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Showing posts from March, 2008

JAR file

The JAR file format is based on the popular ZIP file format, and is used for aggregating many files into one. Unlike ZIP files, JAR files are used not only for archiving and distribution, but also for deployment and encapsulation of libraries, components, and plug-ins, and are consumed directly by tools such as compilers and JVMs. Special files contained in the JAR, such as manifests and deployment descriptors, instruct tools how a particular JAR is to be treated. A JAR file might be used: * For distributing and using class libraries * As building blocks for applications and extensions * As deployment units for components, applets, or plug-ins * For packaging auxiliary resources associated with components