Platform independent technique for transferring software programs over a network

In a computer environment, a system for permitting creation of a single class from a software program for sending over a network, said system comprising:

• means for loading each program file from the software program as instance data into the single class wherein the software program is a Java language program which includes non Java language data files;
• means for providing format code into the single class;
• and
• means for writing code into the single class for permitting the single class to automatically unpack itself and recreate the software program during receipt of the single class by a receiving computer system from a network.

A method for preparing a Java software program for sending over a network, the software program having program files which include data files not written in the Java language said method comprising:

• creating a class;
• loading the program files as instance data into the class;
• providing class format code for the class;
• and
• providing support code in the class for permitting the class to unpack itself and recreate the software program after it is received by a receiving computer system from a network.

Computer readable code on media for loading data files into a single Java class for sending over the Internet, comprising:

• first subprocesses for loading each of the data files as instance data into the Java class;
• second subprocesses for formatting the Java class with necessary Java formatting code;
• and
• third subprocesses for providing methods to the Java class to unpack and recreate the data files in their original form during receipt by a Java class loader of a receiving computer system.