Adding a path for a ImageIcon - Java

Question

Hey So I'm pretty much awful at java and I want to add a ImageIcon now I've done this before and I even have the images to work the only issue is the program I am making is for University work and when I submit the work it will be submitted online through a .rar file.

So my issue is currently the image's have a huge direct path so i.e.

C:\Users\MY-NAME\Documents\NetBeansProjects\UNI-PROJECT\src\IMAGES\image.png

Since they will be reviewing my work on their work PC or home PC whatever the images wont work for them since it's using my home reference. How can I reference a image so they can open it where ever and the images will still work?

Thanks in advance

-SKENG-

Answer 1

The Java Tutorial on How to Use Icons has a small section explaining how to use Class#getResource() when the image is included with the application - look at the createImageIcon() method and the description that follows it.

Answer 2

You can put your images in the current folder or subfolders and then use the following path (for example):

System.getProperty("user.dir") + "images\pic1.gif"

Answer 3

Simply do not use absolute path, and put the images into a subdirectory where is located your sources or binaries.