JAR vs. WAR: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 20, 2024
JAR (Java ARchive) files package Java classes into a single file for distribution, while WAR (Web Application aRchive) files are specifically for web applications, containing JSPs, servlets, and supporting files.
Key Differences
JAR files are used in Java to package Java classes, metadata, and resources into a single file, making it easier to distribute and use Java applications. WAR files are a specialized type of JAR used specifically for web applications, containing web components like servlets and JSPs along with supporting files like images and XML files.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
JAR files are versatile and can be used for any Java application, including desktop applications, libraries, and utilities. WAR files, however, are exclusively used for deploying web applications on Java EE (Enterprise Edition) servers.
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Feb 20, 2024
While JAR files contain Java classes and a manifest file, WAR files have a specific structure, with a WEB-INF directory containing the web application's deployment descriptor and library JAR files, and a classes directory for compiled Java classes.
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Feb 20, 2024
JAR files are deployed in a variety of Java environments, from standalone Java Virtual Machines to embedded systems. WAR files are deployed on web servers and application servers like Apache Tomcat or JBoss, which interpret and run the web application.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
JAR files are fundamental to Java programming for packaging code and resources, whereas WAR files are tailored for web application development, providing a standardized way to bundle and deploy web-based applications.
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Feb 20, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Contains Java classes, resources, manifest file
WEB-INF directory, servlets, JSPs, XML, classes
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Primary Function
Packaging Java code and resources
Deploying web applications
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Feb 20, 2024
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JAR and WAR Definitions
WAR
Web Infrastructure
The WAR contained all the web application’s resources.
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Jan 17, 2024
WAR
A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.
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JAR
A cylindrical glass or earthenware vessel with a wide mouth and usually no handles.
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WAR
A condition of active antagonism or contention
A war of words.
A price war.
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WAR
A concerted effort or campaign to combat or put an end to something considered injurious
The war against acid rain.
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WAR
(uncountable) Organized, large-scale, armed conflict between countries or between national, ethnic, or other sizeable groups, usually but not always involving active engagement of military forces.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To shake or vibrate from an impact or impacts
"The gallery jarred with a quick, heavy tramp" (Robert Louis Stevenson).
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JAR
To be disturbing or irritating; grate
The incessant talking jarred on my nerves.
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WAR
Protracted armed conflict against irregular forces, particularly groups considered terrorists.
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JAR
To be out of harmony; clash or conflict
The curtains jar with the rest of the room.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To cause to shake or vibrate from impact
The ride on the donkey jarred my bones.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
(originally) An earthenware container, either with two or no handles, for holding oil, water, wine, etc., or used for burial.
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Jan 17, 2024
WAR
(crime) A prolonged conflict between two groups of organized criminals, usually over organizational or territorial control.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
A small, approximately cylindrical container, normally made of clay or glass, for holding fruit, preserves, etc., or for ornamental purposes.
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Jan 17, 2024
WAR
(Internet) An argument between two or more people with opposing opinions on a topic or issue.
Flame war... edit war...
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WAR
Any of a family of card games where all cards are dealt at the beginning of play and players attempt to capture them all, typically involving no skill and only serving to kill time.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
(countable) A clashing or discordant set of sounds, particularly with a quivering or vibrating quality.
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Jan 17, 2024
WAR
(intransitive) To engage in conflict (may be followed by "with" to specify the foe).
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JAR
A quivering or vibrating movement or sensation resulting from something being shaken or struck.
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JAR
(countable) The effect of something contradictory or discordant; a clash.
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WAR
A contest between nations or states, carried on by force, whether for defence, for revenging insults and redressing wrongs, for the extension of commerce, for the acquisition of territory, for obtaining and establishing the superiority and dominion of one over the other, or for any other purpose; armed conflict of sovereign powers; declared and open hostilities.
Men will ever distinguish war from mere bloodshed.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
A disagreement, a dispute, a quarrel; (uncountable) contention, discord; quarrelling.
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WAR
A condition of belligerency to be maintained by physical force. In this sense, levying war against the sovereign authority is treason.
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JAR
(transitive) To knock, shake, or strike sharply, especially causing a quivering or vibrating movement.
He hit it with a hammer, hoping he could jar it loose.
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WAR
Forces; army.
On their embattled ranks the waves return,And overwhelm their war.
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WAR
The profession of arms; the art of war.
Thou art but a youth, and he is a man of war from his youth.
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JAR
To shock or surprise.
I think the accident jarred him, as he hasn’t got back in a car since.
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WAR
A state of opposition or contest; an act of opposition; an inimical contest, act, or action; enmity; hostility.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To act in disagreement or opposition, to clash, to be at odds with; to interfere; to dispute, to quarrel.
