I'm familiar with .Net and what assemblies are - but sadly my Java knowledge isn't as strong.
I know Java and .Net are different "worlds" (possibly like comparing apples with pears) but are JARs and .Net Assemblies roughly eqivalent concepts?
Edit: Update base on initial responses
The way I interpret this is that yes they have similarities:
- Both can contain resources and metadata.
But there's some core differences:
- a .Net assembly is compiled a JAR isn't.
- JAR files aren't required to make a Java application; .Net assemblies are required for a .Net application.
[This isn't time for a religious war - I'd like to know if / how much of my understanding of .Net Assemblies I can apply to getting my head around Java (and maybe this will even help Java folks going the other way).]