If you just got a new android phone, running java applicatons in .jar format can be a real challenge but there are lots of ways out. I previously wrote a post on how to run java applicatons on Android smartphones using an emulator but what I’m posting here is totlally different. Yes, you can convert .jar files to Android’s .apk format. Sounds impossible? Well, it can be done easily with the service of a couple of websites but I need to make a few things clear about Android applications.
Android .apk Files – Can they Really be Decompiled?
You’re probably not an Android developer but just an ordinary guy like me, so I’m going to keep this simple and straight. At first, the extension Google uses for Android applications (.apk) may look complicated but it actually isn’t. Basically, an apk file is nothing but a zip archive disguised in a different extension. You think I’m joking? Just rename the .apk extension to .zip and extract the content to see exactly what I’m trying to say. Inside this zipped archive is a file named classes.dex which is the most important file in there containing all the java files. This file is encrypted but it can still be disassembled. The java classes are compiled differently so there’s need to go through some special steps to decompile them. You’re going to need these two files:
- Dex2Jar from http://code.google.com/p/dex2jar/
- A regular Java decompiler, such as JD from http://java.decompiler.free.fr
-Unzip dex2jar.
-In dex2jar directory, paste your classes.dex file.
-Open CMD, go to dex2jar durectory using cd, and type dex2jar YourApp.apk
-You will automatically get a .jar. Use jd gui to decompile it.
How to Convert .jar/.jad (J2ME/MIDP 2.0) Applications to Android .apk Format
Everything I’ve been ranting about is not the real thing you’re looking, huh? Anyways, I found two sites where you can easily convert .jar applications to .apk format and run it smoothly on your Android smartphone.
1. Netmite
This offers this service free of charge and I can tell you that their service is quite cool. You can check them out and, of course, it’s very easy to use. Just upload your java application and the jad format to get the android version! You can use JADMaker to get the .jad version of your java application.
2. Upontek
These guys too offer the same service but hey, it’s not for free. If you’re a developer, you may want to check out their service and some extras they’ve got for you.
That’s all I’ve got on converting .jar applications to Android .apk format. There may be other websites offering the same service though.
![How To Root / Unroot All Android OS Smartphones [Tha Easiest Guide Ever Seen]](http://www.doncaprio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/how-to-root-all-android-phones-1-150x150.jpg "How To Root / Unroot All Android OS Smartphones [Tha Easiest Guide Ever Seen]")
Twitter: kibria_hossain
says:
Hello don caprio can you tell me the process how can i run a java application on my pc on windows xp operating system. Hopefully you will.
I should write a blog post on it later today or tomorrow
Twitter: kibria_hossain
says:
Waiting for your post@ don
Sorry is took so long. You can check the post here.
Twitter: kibria_hossain
says:
Not so late at all. Nice job.
Don,
I liked your post.
Your understanding of UpOnTek’s service is accurate. The service is targeted at application developers that are interested in converting their apps from JavaME to Android. The service includes the ability to continue development of the app in JavaME and Android Feel free to contact me if you want additional details.
Michal
Thanks for the visit, Micheal. Will definitely recommend your service and contact you if need be. Cheers.
thanks for this amazing information
akash recently posted..The Day After Tomorrow (2004) BD 450MB Xvid Rip Punk Hindi Dubbed
thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hii
i am ur regular reader of ur blog .
past week i encounter an problem i was playing java games but after that i install gangstar rio city of saints but it didnt get run properly. after chosing instant play on the homescreen the game stops and says that the midlet is running out of memory.
i tried clearing data but it wont work. please help me
my phone info is
samsung galaxy ace gts5830i
android version 2.3.6
also suggest me some java game sites for my screen size
thanks
Hi Anil,
Thanks for following my posts on this blog. Since the games are converted, there may be some compatibility issues once in a while. You can try sefan.ru and nokiazone.ru for more java games.
Twitter: fabinuibidapo
says:
I tried it and it worked. Gonna share this to my friends on FB
dapson recently posted..Is Your Blackberry Slow? Learn How To Make It Fast
Twitter: dewantea
says:
You are briliant man…………. thank you………………………………..
What is CMD & cd, where do i find these???
okk found it
Got to Windows Start Menu, search for CMD, it should come up. CMD is the Command Promt feature in Windows, its executable name is cmd.exe
Applications to Android its good article