jar - How do you use a Java Library?

Question

I'm trying to use an open source java library to visualize nodes and edges in a graph, but I'm completely lost.

I have a bunch of jar files in a folder. Clicking on some of the jar files makes java swing windows pop open with graphs displayed. Clicking other jar files does nothing.

If I figured that out, would I just stick the jar files in there with the other ones, or would that still not work?

And if I ever figure out how to use these files, does that mean that I have to include them if I transfer my java project to another computer? How would I go about doing that?

Answer 1

I believe if you put the jars in your classpath, you can import and use classes just like you would a standard library. Figuring out the classpath can be confusing, but you can just set it when you start your jvm. Your IDE may have options for it, too.

Most java problems are classpath problems.