How can I associate a file type in mac within Java code?

Question

How can I associate a file type like .vlan in mac within java code?

Runtime.getRuntime().exec("defaults write com.apple.LaunchServices LSHandlers -array-add 
\"<dict><key>LSHandlerContentTag</key>
<string>.vlan</string><key>LSHandlerContentTagClass</key>
<string>public.filename-extension</string><key>LSHandlerRoleAll</key>
<string>org.category.program</string></dict>\"");

Huh? Could you rephrase that in the form of a question? Associate it with what? — Brian Roach, Jan 23 '12 at 06:02
Well, my application is supposed to be crossed platform so I already went through the ftype and assoc commands to cover the Windows part of things and it works great, however, now I need to cover the same file type for mac. Please keep in mind that my understanding of the mac environment is very limited — Sam, Jan 23 '12 at 06:05
Duplicate, answered [here](http://stackoverflow.com/a/2976711/493928) — khachik, Jan 23 '12 at 06:08
But that answer is not in regards to Java. I'm looking for a solution from within Java. — Sam, Jan 23 '12 at 06:13
@Sam `Runtime.getRuntime().exec("...");`. I think you should search a little before asking. — khachik, Jan 23 '12 at 06:16
You mean something like what I put in the question area will work in mac? — Sam, Jan 23 '12 at 06:23

score 1 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:31

If the app. has a GUI, deploy it using Java Web Start and declare the file extension/type in the JNLP (launch) file. Here is a demo. of the JNLP API file services which should be able to associate the text/sleepytime content type of .zzz file with the (small) app.

Adding an association for a file type is supported to work on Windows, OS X & *nix (for all permissions, as well as sand-boxed apps. (the latter prompted)).

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 23 '12 at 13:40

Try this :

Runtime.getRuntime().exec(
    new String[] {
        "defaults", 
        "write", 
        "com.apple.LaunchServices", 
        "LSHandlers", 
        "-array-add",   
        "<dict><key>LSHandlerContentTag</key><string>.vlan</string><key>LSHandlerContentTagClass</key><string>public.filename-extension</string><key>LSHandlerRoleAll</key><string>org.category.program</string></dict>"
    }
);

And just to add, Runtime's exec has quite some pitfalls one need to be aware of.

How can I associate a file type in mac within Java code?

2 Answers2