JNLP files are associated with various Java applications with XML (Extensible Markup Language) being the primary element for the JNLP file. And since the JNLP file is delivered in the form of an XML document, all components of the file are contained within the JNLP element.
JNLP stands for Java Network Launching Protocol which defines how a Java application should be launched and executed. If your browser is properly configured for Java, the JNLP protocol can transfer JNLP files to the Java Runtime Environment which allows the Java application to be downloaded to your PC for different application uses.
The Oracle Java plugin assists JNLP files which point to Java applets and applications. This allows you to click a link on a website that has a JNLP file embedded into the link and automatically launch the Java application on your PC.
In terms of JLNP syntax and content, JNLP files contain the specs, codebase, and version of the application to be launched. The files can also contain href, which defines the URL where the JNLP file is located. The information element of the JNLP file contains data related to operating system compatibility and the architecture and platform where the element should be used. Other contents of a JNLP file include the title and vendor of the application and an application description, in addition to icons, shortcuts, menus, and security permissions.
How to Open a JNLP File
In order to open and run a JNLP file, you should have Java capability installed on your PC. You can obtain a Java program by logging onto Java.com and clicking the Java download button. The download is free and can be installed instantly on your PC if you do not already have the program.
Once you have downloaded Java, navigate to the location where you saved the .EXE file and double click on the file. From there you will be stepped through the process of installing Java on your PC. When the installation is complete, close and reopen your web browser to activate the Oracle Java plugin. Go to the website link where you want to launch the JNLP file and click on it or you can simply click on a JNLP file which is saved on your PC.
If you are unsure if a JNLP file is associated with a Java application, click on Start on the main toolbar in Windows and then choose Control Panel from the pop-up menu. In the new window click on Programs and then choose the Java option. In the Java Window click on Advanced and then click the “+” sign located to the left of the JNLP File/MIME Association. Click on Always Allow and then click OK. This will allow the JNLP files to execute the program every time you click on a website link that contains JNLP files.
