How to Build a WAR File Using ANT

WAR files contain archives of web applications that are condensed into a single file. Build a Java application from a WAR file using the Java application called Another Neat Tool (ANT). ANT has the ability to automatically load your program's code from a WAR file and then compile it into an application.

Instructions

1. Press and hold the Windows-logo key, while simultaneously pressing the "R" key.

2. Type "cmd" and press the "Enter" key.

3. Verify ANT is in your system path by typing "ant -v" without quotes. You will receive an error message stating "ant" is not recognized if it is not in your path.

4. Register ANT in your system path if the command could not be located. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows-logo button in the lower-left-hand corner of the screen. Right-click "Computer," then click "Properties." Click "Advanced System Settings" on the left side of the screen, then click "Environment Variables." Double-click "Path" under "System variables" and add the text ";C:\Ant\Bin" without quotation marks to the end of the "Variable value" section. Replace "C:\Ant\Bin" with the location of Ant's bin folder if you have installed it to a non-default location.

5. Type "ant -c <path>" without quotes. Replace <path> with the location of the WAR file on your hard drive.

6. Wait as the file is processed and your application is compiled.

References

• Java: Creating a WAR File
• Windows 7 Hacker: How To Add/Edit Environment Variables in Windows 7