To Run A Java Program I Need...?

[cascot]

I am currently looking into Java as a new language to learn. One think I would like to be able to do with it (unlike with say Visual Basic) is be able to write a little program for somebody and Email it to them, not having to bother about whether they also need to be sent the 6Mb of libraries etc to enable them to run my 60k program, which is hardly viable over Email if they don't have a broadband connection.

If I write a similar program in Java, what is the person who wishes to run the program going to need to have present on their system? I am thinking here of standalone programs (does that make sense), so not applets (?) which I think require only a compatible web browser (is that correct)?

 

[sedj]

The problem with java is that you do need a buch of files to run the beast - because the Java Virtual Machine needs to interpret the byte code of class files in order to execute. I know not of any way around this (does anyone else ??!!).

Try C++ and forget about platform independance, or get ready to ship some big files !!

 

[cascot]

Sedj,

Thanks for your reply.

Aas you say, sounds like I should look to C++, or maybe Delphi.

What if I don't care about the platform independent aspects of Java, is there no way to create a normal compiled .exe type file with java, that eliminates the need for the bytecodes to be interpreted?

 

[godcomplex]

The question about making an exe from a java program has been answered before. Take a look at this thread: thread269-276852. As far as distributing java programs, it is probably going to be necessary to distribute the virtual machine with your program, unless your user already has the virtual machine installed. Keep in mind that most people already have a version of the VM on their box whether they know it or not, as it is required to view applets on-line.

-gc "I don't look busy because I did it right the first time."