A JAR file is an archive file but is more than a file compression format. Here's how to open, run, or execute JAR files.

The Java JAR file in review The JAR file is an important artifact in the world of Agile software development in Java. Really, though, the JAR file is just a ZIP file with a different file extension.

Learn how a Java JAR file (Java Archive) allows you to package compiled code and other resources in a single file that is easily deployed and executed resources.

Newer versions of Java now require all JAR files to be signed with a valid code-signing key, and starting with Java 7 Update 51, unsigned or self-signed applications are blocked from running.