Launch4j

Launch4j

Launch4j is an open source tool for wrapping Java applications into lightweight Windows native executables. It allows Java apps to be launched without installing a Java runtime by bundling it into an exe file.
Development Java Development
Launch4j image
java executable wrapper bundler launch4j
Launch4j alternatives ➤

Launch4j: Wrap Java Applications into Native Executables

Launch4j is an open source tool for wrapping Java applications into lightweight Windows native executables, allowing Java apps to be launched without installing a Java runtime by bundling it into an exe file.

What is Launch4j?

Launch4j is an open source wrapper application that bundles a Java application along with a private JRE (Java Runtime Environment) into a lightweight Windows executable file. This allows Java applications to run on Windows without requiring the user to have Java installed.

Some key features of Launch4j:

  • Bundles JREs from Java 1.1 to 12 for deployment
  • Creates small executable files compared to full JRE installs
  • Configurable options like splash screen, icon, header type, etc.
  • CLI and GUI interface available
  • Open source (BSD license)
  • Customizable manifest metadata in generated EXE
  • Pre-JRE initialization code option

Launch4j is useful for Java developers who want to distribute apps on Windows platforms. By wrapping the Java runtime into the EXE, it simplifies installation and improves compatibility. The small bundled JREs reduce distribution file size.

It's a lightweight alternative compared to full installers. Launch4j EXE's typically use 40-60MB, much smaller than a JRE+JDK install. Perfect for apps distributed via download sites or attachments.

Launch4j Features

Features

  1. Wraps Java apps in lightweight Windows executables
  2. Bundles JRE so no runtime needs to be installed
  3. Configurable JRE bundling options
  4. GUI for configuring exe wrapper
  5. Command line interface
  6. Customizable exe icon and other resources
  7. Splash screen support
  8. Runtime changeable parameters
  9. JRE version checking
  10. Headless mode support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

No Java runtime required for end users

Simple way to distribute Java apps on Windows

Lightweight executables

Easy to configure and use

Cons

Windows only

Limited configuration options compared to other wrappers

Not ideal for complex applications

Bundled JRE increases executable size

Official Links

Official Website
https://launch4j.sourceforge.net/

The Best Launch4j Alternatives

Top Development and Java Development and other similar apps like Launch4j

Here are some alternatives to Launch4j:

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Packr
JarToExeJni and JarToExeProc icon
JarToExeJni and JarToExeProc
Jsmooth icon
Jsmooth
Jar2Exe icon
Jar2Exe
JStart32 icon
jStart32
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