So I created Java jar files in the past. But they will not execute unless the jar file is with the src folder and the manifest specifices the entry point of the program.

The reason it will not execute is because my code looks for the folder called src and then look for specific file path so it can read certain files within the src directory.

This forces me to execute the jar which produces the folder the program will need to do its job.

The only problem I found is that my total size of the program is twice as large because of this.

size of jar: 35 mb

src folder: 39.2 mb

The reason I ask is because I remember trying other people jar and all that is required for the program to run is the jar itself.

If you need additional resources then those have to be added to the Jar as well and you need to load them properly. Most likely that will mean using Class.getResourceAsStream or a similar function. How you add the resources in the first place will largely be a question of the build system you are using.

I am using Eclipse. You can add things to a Jar. From my experience, it was more about creating a jar from the .java files and resources I made.

Don't use the src folder for your resources. src is for the sources (.java). Add another folder to the project and store your resources there.

If you package your resources inside the .jar, I think you'd need to load them as BitMaster said. FileInputStream works with the files relative to the .jar rather than the files inside the jar itself.

You don't need to pack the .java inside the jar. When you compile to a executable .jar, .java files get compiled to .class, and those are the ones the VM runs.

Okay I will try FileInputStream object and see what happens. Thanks guys!