Build a JAR file with fastjar and gjar
One of the many advantages of Java, in my experience, is its ability to deliver applications in a neat and tidy package (called a JAR, or Java archive.) JAR files make it easy for users to download and launch an application they want to try, easy to transfer that application from one computer to another (and Java is cross-platform, so sharing liberally can be encouraged), and easy to understand for new programmers to look inside a JAR...
Setting new expectations for open source maintainers
For a long time, there were two basic tests for releasing open source: “Does it do what I need it to do?” and “Does it compile?” Sure, it was nice if it did things for others, but more than anything else, it at least needed to be fun for the developer and run at all for others. Then with the rise of package management, things leveled up a bit: “Is it packaged?” Shortly after that, the increasing...
