FAQ-0806 How do I install my MIDlet onto a Symbian OS phone?


FAQ-0806 How do I install my MIDlet onto a Symbian OS phone?

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Classification:	Java	Category:	Deployment
Created:	07/08/2002	Modified:	09/18/2002
Number:	FAQ-0806
Platform:	Not Applicable

Question:
How do I install my MIDlet onto a Symbian OS phone? What transport medium can I use (Wireless, Bluetooth, IR etc)?

Answer:
Minimally to install a MIDlet (suite) onto a Symbian OS phone you should first create a JAR file. The JAR file contains the class files, a manifest file and any resource files used by the MIDlet (suite), packaged into a compressed archive using the standard JDK jar tool.

The manifest file for a MIDlet is a simple text file that must contain the following attributes:

MIDlet-Name
MIDlet-Version
MIDlet-Vendor
A MIDlet- for each MIDlet
MicroEdition-Profile
MicroEdition-Configuration

The JAR file should then be copied onto the device. This may be achieved "over the air" from a Web site or WAP site, from a PC using connectivity software, or from another device via IR or Bluetooth. The actual installation procedure of the MIDlet may vary from device to device according to the Application Management Software (AMS) that the device supports, however, typically it is sufficient to select or "Open" the JAR file. The AMS should then automatically recognise the application as a MIDlet and install it appropriately .

The MIDP specification provides for an additional optional file known as the application descriptor with file extension jad. The descriptor file is a small text file that contains information about the MIDlet (suite) such as name, JAR size, version number, Micoroedition profile version etc. The descriptor file allows the AMS to ensure that the associated MIDlet suite is suited to the device before loading the MIDlet JAR file. Additionally the descriptor file allows the AMS to perform simple version control.

For finished MIDlets ready for release it is probably wise to provide an application descriptor (jad) file, particularly if the associated JAR file is of substantial size and to be downloaded "over the air". In addition to avoiding the cost to the user of downloading an incompatible MIDlet this also provides for a better user experience.

If an application descriptor (jad) file is provided then the correct installation procedure is to select or "Open" the jad file. The AMS will then load the associated JAR file and install the MIDlet (suite), assuming of course that the MIDlet is compatible with i) the description in its jad file and ii) the version of MIDP supported by the device (also see FAQ 0842) .