How to package your application in a compressed JAR file
How to create an executable JAR
How to make your application presentable with a shortcut and icon.
It is likely that you will take your Java skills and head for the Web. That is not a bad idea, considering that roughly 80% of all new Java development happens on the Web. Although 68% of statistics are made up on the spot, this one indicates that not much is happening on the desktop for Java. Sun is doing considerable work to change this perception, and indeed there are a number of fantastic things happening on the desktop with Java. To stay on top of cool new developments with Java GUI applications, check out the Swing Connection (and Swing Sightings in particular) online at http://java.sun.com/products/jfc. You also might enjoy project Looking Glass, which brings a real 3D feel to OS windowing.
But programs come in many forms. There are enterprise applications, systems development, desktop applications, embedded systems, and micro applications. And many of these environments either require or encourage your packaging of an application in some form. Packaging is the process of preparing your application for easy deployment or distribution. Deployment is the process of putting your application in a context where it can be run by a user .
