Files with jar extension are compressed archives, typically used for content in Java and distribution/installation purposes.

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Software that open jar file

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JAR file extension - Compressed archive file package for Java classes and data

What is jar file? How to open jar files?

File extension jar is mainly associated with Java and used for Java archives. The Java Archive (JAR) file format enables you to bundle multiple files into a single archive file.

Typically a jar file contains the class files and auxiliary resources associated with applets and applications.

The JAR file format provides many benefits:

Security: You can digitally sign the contents of a jar file. Users who recognize your signature can then optionally grant your software security privileges it wouldn't otherwise have.

Decreased download time: If your applet is bundled in a JAR file, the applet's class files and associated resources can be downloaded to a browser in a single HTTP transaction without the need for opening a new connection for each file.

Compression: The JAR format allows you to compress your files for efficient storage.

Packaging for extensions: The extensions framework provides a means by which you can add functionality to the Java core platform, and the JAR file format defines the packaging for extensions.

Java 3D and JavaMail are examples of extensions developed by Sun. By using the JAR file format, you can turn your software into extensions as well.

Package Sealing: Packages stored in *.jar files can be optionally sealed so that the package can enforce version consistency. Sealing a package within a jar file means that all classes defined in that package must be found in the same JAR file.

Package Versioning: A jar file can hold data about the files it contains, such as vendor and version information. Portability: The mechanism for handling *.jar files is a standard part of the Java platform's core API.

JAR has a similar command and option feature set to the PC Archiver ARJ, but it is not archive compatible with ARJ. JAR comes in a 16 bit DOS version and a 32 bit Windows version. This format is unrelated to the Sun JAR archive format.

MIME types:
application/java-archive
application/x-java-archive

Updated: November 9, 2023

The default software associated to open jar file:

Eclipse icon

The Eclipse Foundation logoEclipse  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
The Eclipse Foundation

A multi-language software development environment that is used to programming applications in variety of programming languages, such as JAVA, Ada, C, C++, COBOL, Perl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby etc.. Eclipse also supports plug-ins to add new features. It is available for Microsoft Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris.

Java icon

Oracle Corporation logoJava  Multiplatform software

Company or developer:
Oracle Corporation

Java is a set of developing applications and specifications used to create software in Java programming language. Java is used on many computing platforms from desktop computers to mobile phones.

Java source code derives much syntax from C and C++ programming language but has a simpler object model. To run applications written in Java the Java runtime environment must be installed on a device.

Java Development Kit (JDK) icon

Oracle Corporation logoJava Development Kit (JDK)  Multiplatform software

Company or developer:
Oracle Corporation

 JDK is a development environment for building applications, applets, and components using the Java programming language.

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Help how to open:

You can launch the *.jar file with proper JRE installed.

Winrar can open them as well... If you use a windows and you don't know what you are doing, dont try execute or opening these files with windows explorer!

How to convert:

You can probably extract the content of *.jar files with some archivers, like WinRAR or WinZip.

Find conversions from jar file:

jar to apk

jar to deb

jar to exe

jar to iso

jar to jad

jar to js

jar to zip

Find converter to jar file type:

apk to jar

class to jar

exe to jar

js to jar

sis to jar

sisx to jar

zip to jar

File identification strings:

HEX code: 50 4B 03 04 14 00 08 00 08 00
ASCII code: PK

List of software applications associated to the .jar file extension

Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open jar file, edit jar file, convert jar file, view jar file, play jar file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).

Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting jar files.

Software that open jar file - Compressed archive file package for Java classes and data

Programs supporting the exension jar on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open jar file action.

Microsoft Windows:

Main software associated with jar file by default:
Eclipse small icon Eclipse
Other suggested software:
Eclipse IDE for Java Developers small icon Eclipse IDE for Java Developers
ALZip small icon ALZip
7-zip small icon 7-zip

Apple macOS / Mac OS X:

Linux/Unix:

Multiplatform:

Main software associated with jar file by default:
Java small icon Java
Java Development Kit (JDK) small icon Java Development Kit (JDK)

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