Convert JAR to CAB

Understanding JAR and CAB file formats

JAR (Java Archive) files are used to package Java classes and associated metadata and resources into a single file for distribution. They are essentially ZIP files with a .jar extension and are used to distribute Java applications or libraries.

CAB (Cabinet) files are a type of archive file format used by Microsoft Windows to compress and store multiple files in a single file. They are commonly used for software installation packages.

Converting JAR to CAB

Converting a JAR file to a CAB file involves extracting the contents of the JAR file and then compressing them into a CAB file. This process is not straightforward as these formats serve different purposes, but it can be done using specific tools.

Best software for JAR to CAB conversion

One of the best tools for converting JAR files to CAB files is IZArc. It is a free archive utility that supports a wide range of file formats, including JAR and CAB.

To convert using IZArc:

1. Open IZArc and go to File → Open to select your JAR file.
2. Extract the contents of the JAR file to a folder.
3. Go to File → New Archive and select CAB as the archive format.
4. Add the extracted files to the new CAB archive.
5. Save the CAB file.

Another option is 7-Zip, which can also handle JAR and CAB files, though it requires a more manual process similar to IZArc.