Java Web Start for Application Deployment

Sure, Java makes it easy to develop great applications (such as cool games) for the desktop. But a big problem awaits you out in the real world of deployment.

The big problem Java application developers face when they release their applications is determining if the right version of Java is installed. It may not be installed at all. Thankfully, Sun has thought of this, and has provided a solution: Java Web Start. The Java Web Start software provides a flexible and robust deployment solution for Java applications, and is based on the Java Network Launching Protocol and API.

Java Web Start works with any browser and Web server, and will automatically download and install the correct version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and other Java APIs, on the user’s desktop before downloading your application. Additionally, Java Web Start ensures that each application runs in its own JVM, sandboxing and protecting it from other Java and non-Java applications.

To use Java Web Start, you must include an ActiveX control on the web page where users can download your application. The ActiveX control launches Java Web Start, which takes control from there. For non-IE browsers, the same thing can be accomplished via some clever JavaScript. The end result is that Java Web Start will work consistently across IE and non-IE browsers on various platforms such as Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac OS.

For more information on the Java Web Start, along with examples on how to use it with your application, go to http://java.sun.com/products/javawebstart/overview.html.

For more information on the Java Web Start ActiveX control (for IE) and JavaScript (for non-IE browsers), go to http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/JavaLP/javawebstart/AutoInstall.html.

Posted by Eric Bruno at 08:17 AM  Permalink