extract a zip file: java or script?

Question

I need to write a java class that extracts a content of zip file into a server folder. What is the best way to do it? Do you recommend using ZipFile class, or invoking a script that unzips and copies content?

I feel like using scripts (ant/maven) is more natural for this task, whereas Java needs to work hard to read all the files & folders to heap and write them to another folder.

(I need it for installer task)

thanks

Consider listings pros and cons of each approach (that you know about) in the question. This will both show more effort and direct the answers/suggestions as it tends to indicate what some of the requirements/expectations really are. — , May 22 '11 at 07:44

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 22 '11 at 07:40

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Use ZipFile class. What language have you used to write the script?

answered May 22 '11 at 07:40

yogsma

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I can invoke maven/ant script – lili May 22 '11 at 07:43
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@lili - is it for build purposes or for production purposes? – RonK May 22 '11 at 07:45
For production purposes. It's an installer task. – lili May 22 '11 at 08:26

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered May 22 '11 at 09:17

I feel like using scripts (ant/maven) is more natural for this task, whereas Java needs to work hard to read all the files & folders to heap and write them to another folder.

Using a separate application (e.g. Ant / Maven / an "unzip" utility) is less coding work. However, it also requires that the application is available on the platform on which you want your installer to run. Also, Ant and Maven will typically require you to create a "build.xml" or "pom.xml" file to tell the application what to do.

Ant is possibly a good option from this respect because you can embed the relevant Ant JAR file in your installer, and the "build.xml" file can be really simple.

But it all boils down to which approach you think will be easiest to implement ... given all of your requirements.

extract a zip file: java or script?

2 Answers2