insturctions and your screen shot. Did you try the sample you did on a system with no Internet connection? Even if the machines didn't have Java installed, maybe it was getting it over the web. The unit I tested on was XP with no Java runtime and no Internet connection.

 

[margret]

I have no issues with Launch4j. I have added splash screens, app icon, etc. All works just as it should. However, I can not get a stand alone .EXE file to work that does not require a runtime install of Java. There should be a way to wrap this so the needed files are internal to the .EXE file. If anyone can give any input on this, it would be great. I need an .EXE that will run on any Windows system even if they have no Java runtime or Internet connection. Anyone got this working??

Thanks,

Margret