How can I make an executable JAR file in Eclipse of an Applet?

Question

I have been working on a small applet/game over the past week and someone recommended that I make it into a JAR file. After looking into this more on Google I found a tutorial and started to follow it. However, I soon realized that I needed to choose a class file that had a main method in it. Applets do not use a main so I was wondering how I could still make it into a JAR file. Thanks!

Answer 1

Applets do not use a main so I was wondering how I could still make it into a JAR file.

Yes they sure can. In fact to have a good chance of being launched at all, applets need to be digitally signed, which can only be done with classes in a Jar.

..However, I soon realized that I needed to choose a class file that had a main method in it

That sounds like a problem with your IDE (you don't yet know how to use it, as opposed to having it use you).

BTW:

• Why code an applet? If it is due to the teacher specifying it, please refer them to Why CS teachers should stop teaching Java applets .
• Better to convert the applet to a desktop app., add a main(String[]) method (jar it and sign it) and launch it from a link on a web page using Java Web Start .