This step of the Archive Builder is where you set a name for your archive node and file, select the archive's compression, and choose how frequently the archive is built.
Enter the name of the archive node. The default name is based on the archive type selected in Step 1. It's best to make this name descriptive, particularly since you can have numerous archive nodes per project. This allows you to test various Archive Builder settings to see which most closely match your deployment needs.
The archive node displays in the project pane after you make or build your project. You can right-click the node and make or build it at any time, as well as reset its properties.
Enter the fully qualified path and file name for the archive to be generated by the Archive Builder. You can use the ellipsis button to browse to a different directory location. By default, the archive file is created in the project's root directory.
The Archive Builder supports the ZIP and JAR archive formats. You use a JAR file type for a MIDlet. A JAR file (.JAR) is basically a ZIP file with a different extension and with certain rules about internal directory structure. JavaSoft used the PKWARE ZIP file format as the basis for JAR file format.
If you are archiving a MIDlet, JBuilder automatically creates a Java Application Descriptor (JAD) file with the same name as the MIDlet Suite, and places it in the same location as the JAR file. You cannot edit this field. You can choose whether to use this file instead of a main class on the MIDlet tab of the Run page in the Project Properties dialog box.
The option Compress The Contents Of The Archive allows you to choose between a compressed or an uncompressed archive. Usually, you leave this option off, so the archive is uncompressed. This improves load time. If you plan to create an installer for your program, leave this option off, as uncompressed archives compress smaller than compressed ones.
If your archive is an applet, this option is selected by default. You should leave it on.
The option Always Create Archive When Building The Project determines how often your archive file is created. This option is set on, by default, for all archive types. When on, the archive file is recreated each time you make or rebuild your project.
Note: Once the archive file has been created, you can change its properties by right-clicking the archive node in the project pane and choosing properties. The next time you make or rebuild, the new property settings are used.