How to Install a .jar File

Level of difficulty: Easy

A .jar file is a file format that puts together numerous files into one file. Normally, a .jar file is used by software developers for Java classes. These are different kinds of Java based files or metadata, or data that talks about other computer data. There are different kinds of Java files depending on the computing platforms being used. The .jar file helps distribute these into classes. Java is used for computers, mobile phones, enterprise servers, super computers, Web servers, enterprise applications, desktop computers, Java applets, and a wide variety of devices. Due to its numerous uses, the .jar file needs to be classified properly.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
- Java Development Kit
Step 1
The .jar file format was based on the ZIP extension where you can extract a lot of files from one .zip file. The difference is that the .jar file is solely for Java related files and metadata. Normally, you can extract a JAR file using JDK (Java Development Kit). This was developed by Sun Microsystems, the same company that created Java.
Step 2
JAR files can also have META-INF/MANIFEST.MF included in the file, although this is optional. The META-INF/MANIFEST.MF is a file embedded in the .jar file instructing the user exactly how to use the .jar file. Again, this is optional as there is a probability that the user already knows how to use a .jar file or has it installed in his system.
Step 3
JAR files can also cause some problems. One of the problems is when the tool used is an older version. When an older extraction tool is used, the result usually ends with the corruption of META-INF/MANIFEST.MF. This has been resolved but it may still be encountered. Another possible problem is being connected to the manifest creation wherein long lines may be wrapped around the file that can cause a difficulty in its reading.
Step 4
JAR files also include UDRs. UDRs are User-Defined relationship files that can be included in SQL statements. However, these can’t be read unless the .jar file is installed in your system.
Step 5
First, connect to a database with DBA permission.
Step 6
For installation to Sybase Central, click the new .jar file and a wizard will pop up to give you further instructions on how to go along.
Step 7
For SQL, type in the following instructions after connecting with the database: a. INSTALL JAVA NEW b. JAR 'jarname' c. FROM FILE 'path\\JarName.jar'
Step 8
Always remember to initially scan JAR files with legitimate anti-malware programs before installing it on your system. This will allow you to identify JAR files that are safe to install from those embedded with malicious code. This will prevent malicious software from infecting your system and compromising the security of your private data.