How to use classes from .jar files?

Question

Let's say we need to use the class Classname that is contained in the jar file org.example.jar

And your source is in the file mysource.java Like this:

import org.example.Classname;

public class mysource {
    public static void main(String[] argv) {
    ......
   }
}

First, as you see, in your code you have to import the classes. To do that you need import org.example.Classname;

Second, when you compile the source, you have to reference the jar file.

Please note the difference in using : and ; while compiling

• If you are under a unix like operating system:

  javac -cp '.:org.example.jar' mysource.java
  

• If you are under windows:

  javac -cp .;org.example.jar mysource.java
  

After this, you obtain the bytecode file mysource.class

Now you can run this :

• If you are under a unix like operating system:

  java -cp '.:org.example.jar' mysource
  

• If you are under windows:

  java -cp .;org.example.jar mysource
  

Not every jar file is executable.

Now, you need to import the classes, which are there under the jar, in your java file. For example,

import org.xml.sax.SAXException;

If you are working on an IDE, then you should refer its documentation. Or at least specify which one you are using here in this thread. It would definitely enable us to help you further.

And if you are not using any IDE, then please look at javac -cp option. However, it's much better idea to package your program in a jar file, and include all the required jars within that. Then, in order to execute your jar, like,

java -jar my_program.jar

you should have a META-INF/MANIFEST.MF file in your jar. See here, for how-to.

You need to add the jar file in the classpath. To compile your java class:

javac -cp .;jwitter.jar MyClass.java

To run your code (provided that MyClass contains a main method):

java -cp .;jwitter.jar MyClass

You can have the jar file anywhere. The above work if the jar file is in the same directory as your java file.

You need to put the .jar file into your classpath when compiling/running your code. Then you just use standard imports of the classes in the .jar.

As workmad3 says, you need the jar file to be in your classpath. If you're compiling from the commandline, that will mean using the -classpath flag. (Avoid the CLASSPATH environment variable; it's a pain in the neck IMO.)

If you're using an IDE, please let us know which one and we can help you with the steps specific to that IDE.