<file format, filename extension> (jar) A compressed archive
file containing Java class files, filename extension:
".jar". The Java Development Kit contains a tool called
"jar" for creating .jar files, similar to the standard Unix
tar command. As well as archiving and compressing the Java
class files, it also inserts a "manifest" file which can
contain information about the class files, such as a digital
signature. Combining class files into a single archive file
makes it possible to download them in a single HTTP
transaction. This, and the compression, speeds up execution
of Java programs delivered via the Internet.
(2001}-02-03)
Nearby terms:
Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition « Java 2 SDK « Java 2 Software Development Kit « Java archive » JavaBeans » Java Community Process » Java Database Connectivity
