Run java without specifying classpath on the command line

Question

I've specified the main class and classpath for a java program in the .jar file manifest, but occasionally I want to run a different class from the one specified by the Main-Class attribute. Can I get java to launch this class while still pulling the classpath from the manifest, so that I don't have to specify the whole thing on the command line with -cp?

It is possible, because maven's assembly plugin works that way. — Kevin
– Kevin, Commented Oct 3, 2011 at 16:33
why dont u provide a batch/shell script to run the jar file for u and let that script decide what to do... — Kowser
– Kowser, Commented Oct 3, 2011 at 17:16

richvdh · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-03 17:27:47Z

1

Just put the jar file on the command line with -cp; Java will then observe the classpath attribute within the manifest, even though you're not using -jar:

java -cp app.jar MyOtherClass

answered Oct 3, 2011 at 17:27

richvdh

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1 Comment

Neil Traft Over a year ago

Finally got the chance to confirm... this works! It will append the Class-Path attribute to the classpath just the same as using the -jar option.

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