Convert a classpath filename to a real filename

Question

How would I convert the name of a file on the classpath to a real filename?

For example, let\'s say the directory \"C:\\workspace\\project\\target\\classes\"

Answer 1

Use a combination of ClassLoader.getResource() and URL.getFile()

URL url = Thread.currentThread().getContextClassLoader().getResource( resource );
if( url == null ){
    throw new RuntimeException( "Cannot find resource on classpath: '" + resource + "'" );
}
String file = url.getFile();

Note for Windows: in the example above, the actual result will be

"/C:/workspace/project/target/classes/info.properties"

If you need a more Windows-like path (i.e. "C:\workspace\..."), use:

String nativeFilename = new File(file).getPath();