What is "pom" packaging in maven?
In Maven, pom packaging serves as your project's operations manager. It doesn't build code, but it orchestrates other submodules under a unified pom.xml, managing their build processes seamlessly. When you're dealing with multi-module projects, pom packaging is your go-to strategy for optimizing configuration.
This code tag teams the project with module1 and module2, centrally managing these two modules.
In-depth: Unraveling the magic of pom packaging
Mastering life with multi-modules
Like a maestro conducting an orchestra, the pom packaging model in Maven harmonizes various modules of your project, ensuring every submodule performs optimally in a unified build cycle. It's that binding agreement for dependecies, plugins and properties - the universal version contract amongst submodules.
Sneak peek into the game of builds
When you spin up commands such as mvn install on the directory that house your primary pom.xml, Maven morphs into a hyperactive builder. It compiles and packages every module according to their individual pom.xml rules. Then, it tucks the outcome neatly in the target directory of each module.
Finding Waldo (or, your artifacts!)
If our beloved Waldo is a .war file in this game, you can pinpoint his location post-build with this magic wand:
$ find . -iname "*.war"
This simple command skims through the belly of every module, locating deployable artifacts without wrinkling your nerves or breaking a sweat.
Venturing beyond codes
Remember, pom packaging is party to more than just code compilation. It manages a squad of non-compilable artifacts as well - those miscellaneous documentation or configuration files which often roam untamed. Maven, with its versatile plugins like Maven Builder Helper, can append additional helpful artifacts to the build life cycle.
Deploying to Tomcat: A cat and mouse game?
Finding your deployable goodies
If you're planning to parade your project on a Tomcat server and proudly wave your deployable war file, a heads-up: a pom-packaged project won't hand you a ready-to-deploy .war file on a silver platter. You'll need to dig a bit deeper - inspect the submodules designed with war packaging to discover the hidden treasures designed for deployment.
Moving camp to the server
Post Maven's spell, a war file must find its new home in the Tomcat's webapps directory for deployment. Or, it can swing by via the Tomcat Manager app. This transition falls outside Maven's comfort zone. Hence, comprehending the project structure and the finer nuances of settings proves handy for identifying the runway to successful deployment.
Up your Maven game
Decrypting design and destiny
A deep-dive into your Maven project's configurations, especially housed within the main pom.xml, will read like a fortune teller's predictions - giving a peep into the future outcome. Is your project designed to deliver a single stellar artifact or a constellation of multiple artifacts? The answers lie in the settings.
Life (cycle) lessons
The Maven lifecycle guide is your private tutor for the project's life cycle. Get the hang of the various phases and goals by spending quality time with this guide - and watch Maven's pom packaging reveal its secrets.
Being inquisitive pays dividends
When in doubt, tap into official Maven documentation. Unravel mysteries, troubleshoot teething issues, and get savvy with the intricacies of Maven's handling of pom packaging.
Was this article helpful?