java - Advantages/Disadvantages to exploded WAR files

Question

An answer to a question I read today suggested deploying an application as an exploded (unzipped) WAR. It got me thinking.

Every deployment I've ever done to a JBoss/Tomcat has been with a a WAR/EAR file. At least as far as I can remember.

Have I been making a mistake all these years?

Are there advantages to deploying an app in its expanded form rather than packaged up?

Answer 1

I think that was my answer mentioning the exploded WAR in the other question. Exploded WARs are easier to navigate and you can deploy 'parts' of your application that much quicker (depending on how our Web/App server deals with this), e.g. Replace a single resource like a JSP page. However it can have some drawbacks:

1. Versioning - What version are you really running? "Hmmm, I'm not really sure now"

2. Security - Do you have the right permissioning in place for the exploded format?

3. Messiness - Files galore spread out all over your nice app/web server (some people really hate this).

Bottom line: I tend to go exploded for prototype Dev work and then move to proper packaging the closer to PRD I get.