How to install JAR file in Ubuntu

Java programs are commonly distributed online as Jar files. This is a file with a .jar extension.

Running a JAR file is straightforward:

[code lang=“text”] $ java -jar foo.jar ```

But what if I want to have this program appear in my Dash, like other programs? Here is how I usually solve this:

• I place the JAR file in a ~/bin directory in my home directory.

• I add the invocation to run the JAR file as a menu item using the Main Menu tool. After it is added, it will appear in Dash when searched by its name.

Do note that the tilde symbol does not work, you will need to provide the full path.

Tried with: Alacarte 3.10.0 and Ubuntu 14.04