Load the path for properties files

Question

Hi;
My application uses of the properties files which are stored in a repertory /properties at the same level that JAR.
I search an good means to configure the path of the files properties: for example: a environment variable or another mean?
My application will read from this env variable (or another means) the path where are stored the files to use them.
Regards;

Answer 1

If the properties file is fixed, then it's best to make it a resource as suggested and put it inside the jar.
OTOH if you have a situation where the properties file is dependant on installation or even writable then that won't do.
In a lot of cases where the properties are variable it's better to use the Preferences class, on Windows this will put the data in the registry.
You can use a command line argument, of course, to specify the location of your configuration file. I tend to use java System.getProperty and -D command line switches. That has the advantage that you don't have to send the value down from main() to where you are using it.