It turns out to be very difficult to modify a jar or zip file using Java's out-of-the-box archive support. This article is the first of a two-part series that will describe a class that permits the painless modification of existing archives. This month, we'll look at the necessary support classes. In Part 2, we'll look at the Archive class itself. (2,900 words)
2. A ZipClassLoader for automated application distribution
This article combines a custom ClassLoader with the java.util.zip library to automate the distribution of new application releases. Learn how ClassLoaders work and how you can exploit the zip library for custom class loading. (3,000 words)
Here's your chance to put the expertise you gleaned from two previous Java Tips to use, as John D. Mitchell takes you through the intricacies of loading class files and instantiating the objects of those classes. (900 words)
4. How to extract Java resources from JAR and zip archives
Bundling an assortment of Java resources in a Java ARchive (JAR) file is an excellent way to reduce download time, increase security, and increase manageability. This tip shows you how to easily extract the resources from JAR files for your own use. (1,300 words)
This tip shows how to turn an unrunnable Java Archive (JAR) into a runnable one, without having to directly manipulate manifest files. You learn to develop a short program that enables any JAR to run with the java -jar command or on an operating system like Windows with just a double click. (1,100 words; May 10, 2002)
This tip presents an easy way to make self-extracting Java Archives (JARs). A self-extracting archive can extract the contained files to user-selected directories on any Java platform. Your users are only required to have a Java runtime system. (1,200 words; November 16, 2001)
7. Sometimes you save more space by not compressing data
