Chilkat Java Quick Start Tutorial

Step 1 - Download the Chilkat Java Library

DOWNLOAD

Create a new directory anywhere on your hard drive and unzip chilkatJava.zip into it.

Step 2 - Compile an Example Program and Run

There is a pre-made runExample.bat DOS batch file that compiles and runs the ZipExample1.java example. You should be able to double-click on it to compile and run.

Please review the remainder of the information on this page before continuing.

Note 1 - Loading the Chilkat Win32 Native Code Library

The Chilkat class library for Java is only available for Microsoft Windows computers. A Java program must load the library using this code. More information about System.loadLibrary.

  static {
    try {
        System.loadLibrary("chilkat");
    } catch (UnsatisfiedLinkError e) {
      System.err.println("Native code library failed to load.\n" + e);
      System.exit(1);
    }
  }

Note 2 - chilkat.jar and classpath

The chilkat.jar should be included in the classpath both at compile time and runtime. For example, the classpath may be defined on the command line using -classpath:

javac -encoding utf8 -classpath ..\chilkat.jar ZipExample1.java

java -Djava.library.path=.. -classpath .;..\chilkat.jar ZipExample1

Note 3 - 30 Day Trial for Commercial Classes

Chilkat's commercially licensed Java classes are fully-functional for a 30-day trial period. The UnlockComponent method should be called once at the beginning of a program. The trial period automatically begins when a non-valid unlock code is used. Licensed customers receive a permanent unlock code that is valid for all future versions of the particular class(es) licensed.

Note: The Chilkat Java library contains both freeware and commercially-licensed classes. Freeware classes, such as the ones for XML and digital certificates, do not have an UnlockComponent method and do not need to be unlocked.

    CkZip zip = new CkZip();
    zip.UnlockComponent("anything for 30-day trial");

Note 4 - Chilkat Licenses Include all Programming Languages

Each license sold by Chilkat is valid for all programming languages. For example, if you purchase a "Chilkat Zip" license, you may use the Chilkat Zip component/library in C++, .NET, VB6, ASP, Perl, Java, Delphi, Python, Ruby on Rails, etc.

Note 5 - Upgrades are Free

Your permanent unlock code will work with all future versions of the product. Your 1-year unlimited support may expire, but you don't have to pay for new versions. Support is renewable at reduced pricing.