Homepage for applet2app

Version 2.2 released on 30th Jun,2007. This version includes following features

Ability to convert a Java applet to a Linux executable (tested on Fedora 5)

Incorporated Enhanced l2f functionality

Version 2.1 released on 25th Dec,2004. This version includes following features

Ability to convert a Java applet to a Windows executable

More appropriate error message in case of internet connection failure

Enhancement to GUIFactory's Wallpaper functionality

What is applet2app?

applet2app is a Java Application which can be used to convert an applet to a Java executable application. Typically, an applet requires a browser like Internet explorer, Netscape Navigator to execute. Unless it’s specifically coded, an applet can not execute as a normal Java application. applet2app adds the necessary wrapper files to the applet class files and creates a standalone Java 2 compliant executable jar file.
Note:applet2app does not require the applet source code to operate. It directly acts upon the java class files

Who is the target audience for applet2app?

Initially when applet2app was developed, it was targeted towards applet developers who could distribute their applets as standalone applications by using this tool. However, with the release of this version(which has local HTML parsing support), my dream of targeting it towards applet users is getting closer. With the release of a version which will act as an applet grabber from web, my dream will be fulfilled. So watch out this page for further development.

What is the Software requirement for applet2app?

Version 2.2 requires JDK 1.4 or above. Perhaps it can run on JDK 1.3 but I have not tested it. Alternatively, you can download the source code and try to compile it in JDK 1.3.

Why the screen display does not refresh properly?

I believe you are using JDK 1.4.x or JDK 1.5.x. It seems this is a version specific JDK bug which affects the display. If you use JDK 1.3.x or JDK 1.6.x, you won't find any display issue.

What extra the current version (version 2.0) has as compared to previous version(version 1.0)?

This version which is completely re-written, offers following facilities.

A virtual desktop environment, powered by GUIFactory

Parsing of local HTML files to automatically extract and populate applet parameters

Now applets can have their applet INI inside the executable jar file

Application Icon now resides inside the executable jar file

Dynamic multilingual support thanks to GUI Factory

Dynamic Semi-transparent frame support thanks to GUI Factory

Dynamic Look and Feel support thanks to GUI Factory with l2f working in background

Dynamic wallpaper (with animated GIF) support thanks to GUI Factory

Complete MDI support thanks to GUI Factory

Checking for auto-update of software from within its execution environment

In fact, You can use the GUIFactory framework released with applet2app to build your own applications which will have many built-in functionalities. From the following screenshot, you can decide for yourself the Power of GUIFactory.

What enhancements you are planning in future versions?

Applet grabbing facility from web and converting them to standalone applications

Applet execution environment facility from within applet2app just like the appletviewer tool

Converting applet to a windows executable. This will be powered by JarWrapper technology.

Done. Now this comes with Version 2.1

Converting applet to a Linux executable

Done. As of Version 2.2, applet2app converts jar executables into linux executables (tested on Fedora 5).

Converting applet to a Mac OS X executable.

Though not tested, I believe the Linux executable generated as of Version 2.2,should run without any issue on Mac OS X.

Converting applet to a Java Bean and consequently to ActiveX control using Java-ActiveX bridge tool

And of course, your valuable suggestions :-)

Keep using the "Check for updates on web" facility provided as part of this software and you will get to know about the development progress.

How does applet2app work?

applet2app now supports two modes of operation.

classic mode - mode supported by version 1.0

local HTML page mode - Parsing the local HTML to automate the jar creation process

For classic mode, refer to this page

For local HTML page mode, use the following steps

Step 1

Step 2

In above case, if the clipboard of your computer copies the location of a valid HTML page, it is automatically populated in the input text field.

Step 3

In above case, the HTML is parsed and applet specific parameters are populated in the dialog box. Review the necessary details. If you want to create a Windows/Linux executable out of the applet, then check the relevant check boxes. Then click on "Create" button after necessary modification to generate the executable jar/windows/linux file as in the next step.

Step 4

Please take care to change the mode of the linux executable created when you are going to execute it in Linux environment. Use the command
chmod +x <executable>
Otherwise it may not execute.

I like the facility provided by GUIFactory. How I can incorporate the same in a Java Swing application I am developing?

GUIFactory is based on Swing GUI components. In fact the Swing Components are extended by GUIFactory. This means there is little/no learning curve associated with GUIFactory. Just go through the source code and you will get to know the usage of this framework. In using this framework, you get real time support for different look and feel, transparency, multi-lingual support, a flexible MDI environment, a virtual desktop environment etc. All these facilities, without any extra coding. That's the simplicity associated with GUIFactory. Also while going through GUIFactory code, you will find that I have used simple design patterns like Observer and factory to come up with elegant solutions.

How can I help in this project?

You can suggest improvements in functionality, layout, documentation etc

You can suggest new ideas, not necessarily restricting yourself to applet2app

You can volunter to translate the properties file for different languages. The least I can do is your name will be given due credit in next release

I like the previous version more. Where do I get it's documentation/source code?

Check this out.

I have some constructive feedback for you. How can I contact you?

You are more than welcome to mail me whenever you feel like.

Under what license, you are releasing this software?

Since I am using some 3rd party libraries like l2f and HTMLParser and some of these 3rd party libraries have been released under GPL, I am also releasing it under GPL. However, if you need an LGPL license for this, mail me and I will look into it.

The language option is not working. What’s wrong?

That's because I have not translated the corresponding language property file. If you are an expert in translating and interested to do that for me free of cost, then what are you waiting for? :-) Mail me and I will publish your name in the next release of the software.

Homepage for applet2app

Download applet2app