What are syntax rules of the "jar -t" command for listing entries from a JAR file? I am confused on how to specify different options, like v and f.

The "jar -t" command allows you to display entries from an existing JAR file. It has the follow syntax:

jar -t[vf] [jar-file] [pattern]

"v" option flag returns verbose output for each entry. If "v" is not specified, only the entry path names are returned.

"f" option flag specifies the JAR file. If "f" is specified, "jar-file" must be provided. If "f" is not specified, the JAR file is read from the standard input.

If "pattern" specified, only those entries that match the pattern will be included in the output. If not specified, all entries in the JAR will be displayed.

Here are some example of valid "jar -t" commands

   jar -tf activation.jar
      Display all entries in the JAR

   jar -tf activation.jar com/sun/activation/viewers/Image
      Display all entries that matches the given pattern 

   jar -tvf activation.jar
      Display all entries with timestamp and size

   type activation.jar | jar -tv
      Read the JAR file from the standard input

Back to FAQ for JDK JAR (Java ARchive) Tool.