How to invoke a C API using Java program

[mgopi]

Hi

I've a C API to be called from a JAVA program. Is that possible. If yes, please explain in detail.

Detailed Info:
The C API has to be tested using a testing language called TTCN3. This uses eclipse. There's some part of code that has to be written in JAVA and hence can u please tell me how to link the output of JAVA to invoke the C API.

Thanks
Gopi

[Fubarable]

Yes, kind of. You'll need to read up on how to use the Java Native Interface or JNI, and then create a small C program that conforms to the JNI standards that will allow you to bridge your C API and Java. If you Google on this, you'll find several decent tutorials.

[mgopi]

Thank you very much.....I'll take a look at JNI and then post further querries.

[Fubarable]

You're welcome. I hope that you're better versed in C/C++ than I am, because if not, then it'll be a tough slog (speaking from personal experience here!).

Good luck!

[jack239]

Or you can use J/Invoke to call any C\C++ API or function from pure Java program. I've found they have a good tutorial on this: see it- Calling DLLs from Java | J/Invoke
there is no need to use any JINI here.

[2potatocakes]

Nice link Jack! wasn't sure it was that easy ;)

[Fubarable]

but J/Invoke is not free but in fact costs $400. While this may be worth it if you are developing a professional product, if you're doing this for school or just messing around (or even if you are creating a professional product) it's worth your while to explore JNI, since as it's part of the standard Java libraries, it is free.