Java and Database Connectivity

The classpath and using archives

How does Java find the classes it needs?

• Source files are compiled into class files
  • containing JVM code
• Class files are kept in directories whose path structure reflects the package name
  • uk.co.weft.clock.BatonHand is stored in uk/co/weft/clock/BatonHand.class
• The directories may be packed up
  • into 'java archives' ('JAR files')
  • or ZIP archives
• A special environment variable called CLASSPATH tells Java where to look for these directories and archives

Full text of this presentation | Table of Contents | No Frames Author: Simon Brooke | Copyright © 1998-1999 Weft Technology Ltd Slide 37 of 92