JavaExe

JavaExe is a Windows program that lets you launch a Java application as a Windows program or service.

JavaExe is a simple and straightforward program that’s designed to do one thing: help Java apps behave as if they were any other Windows executable. This program works with both 32- and 64-bit Java apps, and it can launch an app as an executable, a service, a control panel applet, and so forth.

In many cases, JavaExe doesn’t even require you to know how the Java app should behave. Point JavaExe to the Java app. It will attempt to auto-detect the apps likeliest default behavior and preferred environmental variables. This auto-detection is quite good and works most of the time. In the event it doesn’t work or you want more control, you can manipulate these settings yourself.

You can even set a Java app to launch in admin mode or have access to PC Shutdown Management and other Windows services. Your app can act as a service itself and launch each time Windows does. There are also numerous customization options, including integration of images and properties.

By default, Java apps don’t behave as typical Windows executables do and therein lies the value of JavaExe. Developers can use this program as an easy way to test launch Java apps they’re programming, and users can have access to Java apps locally without the need to configure their PCs for that kind of operation.

The performance of JavaExe is stable, and most Java apps will run without a hitch. The potential exception to this rule is when the Java app that JavaExe has launched needs to interact with a web browser. Reliability can be a little spotty in these cases, particularly with Internet Explorer.

Pros

• Launch Java programs as executables
• No need for computer to recognize JAR files

Cons

• Browser interaction can be inconsistent