Effortless Deployment of JavaFX Desktop Applications Without Client-Side JRE and Database

The aim of deploying a JavaFX desktop application is to ensure that users can run it seamlessly without the need to install a separate Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or a database. By bundling everything you need into a single package, you can achieve this goal. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to package and deploy a JavaFX application without requiring additional installations on the client side, including the use of JRE bundles, build tools, and embedded databases.

1. Use a JRE Bundle

To eliminate the need for users to install a JRE separately, you can package your JavaFX application with a private JRE. This allows you to include the required JRE within your application's distribution. Here are the steps to do this:

Download a JRE: Obtain a JRE that is compatible with the version used by your application from the official Oracle website or AdoptOpenJDK now Eclipse Adoptium. Package JRE with Your Application: Place the JRE in your application's directory structure, typically in a folder named jre or java. This ensures that it is readily accessible to your application.

2. Use a Build Tool

Integrating a build tool such as Maven or Gradle into your development process can greatly aid in managing dependencies and packaging your application. Here are examples of how to do this with both tools:

Maven Example

To create a native package, you can use the javapackager tool or the newer jpackage command in newer JDKs. Here is an example Maven plugin configuration:

plugin
    
    artifactIdjavafx-maven-plugin/artifactId
    version0.0.5/version
    executions
        execution
            goals
                goaljpackage/goal
            /goals
        /execution
    /executions
/plugin

Using jpackage

Starting from Java Development Kit (JDK) version 14, the jpackage tool is included in the JDK. Here is an example command to create an executable package, such as a .exe for Windows:

jpackage --input path/to/your/jar --name YourAppName --main-jar yourapp.jar --main-class YourMainClass --runtime-image path/to/jre --type exe

This command package your application and the JRE into an executable file.

3. Use an Embedded Database

If your application depends on a database, consider using an embedded database instead of requiring users to install a separate database. Options such as SQLite or H2 are ideal for this purpose because they do not need separate installation and can be packaged within your application without causing additional installation.

Add the Database Driver: Include the database driver in your project dependencies. For SQLite, you can use the SQLite JDBC driver. Initialize the Database: Ensure that the database is initialized when your application starts. For example, when your application runs for the first time, check if the database exists in your application’s directory, and if not, create it.

4. Create a Native Installer

Once you have successfully bundled your JRE, embedded database, and your JavaFX application, the next step is to create a native installer using the jpackage tool. This installer will be distributed to users and will set everything up so that they can run your application:

jpackage --input path/to/your/application --name YourAppName --type exe

This process ensures that your JavaFX application runs smoothly on client machines without needing to install additional software.

Summary

BUNDLE A PRIVATE JRE WITH YOUR APPLICATION. USE A BUILD TOOL LIKE MAVEN OR GRADLE TO MANAGE DEPENDENCIES. USE jPACKAGE TO CREATE A NATIVE INSTALLER. INCLUDE AN EMBEDDED DATABASE LIKE SQLite OR H2 TO AVOID SEPARATE INSTALLATIONS.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your JavaFX application is easily deployable and runs smoothly on client machines without requiring additional installations.