To differentiate between a .jar file and a Java web application in a Linux environment…

It’s essential to understand their configurations and structures along with the relevant networking considerations. A .jar (Java Archive) file is typically packaged with a manifest file (META-INF/MANIFEST.MF) that may include a “Main-Class” attribute for executable applications. When executed in Linux, it can be run using the command java -jar yourfile.jar, relying on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that must be installed.

In contrast, a Java web application follows a specific directory structure that is crucial for deployment on a web server. This structure often includes a “WEB-INF” folder containing the web.xml deployment descriptor, which configures servlets, filters, and other components necessary for handling HTTP requests. The web application is typically packaged as a .war (Web Application Archive) file, which also contains resources such as JSPs and HTML files alongside the compiled classes located in “WEB-INF/classes”.

To effectively deploy a Java web app on a Linux server, you need a web server like Apache Tomcat or Jetty that can process HTTP requests. The server listens on specific TCP ports (commonly port 8080 for Tomcat) and uses Internet protocols (such as HTTP/HTTPS) to communicate with clients.

This distinction underscores the operational context: while .jar files can be executed standalone using terminal commands within Linux, Java web apps require deployment within a servlet container that interprets incoming HTTP requests and responds accordingly, relying on a combination of Linux file permissions and networking protocols for proper operation and accessibility over the internet.