Packaging a Java app. w/DB to run on client machine

Question

I made a simple java desktop application using embedded database. I wanted to package all files into a single file like exe so that client can click just on one file and use the application. I made the jar file and its working fine on my system when double clicking. I wanted to package the DB file along with jar because the data is shown only when the DB file is in the same folder of jar file.

I came across several tools like launch4j, install4j etc. but I didn't find where to include the DB file along with the package.

Answer 1

It sounds like you want an installer of some description, such as IzPack. This would allow you to package both jar and database together, and install them on a client system.

Answer 2

A good way to deploy rich client (e.g. Swing/AWT) apps. that require some set-up (as in, installing a DB) is by using Java Web Start.

JWS offers the ExtensionInstallerService which..

..is used by an extension installer to communicate with the JNLP Client. It provides the following type of functionality:

• Access to prefered installation location, and other information about the JNLP Client
• Manipulation of the JNLP Client's download screen
• Methods for updating the JNLP Client with the installed code

Here is a demo. of the EIS (with code, build file etc.).