package - Create standalone Java executable for different platforms without installation

Question

I have created a Java application runtime image using jlink. I would like to be able to ship the software as an executable to different platforms. (Preferably by building on one platform, like cross-compiling.)

Ideally, it would be a single application file that users may double-click to launch, without installing anything.

How can this be accomplished?

Answer 1

You can make an installer that installs the JDK and the application. Make the application an exe by using something like Launch4j and for a Mac executable follow this tutorial by Oracle: Packaging a Java App for Distribution on a Mac and lastly: For Linux

Minecraft uses this method and as far as that i don't know any other way.

If you want to make portable application, "make once run anywhere" type app then I'd suggest trying out a different programming language like C# which also requires the .NET Runtime but is embedded in Windows systems whereas Java needs to be installed manually.