jar

Create JAR file

$ jar cf [output.jar] [files...]

$ jar cfm [output.jar] [MANIFEST.MF] [files...]

$ jar xf [archive.jar]

$ jar tf [archive.jar]

$ jar cfe [output.jar] [MainClass] [files...]

$ jar uf [archive.jar] [newfiles...]

$ jar xf [archive.jar] [path/to/file]

jar [options] [manifest] destination input-files

jar is the Java Archive tool. It packages Java class files, resources, and metadata into a single JAR file for distribution and deployment.
JAR files use ZIP format with a manifest (META-INF/MANIFEST.MF) containing metadata. Executable JARs specify a main class in the manifest.

c

Create new archive.

Extract archive.

List table of contents.

Update existing archive.

Specify archive filename.

Include manifest file.

Set entry point (main class).

Verbose output.

Store only (no compression).

Change to directory.

Order of flags matters. Manifest file needs newline at end. Paths are relative to current directory. Use -C for changing base directory.

The jar tool has been part of the JDK since Java 1.1 (1997). It's essential for Java deployment, evolving to support modules in Java 9+ and multi-release JARs.

java(1), javac(1), zip(1), unzip(1)