Java Web Start

The Java Web Start product version 1.2 is bundled with the Java 2 SDK and Java Runtime Environment (Java RE).

On Solaris and Linux platforms, the installation script for the Java Web Start product is contained within a zip file that is located in the jre directory of the Java 2 SDK (or in the top level of the Java RE). Move the zip file to a location where you would like to install the Java Web Start product. We recommend that this location be outside the Java 2 SDK or Java RE directory structure. Unzip the file and run the install.sh script to install the Java Web Start product.

Overview

Java Web Start is an application-deployment technology that gives you the power to launch full-featured applications with a single click from your Web browser. You can now download and launch applications, such as a complete spreadsheet program or an Internet chat client, without going through complicated installation procedures.

Java Web Start includes the security features of the Java 2 platform, so the integrity of your data and files is never compromised. In addition, Java Web Start technology enables you to use the latest Java 2 technology -- with any browser.

With Java Web Start, you launch applications simply by clicking on a Web page link. If the application is not present on your computer, Java Web Start automatically downloads all necessary files. It then caches the files on your computer so the application is always ready to be relaunched anytime you want -- either from an icon on your desktop or from the browser link. And no matter which method you use to launch the application, the most current version of the application is always presented to you.

Developer's Pack

The Java Web Start product for network launching of applications is part of the Java 2 SDK. A Java Web Start Developer's Pack is available as a separate download. See the Developer's Section of the Java Web Start web site.

The Developer's Pack contains class libraries and documentation for use by developers in writing and deploying their applications using Java Web Start technology. In particular, the Developer's Pack contains the specification and implementation of the Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP) API. This API enables applications to take advantage of services not ordinarily available to applications running on the Java 2 Platform.

In addition, the Developer's Pack contains documentation describing how developers can package their applications in a web archive file for efficient deployment over the net using Java Web Start technology.

Some of the documentation available in the Developer's Pack is also accessible from the links in the Documentation section below.

Documentation

For More Information