Can You Include Non-Java Files in a JAR?

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Asked By TechWhiz93 On

I know that JAR files are used to package Java applications, but I'm curious: can I include non-Java files, like PDFs or text documents, inside a JAR? If I do, will it still be considered a functional JAR? What are the potential downsides to doing this compared to just using a regular ZIP file?

5 Answers

Answered By DevDude99 On

JAR files primarily hold compiled Java code, so including non-code files is possible but might not be the best practice. They do have a manifest with metadata, and if you include files like PDFs, users might not expect to find them in there. It’s a zip file, so it’ll work, but consider how you want users to interact with the JAR.

Answered By JavaGuru2020 On

For sure, you can include PDFs or text files in your JAR! Just be careful when asking users to look inside a JAR for data because it's not something they usually expect. It might be more intuitive to provide resources in other ways. But technically, yes, you can go ahead with that!

Answered By PixelProwler77 On

Yeah, you can include those kinds of files! It's pretty standard to add resources your Java code might need, like images or sound files. The main drawback of including unrelated files is that it can get confusing for others who might expect a typical JAR filled solely with Java classes. But remember, you can always unzip it if needed. Just make sure to communicate what’s inside the JAR!

Answered By CodeJunkie42 On

Absolutely! A JAR file is essentially a ZIP file with a specific structure. You can definitely throw in other files, like images or text documents. Just keep in mind, if you're not using it in a Java context, it could confuse some software out there. But no worries if you unzip it; it will still work just fine.

Answered By CrazyCoder88 On

It's totally doable! Just know that while a JAR can contain anything, calling it 'working' is subjective. If you're looking to run Java code, it has to have the right class files, or it won't function as intended. As for the ZIP comparison, it's all about context. JAR files have some advantages like execution directly through the command line.

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