How Do I Package Class Or JAR Files Into
a Bundle
This section gives directions on packaging
up Java class files or a JAR file into a double-clickable application.
To package your application, you must specify (at a minimum) the
main class name, the classpath, and any additional files required
outside of the class files or the JAR file.
To package your application,
- In Jar Bundler’s
Build Information pane, specify the class containing the main method. It’s
easiest to click “Choose...” and navigate to the JAR file or
the class file containing the method. After doing this, Jar Bundler
displays all the classes containing a main method
in the popup button. Jar Bundler also automatically adds the JAR
file or the class file to the list of resources to include in the
bundle.
- If any arguments need to be passed to the main method,
put them in them in the Arguments to Main text field.
- Add any additional files needed by your application. This
might include graphics, sounds, or additional JAR and class files.
In the Classpath and Files pane, click “Add...” in the Additional
Files and Resources box. This will pop up a dialog where you can navigate
the filesystem and choose files to include.
- Make any additions to the classpath as needed. Be sure that $JAVAROOT/ is
included; this is the directory inside the bundle where files you
want to include are placed, including the JAR file or the class
file containing the main method.
- To finish, click “Create Application...”. From here you
can select where the bundle is generated and give it a name. This
will be the name that Jar Bundler gives the final application bundle.
Having finished these steps, you now have a double-clickable
Java application, which appears just like any other Mac OS X application.
If you're curious about how the bundle is laid out, control-click
the application in the Finder, and choose Show Package Contents.