Define the Main Class for J2EE modules

You can use the JAR Dependency editor to specify the Main Class attribute in the manifest (MANIFEST.MF) for a module.

The Main-Class attribute in the MANIFEST.MF file specifies the Java class of the application entry point. This attribute is typically used for application client modules. For application client modules, the main class attribute is also displayed on the Overview page of the Client Deployment Descriptor editor.

To define the main-class attribute for a J2EE module:

1. In the Project Explorer view of the J2EE perspective, right-click your project's MANIFEST.MF file, and select Open With > JAR Dependency Editor from the pop-up menu. The META-INF file is located in the following locations for the different module types:

   EJB projects	ejbModule/META-INF/MANIFEST.MF
   Application client projects	appClientModule/META-INF/MANIFEST.MF
   Dynamic Web projects	WebContent/META-INF/MANIFEST.MF
   Connector projects	connectorModule/META-INF/MANIFEST.MF

   Tip: For application client modules, you can also click Edit in the Main-Class section of the Client Deployment Descriptor editor to launch the JAR Dependency Editor.

2. Scroll to the Main Class section, and choose from the following options:
   • Type the package name and file name for the main class.

   • Click Browse to use the Type Selection dialog to locate the main class.

   • Click Create to use the Create Java Class wizard to create a new main class.

   • Click Remove to remove the current definition for the main class. Clicking Remove does not delete the actual Java class. You can remove it manually in the Project Explorer view.

 

Related concepts

Client Deployment Descriptor editor
JAR dependency editor

 

Related tasks

Specifying dependent JAR files or modules