Eclipse + Tomcat - Serve webapp directly from workspace

Question

What is the ideal way to configure Tomcat to serve directly from my project\'s directory inside of my workspace? (related)

I want my static web resources

Answer 1

I am pretty sure that Maven can do this kind of stuff. Maybe there are even Archetypes for Tomcat which have this kind of behaviour already configured.

I am using a Maven Archetype together with JBoss AS. When I change my .css or .xhtml file or any other static resources and save it in Eclipse, the resources are immediatally synchronzied with my deployment.

Edit:

Here is a quick tutorial for my solution:

What I am using:

• JBoss AS 7.1.1
• Eclipse Juno for Java EE developers

Older or newer versions should also do the work.

1. Install JBoss Tools Plug-In over the Eclipse Marketplace in Eclipse IDE
   This will install several Plug-Ins to your IDE, like the JBoss AS Server Connector or Maven.
2. Add JBoss Repositories to your Maven configuration
   Window -> Preferences -> Maven -> User Settings -> open file
   Add the repositories from JBoss Maven Getting started
3. Add a JBoss Server Runtime
   Window -> Preferences -> Servers -> Runtime Environments
   Follow the Wizard, pretty standard
4. Add a Serverinstance from the Eclipse Servers Tab
5. Create a new Maven Project
   Take care that the checkbox Create a simple project(skip archetype) is NOT checked
   Choose the Archetype jboss-javaee6-webapp-blank-archetype 7.1.3.CR7
   

Now your Project is ready to go:)