JAR format is familiar to many users firsthand. It is an archive file created based on the JAVA programming language. However, even users who encountered the JAR format in their work do not always know how to open it. Let's try to fill this gap.
JAR file: how to open?
Since files of this type are initially created using the JAVA language, the most logical assumption for viewing or editing content will be to use the appropriate platform.
But do not confuse this format with files for mobile systems. In order for a JAR file to become executable, in its structure it must contain metadata in the form of an embedded MANIFEST.imf file.
However, the object of this type itself is initially mapped to the Java Runtime Environment, so if it is installed on the computer, the file will open automatically. In particular, this applies to the Jarsigner tool from the Java SDK.
Mobile systems
On mobile systems, you can also find JAR files . How to open it on the phone? Yes, nothing needs to be done. These objects are installers of applications, however, as a rule, installation is performed using an additional file of installer instructions in JAD format.
When the installer starts, the installation will be performed in automatic mode, similar to how such processes occur in computer systems (although without using the “Installation Wizard” or choosing a location for the application to be installed). If for some reason the JAVA environment is not supported by the phone or it just doesn’t work, you can often open it using the MidpX emulator.
JAR file: how to open on a computer?
Computer systems are even simpler. Not to mention the aforementioned development environment, you can use familiar tools.
So, we have a file in the JAR format. You can understand how to open it on a computer or laptop, if you remember that this is actually an archive. In other words, any of today's famous archivers will do. Quite simply, unpacking operations can be done using programs like WinRAR, WinZIP, 7-Zip and the like.
Often you can find narrowly targeted utilities that allow you to change the archive format, turning the file into an executable program in the form of a regular "executable". Among those, the most famous application can be called JAR2EXE Converter.
Finally, sometimes this format may contain data about themes or additions to some popular web browsers (Thunderbird, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) The theme is simply applied to the design, and the user does not see the file as such (only the browser’s appearance changes).