Installer generator written in Java?

Question

I'm looking for a free cross-platform installer generator that is fully Java-driven (meaning workflow and plugins are written in Java). Ideally the installer should download the JRE on-demand instead of bundling it directly into the installer. Does something like this already exist?

Please note that InstallAnywhere no longer offers a free edition.

Answer 1

• IzPack
• Antigen
• Launch4J
• Antstaller
• Java Service Wrapper
• Lift Off Java Installer
• JSmooth
• VAInstall
• Packlet
• Mini Installer

Answer 2

lzPack is a good one

Answer 3

I've been using this: http://bitrock.com , they allow you to use it for both open and closed software

Answer 4

Here is a list: Open Source Installers Generators in Java

Answer 5

Update: For cross-platform builds there is an IzPack plugin for Maven.

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If you're using Maven 1 or 2 for your builds, there is the NSIS plugin (for Windows only).

• plugin for Maven 1
• plugin for Maven 2

Both wrap the NSIS command line installer script compiler to generate a windows installer exe from a setup.nsi script.

Answer 6

openInstaller from the Glassfish project may be worth looking at as well.