What is Java Web Start software and how is it launched?

This article applies to:

Platform(s): All Platforms
Java version(s): All JRE Versions
Browser(s): All Browsers

Java Web Start Software

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

The Java Web Start software is a component of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and is installed with the JRE.

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 Web Start software 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

The Java Web Start software allows you to launch an application in three different ways:

From a web browser
From the built-in Application Manager
From desktop icons and the Start menu (Microsoft Windows only)

MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Java Web Start Technology README