java - Build project into a JAR automatically in Eclipse

Question

I have an Eclipse project where I want to keep my Java project built into a JAR automatically. I know I have an option to export the project into a JAR; if I do a right click; but what I am really looking for is, that like Eclipse automatically builds a project's .class files and put them in target folder; it should also build a JAR automatically and copy the latest JAR at some or a specific location.

Is there a option to configure Eclipse in such a way, to build JARs automatically?

Just to make it clear for guys, patient enough to answer my question; I am not looking at ANT as solution; as I already use it, but what I would like it something that gets initiated automatically either with a time based trigger or immediate build with change.

Answer 1

You want a .jardesc file. They do not kick off automatically, but it's within 2 clicks.

1. Right click on your project
2. Choose Export > Java > JAR file
3. Choose included files and name output JAR, then click Next
4. Check "Save the description of this JAR in the workspace" and choose a name for the new .jardesc file

Now, all you have to do is right click on your .jardesc file and choose Create JAR and it will export it in the same spot.