Classpath including JAR within a JAR

Question

Is it possible to specify a Java classpath that includes a JAR file contained within another JAR file?

Answer 1

After some research I have found method that doesn't require maven or any 3rd party extension/program.

You can use "Class-Path" in your manifest file.

For example:

Create manifest file MANIFEST.MF

Manifest-Version: 1.0
Created-By: Bundle
Class-Path: ./custom_lib.jar
Main-Class: YourMainClass

Compile all your classes and run jar cfm Testing.jar MANIFEST.MF *.class custom_lib.jar

c stands for create archive f indicates that you want to specify file v is for verbose input m means that we will pass custom manifest file

Be sure that you included lib in jar package. You should be able to run jar in the normal way.

based on: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/j-5things6/

all other information you need about the class-path do you find here