A development-oriented directory structure that can be used with an application server, and which solves a number of the problems associated with traditional Enterprise Archive (EAR) files. The directory structure comprises a source folder that stores source files for use with or as part of a software application; and an output folder that stores compiled files for use with or as part of the software application. The source folder and the output folder output folder form a split directory which is then used in deploying the software application.