1. JAR packaging
A JAR (Java ARchive) file is a compressed archive that can contain compiled .class files, resources, libraries, and metadata.
It is used to package Java applications or libraries into a single file.
2. WAR packaging
A WAR (Web Application Archive) file is used to package Java web applications.
It contains everything needed to deploy a web app on a Servlet/JSP container (such as Apache Tomcat, Jetty, or GlassFish).
WAR files are specifically designed for web application deployments.
3. Key differences
The key difference is their purpose and the way they function. JAR files allow us to package multiple files in order to use them as a library, plugin, or any kind of application. On the other hand, WAR files are only used for web applications.
The structure of the archives is also different. We can create a JAR with any desired structure. In contrast, WAR has a predefined structure.
Finally, we can run a JAR from the command line if we build it as an executable JAR without using additional software, or we can use it as a library. In contrast, we need a server to execute a WAR.
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