Creating macOS App for Digital Circuit Simulator

[AntonioBerna]

Solution

This implementation automatically creates Digital.app using native macOS tools and jpackage:

Key Features

• ✅ Self-contained app with integrated Java runtime
• ✅ Native icon generated from SVG using sips and iconutil
• ✅ All resources included (libraries, examples, documentation)
• ✅ Automated process with Maven integration
• ✅ Zero external dependencies (only native macOS tools)

Requirements

• macOS (to create macOS apps)
• Java 17+ with jpackage
• Maven (for project build)

Verify installation:

java --version
jpackage --version
mvn --version

Added Files

distribution/macos/
├── QUICK_START.md              # Quick guide
├── Makefile                    # Build automation
├── create-digital-app.sh       # Main script
├── generate-icon.sh            # Icon generation
└── prepare-input.sh            # Resource preparation

1. Icon Generation

The generate-icon.sh script converts the SVG icon to .icns format using sips and iconutil (native macOS tools).

2. Resource Preparation

The prepare-input.sh script copies all necessary files:

• Main JAR (Digital.jar)
• Component libraries (lib/)
• Circuit examples (examples/)
• Documentation (docu/)

3. App Creation

The create-digital-app.sh script uses jpackage to create Digital.app with integrated Java runtime.

Usage

Execution Methods

# Method 1: Direct script
cd distribution/macos
./create-digital-app.sh

# Method 2: Makefile
make app

# Method 3: Maven
mvn clean package -P macos-app

Available Makefile Commands

• make app - Create the app quickly
• make all - Complete build with icon
• make install - Install to /Applications
• make test - Run validation tests

Final Result

Digital.app - Native macOS application ready for distribution:

• Size: ~200-300 MB (includes Java runtime)
• Compatibility: macOS 10.14+ (requires Java 17+)
• Distribution: Single file, zero configuration
• Integration: Complete system integration with native icon

Benefits

• ✅ No installation required - No need to install Java
• ✅ Native integration - Standard macOS app behavior
• ✅ Professional appearance - Custom icon and app bundle
• ✅ Simplified distribution - Share a single .app file
• ✅ Education ready - Perfect for educational environments

This implementation transforms Digital Circuit Simulator from a Java application requiring manual configuration into a professional and distributable macOS application, suitable for educational and professional environments.

closes #1468