JAR Maker

JAR Maker is a simple-to-use piece of software that enables programmers to create Java apps, generate Web Start frameworks and build applet codes.

Since JAR Maker comes with an executable JAR file, installation is not required. In this case, you can place the app on a removable drive, plug it into any computer and directly run its executable file.

What's more important is that the Windows registry is not modified and leftover items cannot be found after program removal.

JAR Maker is packed in a user-friendly interface where you can access several tabs. In order to create a JAR file, all you have to do is specify the input directory and adjust the JAR compression rate.

Plus, you can include or exclude files and extensions, as well as set up a manifest template (e.g. main class, class path).

The program also lets you generate a JNLP file (Java Network Launching Protocol) after inputting the code base and JNLP specification version. Web Start elements revolve around the information, resources, security and descriptors sections.

You can generate an applet by establishing the output HTML file, main class and class path (otherwise, you can grab these details from JAR Maker), as well as set the dimension and configure advanced applet options (e.g. code base, applet attribute and parameter).

Last but not least, you can sign JAR files via JAR Signer; simply specify the JAR Signer location and keystore file, along with keystore credentials. The current project can be saved as a template. From the "Window" menu you can view log details.

The simplistic tool requires a low amount of system resources, has a good response time and supports multiple skins for the interface. We have not come across any issues during our tests; JAR Maker did not freeze or crash. Unfortunately, there is no help file available but this app should be used by any Java developer who wants to easily create JAR files.