Run Java Application as a Service

Question

I would like to run a Java application as a service. Unfortunately, I am limited in that I can't use something like the Java Service Wrapper (which does appear to be an excellent tool).

Is there any way of running an executable JAR, as a service, without relying on external applications? I currently have the service installed, but it fails to start. This is where I am getting stuck and I haven't been able to find anything on Google other than information about the JSW.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I haven't tried it (yet), but Launch4j looks like it could suit your needs.

Answer 2

A program that should run as windows service must provide certain functions that the windows service manager uses to communicate with that service.

As long as there is no JVM that implements this functions directly (and I know of none) you will need some kind of wrapper.

I have successfully used srvany for a java based windows service (Basically it allows to run any program as windows service and it works fine with java)

Answer 3

There's an LGPL clone of the Java Service Wrapper: http://yajsw.sourceforge.net

BTW, IANAL, but I suspect that JSW people are spreading FUD, and their software can be used to service-enable commercial applications under GPL license, just like one can gzip a commercial app for redistribution. I could be completely wrong about this, though :)

Answer 4

one more option winrun4j. the license is eclipse's CPL.

Answer 5

Another option, Apache Commons Daemon's procrun. (see http://blog.platinumsolutions.com/node/234)

Answer 6

The most simple way I found was RunAsService.

A co-worker recommended a tool called SC, but I did not try it.

Answer 7

JSmooth can do it, and it is scriptable with ant.