Category: Blog

Posted on

Creating an executable file with Launch4J and Java 11

How to build an executable file for a Java 11 GUI application using Launch4J

Before we look at the how we should ask why.  The aim is to package up our Java application so that we can distribute it to others. We want them to be able to launch the application without having to install anything else.

Therefore, we are looking to deliver our Java application along with the Java Runtime Environment and any external libraries required for it to run. To do this needs a few tools:

Continue reading “Creating an executable file with Launch4J and Java 11”
Posted on

Creating an MSI installer from a JavaFX 11 modular desktop application

This is a follow-on article for building Java desktop applications using OpenJDK11 and OpenJFX 11. See

In this article, we are, like the previous articles, going to build the whole application using the command line.

The software tools we will use in this article are:

  • OpenJDK 11
  • OpenJFX 11
  • OpenJFX 11 modules
  • JPackager
  • Wix Toolset 3.11

See the earlier article Making a Windows MSI from a Java 11 and JavaFX 11 Desktop application for more information about these tools

What is different here is firstly the application is going to take advantage of the modular system introduced in Java 9. Secondly, we are going to build a Java Runtime Environment that includes the JavaFX modules our application requires. We will then package up the Java application with the JRE however, this will leave us with a JRE for any other Java applications providing the modules they need are included in the JRE.

Continue reading “Creating an MSI installer from a JavaFX 11 modular desktop application”

Posted on

Take your Java skills to the next level

Take your Java skills to the next level. I saw a Twitter post with these words in it and it got me thinking. What is the next level?

It means different things to different people. When learning Java that could mean anything. Perhaps it is better to declare what is on offer, then people can determine if they think they need that skill or not. So my next project should be “Getting started building Java desktop applications”

Posted on

Making a Windows MSI from a Java 11 and JavaFX 11 Desktop application

Making a Windows MSI from a Java 11 and JavaFX 11 Desktop application

With the advent of Java 9 and the introduction of 6 monthly release cycles, the Java Desktop landscape has changed considerably.  If you find yourself looking to build Desktop applications using JavaFX and present them as self-contained applications, then take note. Continue reading “Making a Windows MSI from a Java 11 and JavaFX 11 Desktop application”