Assembling resource adapter (connector) modules

A resource adapter archive (RAR) file contains code that implements a library for connecting with a backend Enterprise Information System (EIS). This topic assumes that you have created and unit tested a resource adapter RAR file that you want to assemble in an enterprise application and deploy onto an application server.

A Resource Adapter Archive (RAR) file is a Java archive (JAR) file used to package a resource adapter for the Java 2 Connector (J2C) Architecture for WebSphere Application Server. A RAR file can contain the following:

• Enterprise information system (EIS) supplied resource adapter implementation code in the form of JAR files or other runnable components, such as dynamic link lists.

• Utility classes.

• Static documents, such as HTML files, images, and sound files.

The standard file extension of a RAR file is .rar.

Overview

A connector is a J2EE component that provides access to Enterprise Information Systems (EIS), and must comply with the J2EE Connector Architecture (JCA). An example of an EIS is a transaction manager such as the Customer Information Control System (CICS).

You might see the terms resource adapter modules, resource adapter connectors and resource adapter archive files used interchangeably.

Use an assembly tool to assemble a connector in either of the following ways:

• Import an existing RAR file.

• Create a new connector module.

For information on assembling connectors, refer to the online documentation or the information center for your assembly tool. This topic points you to Application Server Toolkit documentation. The Application Server Toolkit information center accompanies this WebSphere Application Server information center.

Procedure

1. Start an assembly tool.

2. If you have not done so already, configure the assembly tool for work on J2EE modules. Ensure that J2EE and EJB capabilities are enabled.

3. Migrate RAR files created with the Assembly Toolkit, Application Assembly Tool (AAT) or a different tool to an assembly tool. To migrate files, import your RAR files to the assembly tool.

4. Create a new connector module.

Results

What to do next

For more information, see the online help for the assembly tool. Similar information is in the Application Server Toolkit information center available with this information center. Click Application Server Toolkit > J2EE applications > Working with projects > Creating a connector project.

After assembling the connector project, deploy the module or its application onto a server. When deploying the RAR file, WebSphere Application Server looks first for the connector module manifest (manifest.mf) in the _connectorModule.jar file and loads the manifest from the _connectorModule.jar file. If the class path entry is in the manifest from the _connectorModule.jar file, then the RAR uses that class path. After deployment, to ensure that the connector module finds the classes and resources that it needs, check the Classpath setting for the RAR on the console Resource adapter settings page.

Related tasks

Related information