Java

Java in Action Downloads Help Center

General Questions

   

What is Java Web Start and how is it launched?


This article applies to:
  • JRE version(s):
    1.5.0


What is Java Web Start?

The Java Web Start software allows you to download and run Java applications from the web. The Java Web Start software:
  • Provides an easy, one-click activation of applications
  • Guarantees that you are always running the latest version of the application
  • Eliminates complicated installation or upgrade procedures


Getting Java Web Start Software

Java Web Start is included in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) as a part of the JRE 5.0. This means that when you install the JRE, you get Java Web Start installed automatically.


The Java Web Start software is launched automatically, when a Java application using Java Web Start technology is downloaded for the first time. The Java Web Start software caches (stores) the entire application locally on your computer. Thus, any subsequent launches are almost instantaneous as all the required resources are already available locally.

Every time you start the application, the Java WebStart software component checks the application's website to see if a new version is available, and if so, automatically downloads and launches it.

Launching an Application Using Java Web Start Software

  • From a browser: Click on a link from a web page.
  • From desktop icon: If you use an application frequently, you can create a shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu. Java Web Start may ask if you would like to create shortcuts or an entry in the Start Menu. If you say "yes," all future launches of the application can start without a browser.
  • From Java Application Cache Viewer: Java Web Start also provides an Application Cache Viewer which you can launch from the Java Control Panel. The Cache viewer enables you to directly launch applications that you have downloaded.

    Instructions to launch from Application Cache Viewer
    1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Double click on the Java icon. The Java Control Panel will start.
    2. Click on the General tab
    3. Click on the Settings button from the Temporary Internet Files section
    4. Click on the View Applications button
    5. Double click on the respective application from the list that you want to launch


Java Control Panel - View Applications in cache
  • From command prompt: You can also launch an application from a command prompt by typing javaws jnlp_url where jnlp_url is a url to the jnlp file of the application.

    1. Go to Start > Run > type "command". A command prompt window will appear.
    2. Type "javaws url_of_jnlp"


For more technical information:
Developer Java Web Start Documentation


NEED MORE HELP?
If you require further assistance, please make sure you check through our Help and FAQ sections thoroughly. We probably have a page that answers your question.

You may find information on the following topics in the Help section:
Installing Java
Configuring Java
Error Messages
Applet Application




Help Resources
> Installing Java
> Configuring Java
> Error Messages
> Applet Application
> Legal

 

FAQ
> General Questions
> Java for Mobile Devices

 

Select Language | Java Wear | Newsletter | About Java Technology | Partner with Us | Developers | java.com Changes
Privacy | Terms of Use | Trademarks | License | Disclaimer | Contact

Sun Microsystems