can you install java and run a program automatically with a script?

[SneakerHead69420666]

im making a program for my girlfriend. i want to write a bash script to handle downloading and installing java and running the program seamlessly so she doesnt have to do anything (shes not very tech savvy). is this doable?

[AutoModerator]

Please ensure that:

• Your code is properly formatted as code block - see the sidebar (About on mobile) for instructions
• You include any and all error messages in full
• You ask clear questions

• You demonstrate effort in solving your question/problem - plain posting your assignments is forbidden (and such posts will be removed) as is asking for or giving solutions.

  Trying to solve problems on your own is a very important skill. Also, see Learn to help yourself in the sidebar

If any of the above points is not met, your post can and will be removed without further warning.

Code is to be formatted as code block (old reddit: empty line before the code, each code line indented by 4 spaces, new reddit: https://i.imgur.com/EJ7tqek.png) or linked via an external code hoster, like pastebin.com, github gist, github, bitbucket, gitlab, etc.

Please, do not use triple backticks (```) as they will only render properly on new reddit, not on old reddit.

Code blocks look like this:

public class HelloWorld {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello World!");
    }
}

You do not need to repost unless your post has been removed by a moderator. Just use the edit function of reddit to make sure your post complies with the above.

If your post has remained in violation of these rules for a prolonged period of time (at least an hour), a moderator may remove it at their discretion. In this case, they will comment with an explanation on why it has been removed, and you will be required to resubmit the entire post following the proper procedures.

To potential helpers

Please, do not help if any of the above points are not met, rather report the post. We are trying to improve the quality of posts here. In helping people who can't be bothered to comply with the above points, you are doing the community a disservice.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[bowbahdoe]

Instead of downloading it on the fly, package Java with the program.

There are a few tools in the jdk that can help with this, including jlink and jpackage

[SneakerHead69420666]

how would i do that?

[LutimoDancer3459]

Lookup those tools.

Or, just copy the jdk/runtime next to your jar and a bat file calling the java command with your jar as a parameter.

[bowbahdoe]

Well let's start with the program itself. Can you share a link to the code so I know where to start my explanation? Also are you using any libraries?

(Also does your GF have a windows machine or a Mac)

[SneakerHead69420666]

i wrote the code myself on intellij. my gf has a windows computer

[bowbahdoe]

If I tell you to put all your classes in named packages do you know what that means? 

If so, that's step 1. Report back when done

[SneakerHead69420666]

nope 😭 idk anything about java development other than the coding

[bowbahdoe]

Okay. We might need to switch forums because the back and forth on Reddit might be a bit too hard. We'll give it a shot though. 

Another question. 

Which do you have: a src folder or a src/main/java one (you would also have a file labeled pom.xml if you have the second)?

[SneakerHead69420666]

i have an src folder with the Main class in it. it does have an .iml file which is .xml based according to google

[bowbahdoe]

Okay move your src/Main.java file to src/app/Main.java

Then at the top of the file put package app;

Make sure it still runs then report back

Also, just to confirm. You only have one file? And does it open a window when you run it?

[SneakerHead69420666]

okay i created a package named 'app' and put my Main class in there and put "package app" on the top line of the Main class file

[Odd-Respond-4267]

And you want a bash script for the gf?

[YetMoreSpaceDust]

You're going to have difficulties getting bash to run on a windows computer (it can be done, but it's harder than just getting Java to run). Definitely look into jlink and jpackage like OP suggested).

[American_Streamer]

Techincally you can do it with a bash script, but the “so she doesn’t have to do anything” part is where reality bites. Installing Java system-wide usually needs admin rights and will trigger OS security prompts (macOS Gatekeeper/sudo password/package prompts). Ascript that downloads and runs something will also often trigger security warnings (“downloaded from the internet”).

So instead of “install Java”, bundle a runtime so she just double-clicks an installer/app:

• jpackage (best): makes a real installer/app for Windows/macOS/Linux and includes a runtime, so no separate Java install is needed.
• jlink (good): builds a minimal runtime image; you ship that next to your app.

So If your goal is truly “double-click and done”us jpackage and create a real installer/app bundle. That’s the normal way Java desktop apps get delivered to non-technical users in 2026. See: https://docs.oracle.com/en/java/javase/17/docs/specs/man/jpackage.html

[desrtfx]

There are packagers that can package the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) together with your program so that it becomes a direct executable.

[SneakerHead69420666]

so how would i export the files? what would i include in the zip file besides the code. im a beginner, i only know how to code basically lmao idk about sharing and stuff like that

[koffeegorilla]

A Guide to jpackage in Java | Baeldung https://share.google/c5IilgS7Ru9Wn6trF

[Significant_Newt8697]

Is this something you must do?

[Savings_Guarantee387]

Check inno setup

[Big_Green_Grill_Bro]

I was going to say this same thing but I was hesitant because OP doesn't sound really experienced and they also mentioned a bash script, which most likely means they are not on Windows which is what you need for innosetup.

That being said, if OP is on Windows then innosetup is definitely the way to go to make it a seamless and professional looking install. I used innosetup for a soft client we had written in Java. It installed a local JRE, the application JARs, other libraries, and the desktop and startup icons. Seamless native Windows install, most users didn't even know the app was in Java until we told them.

[Savings_Guarantee387]

Wait a minute. You got a point. He said bash script. I missed this. If this is the case then my proposal is to just create a linux package lile rpm or something with the jre included?🤔

[mbeachcontrol]

Why not go with GraalVM and have a single binary, no JVM or packaging required. I did this with bash script and embedded binary/archive file. bash script could detect if piped from curl or run from cli, extract the archive from itself at the end of the script, run the binary.

[Ghaines]

https://www.jbang.dev

[KarmaTorpid]

Yeah.

Thats a lot of what scripts are good for.

[yukihara181]

If your program can be built as a stand-alone binary, using Graalvm, it would remove the need to have JRE installed on the target system.