Java GUI app on Startup

Question

I am building a machine using the Raspberry Pi (Raspbian). I am developing a JAVA GUI application and I want it to run at startup.

Basically the machine's only purpose is to run that application, without the desktop environment. How can I do that?

Also, in case it matters, I still need network capabilities, and I will also be plugging-in a printer.

Answer 1

Here is an example of what you could do:

The Pi needs to be configured to launch the desired app at startup. Lets assume that our app is called javafile.jar.

In order to do this:

1. Create a file named /etc/xdg/autostart/startup.desktop

2. Put the following contents into it

   [Desktop Entry] Type=Application
   Name=JavaApplication
   Exec=/user/home/jre/java -jar javafile.jar
   

3. Restart.

Another way to do this is to have the exec line call a script in your home folder that launches your java app instead of calling the app directly. You can create a file called javalauncher in your home directory with the following contents:

    #! /usr/bin/bash
    #my java launcher file

    /user/home/jre/java -jar javafile.jar

Then update your exec entry in the startup.desktop file to call the javalauncher command file like so:

    [Desktop Entry] Type=Application 
    Name=JavaApplication
    Exec=/user/pi/home/javalauncher

Remember to chmod +x on your javalauncher file.