Launch4j

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

Official Links