Fixing the JavaFX + Spring Boot Applications Not Launching with jpackage

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix issues when deploying `JavaFX` applications with `Spring Boot` using `jpackage`. Discover effective solutions and best practices for successful deployment.
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Troubleshooting JavaFX + Spring Boot Applications Not Launching with jpackage

If you're a developer navigating the integration of JavaFX and Spring Boot into a packaged application, you may have experienced some hiccups during the deployment process—especially when using tools like jpackage. In this guide, we'll dive into the common issues faced when deploying a JavaFX application built with Spring Boot and provide solutions to ensure your application launches smoothly without incidents.

The Problem: Application Not Launching

While trying to build a JavaFX application utilizing Spring Boot and package it with jpackage, some users have found that the application functions perfectly in a development environment, such as when using the javafx-maven-plugin with the javafx:run command. However, after building it into an MSI installer and subsequently executing the generated EXE file, the application fails to launch. This situation can be frustrating, and it leaves developers seeking answers and solutions.

Solution Overview

During our exploration of this deployment issue, we discovered that there are specific steps that can be taken to successfully launch the application as intended. Here are the methods to solve this problem effectively:

Launch via the Spring Boot Loader: Adjust your jpackage command to execute through the Spring Boot Loader.

Modify Spring Boot Maven Plugin Configuration: Update the configuration within the spring-boot-maven-plugin for better integration.

Step 1: Launching the Application via Spring Boot Loader

Instead of using the main class directly, we can configure jpackage to use the Spring Boot Loader. Update your jpackage command to look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This modification utilizes the Spring Boot Loader, which is essential for correctly bootstrapping the application.

Step 2: Add Spring Boot Loader Dependency

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Modify the Spring Boot Maven Plugin Configuration

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This configuration ensures that the application is packaged appropriately, allowing for successful execution after installation.

Conclusion

Transitioning your JavaFX application built with Spring Boot into a packaged installable program can be complicated. However, with the right setup—launching via the Spring Boot Loader, adding the necessary dependencies, and configuring your Maven plugin properly—you can overcome the challenges of application launching.

If you have insights, suggestions, or inquiries regarding this process, feel free to share your thoughts. Your feedback is always valuable, and together we can improve our understanding and deployment practices.