What tool to create Install / Setup packages

[mwildam]

Although I have seen that it is possible to get a java app to work by simply copying the whole dist app dir to the destination machine which I like very much (oh the good old times are back), I do know from many people and customers that they like to have a setup program that creates start menu links (under Windows or either on Linux), Desktop links basically - or in some cases to create some default data folder (and set some permissions).

What tools are you using to achieve this? Searching the internet I found a lot of possible solutions. Actually looking on all of them and testing seems a big work so recommendations are greatly appreciated. That would narrow the list of tools to test.

[JavaBean]

IzPack is the free one (It misses lots of features of paid ones) and install4j is a paid one.. If you have money to spend, i think any of the large, paid ones will work.

[mwildam]

I currently do definitely prefer a free solution especially because of my current phase in Java development (beginner). If it turns out that java development gets a main business for me then I would be more willing to spend money. From my past experience I do not want to invest too early in something that later on stop to concentrate on.

So I will have a look at the lzPack first.

[mwildam]

It seems that I need to combine that with Launch4J or JSmooth. Which should I prefer?

[JavaBean]

It seems that I need to combine that with Launch4J or JSmooth. Which should I prefer?

I dont know, i did not try them. You can try demo versions of them to evaluate them.

[mwildam]

How do you create a Installer for Windows?

[mwildam]

I tried the IzPack - the install process looked fine. Unfortunately I can't get it to run after installation. Or isn't there any user interface to build the setups?

[JavaBean]

It has been long time since i created an installer with izpack (at least 5 years). It did not have any GUI to create installer at that time . It is a small personal project. That is why i recommended a commercial one. They are much more advanced.

[mwildam]

But the price is enormous - for me one big advantage of the java development is that the IDE is free - and then for the setup builder such a price. :(

I am playing with the idea to write a setup builder on my own. Unfortunately I do not know how to create menu links under Linux, BSD or MAC. - Copying the files and create menu links seems to be the most important - the rest (e.g. default configuration creation and so on) I can do within my application as soon as I see that there is so far no configuration available.

[JavaBean]

Java has so obvious needs (install builder, better applets, better ways to integrate with the host system...) for a long time. But unfortunately Sun can not solve all problems or can not detect the things with higher priority with much success.

[mwildam]

I am so stupid - how can I search for an install builder that runs also under Linux. :eek: - An installer is only needed for Windows. For Linux I think people want rpm/deb packages, isn't it?

But actually how it works under MAC I do not have an idea.

And I also do not know how to build packages for RedHat/Fedora and Debian based distributions.

[mwildam]

I think for building Windows Installers the NSIS or Inno Setup can be a good choice - what do you think?

[JavaBean]

For Linux I think people want rpm/deb packages, isn't it?

Yes you are right. That is another way to handle the problem. Building system specific installers for free.