Application development using java over mult. platforms.

I am currently developing a server/client set of applications which I would like to run on any platform.

I finished up a trial version of the apps, and was able to run them from my Mac, using the Apple MRJ, however, when I sent the class files to a friend, who is on a Windows machine, he was unable to get the program to run at all.

What I would like to know is:
- What will my friend need on his computer, and what will he need to do, in order to get the application to run, as it stands. The application is written in 'pure' java, so there should not be any hold-ups along that front.
- Is there any way to put together an application such that I can distribute in some way other than using the class files, other than using a .jar file.
- Would I be further ahead developing the applications as applets instead.

Thank you for your responses.
S. Crissman.

- U haven't specified which version u used to develop the application. Ur friend will need Java Runtime Environment(JRE) of the same (or latest) version on which u have developed ur application.
NOTE that if u r using JFC in JDK1.1 and ur friend has JDK1.2, it won't run as package name of JFC is changed from 'com.sun.java' to 'javax' in JDK1.2.
Can u specify the error that occured on ur friends comp?

- Well VisualCafe says that it will create a executable from the JAVA application, but I haven't tried that yet. Also its platform dependant. If u want platform independant I think there is only one way: having class files.

- Whether u want to go for application or applet depends on what u want to develop.
1. Applet has security issues which restricts access from local files. U need to make a digitally signed applet.
2. I had heard that Applet doesn't support printing. I don't know if it is true or not. But if u want to do some printing u should check-out if Applet can print (even digitally signed applet).

- UnicMan
http://members.tripod.com/unicman