exe4j

exe4j is a simple-to-use software application which permits programmers to quickly create Java applications with the EXE format and integrate them into Windows. It is made of a wizard with ten steps required to complete the task.

You can save the program files to any part of the disk and just click the EXE file to run exe4j. It is also possible to save it to a pen drive or other removable storage unit, in order to run it on any PC with minimum effort, as long as it has Java installed.

What's more, unlike most installers, exe4j does not modify Windows registry settings or create extra files on the disk without your permission, thus leaving it clean after removal.

As previously mentioned, the GUI is made of a wizard where you only have to follow ten steps to create an app. In regular mode, the program does not include Java classes into the executable but only uses the specified JAR files and folders need for distribution. Building a JAR in EXE mode means the opposite: JAR files are compiled in the executable, so the JAR application will be distributed as a single EXE. However, apart from JAR files, files and directories will not be included.

You can write application information pertaining to the name, distribution source and executable directories, as well as configure executable settings when it comes to the EXE type (GUI with or without -console parameters, console, or service), name, icon, single or multiple instances, and working directory. Advanced parameters can be set up concerning redirection, service options, version info, 32- or 64-bit architecture type, and execution level.

In the next steps it is possible to specify VM parameters, class path, main class, arguments and native library directories, set the JRE minimum and maximum version, search sequence and preferred VM, enable or disable a splash screen and make adjustments (e.g. text, position), as well as customize messages for the executable. The new Java app is immediately put together and you can save the configuration to apply it in future projects without losing time.

We have not come across any issues in our tests, since exe4j did not hang, crash or pop up error messages. It has a good response time and builds Java apps rapidly while remaining light on the system resources. In a nutshell, this software program supplies Java programmers with a straightforward and efficient way of compiling Java tools.