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WAR
To make war; to invade or attack a state or nation with force of arms; to carry on hostilities; to be in a state by violence.
Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it.
Why should I war without the walls of Troy?
Our countrymen were warring on that day!
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
(ambitransitive) To (cause something to) give forth a rudely tremulous or quivering sound; to (cause something to) sound discordantly or harshly.
The clashing notes jarred on my ears.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
Of the appearance, form, style, etc., of people and things: to look strangely different; to stand out awkwardly from its surroundings; to be incongruent.
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Jan 17, 2024
WAR
To carry on, as a contest; to wage.
That thou . . . mightest war a good warfare.
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WAR
The waging of armed conflict against an enemy;
Thousands of people were killed in the war
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JAR
A deep, broad-mouthed vessel of earthenware or glass, for holding fruit, preserves, etc., or for ornamental purposes; as, a jar of honey; a rose jar.
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WAR
A legal state created by a declaration of war and ended by official declaration during which the international rules of war apply;
War was declared in November but actual fighting did not begin until the following spring
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JAR
The measure of what is contained in a jar; as, a jar of oil; a jar of preserves.
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WAR
An active struggle between competing entities;
A price war
A war of wits
Diplomatic warfare
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JAR
A rattling, tremulous vibration or shock; a shake; a harsh sound; a discord; as, the jar of a train; the jar of harsh sounds.
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WAR
A concerted campaign to end something that is injurious;
The war on poverty
The war against crime
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JAR
Clash of interest or opinions; collision; discord; debate; slight disagreement.
And yet his peace is but continual jar.
Cease, cease these jars, and rest your minds in peace.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
A regular vibration, as of a pendulum.
I love thee not a jar of the clock.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
In deep well boring, a device resembling two long chain links, for connecting a percussion drill to the rod or rope which works it, so that the drill is driven down by impact and is jerked loose when jammed.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To give forth a rudely quivering or tremulous sound; to sound harshly or discordantly; as, the notes jarred on my ears.
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony ?
A string may jar in the best master's hand.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To act in opposition or disagreement; to clash; to interfere; to quarrel; to dispute.
When those renowned noble peers GreeceThrough stubborn pride among themselves did jar.
For orders and degreesJar not with liberty, but well consist.
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WAR
Java EE Standard
They developed the WAR according to Java EE specifications.
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JAR
To cause a short, tremulous motion of, to cause to tremble, as by a sudden shock or blow; to shake; to shock; as, to jar the earth; to jar one's faith.
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Jan 17, 2024
JAR
To tick; to beat; to mark or tell off.
My thoughts are minutes, and with sighs they jarTheir watches on unto mine eyes.
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JAR
Distribution Format
A JAR file simplifies the distribution of Java applications.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can JAR files be executable?
Yes, JAR files can be made executable with a proper manifest.
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Feb 20, 2024
How are JAR files created?
JAR files are created using Java development tools like jar command.
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Feb 20, 2024
Is a WAR file used for desktop applications?
No, WAR files are specifically for web applications.
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Feb 20, 2024
What is a JAR file in Java?
A JAR file packages Java classes and resources into a single archive.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 20, 2024
What does a WAR file contain?
A WAR file contains web components like servlets, JSPs, and support files.
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Feb 20, 2024
How do you run a JAR file?
A JAR file can be run using the java -jar command.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can WAR files be created manually?
Yes, though it's usually done through development tools for accuracy.
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What server software deploys WAR files?
Web servers like Apache Tomcat deploy WAR files.
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Are WAR files only for Java EE applications?
Yes, WAR files are designed for Java EE web applications.
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Are JAR files platform-independent?
Yes, JAR files are platform-independent as long as Java is available.
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Can a JAR file contain images and sound files?
Yes, JAR files can include any type of resource files.
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Feb 20, 2024
What is the main advantage of using a JAR file?
JAR files simplify the distribution and management of Java applications.
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Is it possible to encrypt a JAR file?
Yes, but it requires additional tools and configurations.
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Do WAR files include a manifest file?
Yes, WAR files typically include a manifest file in the WEB-INF directory.
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Feb 20, 2024
How do WAR files handle database connectivity?
WAR files use Java EE standards for database connectivity.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can you update a JAR file without recompiling the whole application?
Yes, individual classes or resources in a JAR can be updated.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can a WAR file contain third-party libraries?
Yes, WAR files can include third-party libraries in the lib directory.
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Feb 20, 2024
What is the typical structure of a WAR file?
A WAR file has a WEB-INF directory, servlets, JSPs, and resource files.
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Feb 20, 2024
Can JAR files be used in mobile applications?
Yes, JAR files can be used in Java-based mobile applications.
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What is the role of a servlet in a WAR file?
Servlets in WAR files handle requests and responses on web servers.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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