The .jpr file (sometimes called a project file) acts as a parent node in the Navigator for all the files within the project. Additionally, all pertinent project information is stored in this file. When you set default project settings for all newly created projects or alter those settings for an existing project, the information is captured and stored in the .jpr file. Unless a project is based upon a directory, the .jpr file also maintains the list of all the files contained within the project. JDeveloper uses the information in the project file whenever you load, save, or build a project and, in some cases, when you use a wizard. You'll never need to edit a project file directly: as soon as you save any changes made after using the JDeveloper development environment to add files or remove files, or to modify project settings, the .jpr file is automatically updated.