Topic 8: Packaging and Deployment

Goal

To enable students to package and deploy a Java web application into a web server so that it can be accessed and tested in a real deployment environment.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Students should be able to:

1. Explain the purpose of packaging in enterprise applications
2. Identify different Java EE modules (Web, EJB)
3. Package a web application into a WAR file
4. Deploy a web application to a server (e.g., Apache Tomcat)
5. Understand deployment descriptors and configuration

📌 Topics to Cover

1. Packaging Concepts
   • Why is packaging needed
   • Structure of a web application
2. Java EE Application Packaging
   • Web module (WAR file)
   • EJB module (concept only)
3. Web Application Structure
   • WEB-INF folder
   • web.xml (deployment descriptor)
4. Deployment Descriptors
   • Purpose of web.xml
   • Servlet mapping
5. Deployment Tools
   • Apache Tomcat
   • IDE deployment (IntelliJ / Eclipse / VS Code)
6. Deployment Process
   • Build project
   • Generate WAR file
   • Deploy to server

🛠️ Hands-on Activity

Activity: Deploy Student Management System to Tomcat

Students are required to package and deploy their developed system.

1. Prepare Project Ensure system is complete:

   • Servlet
   • JSP
   • JavaBean
   • JDBC

2. Package Application

   • Convert project into a WAR file
   • Example: student-system.war

3. Deploy to Server (Tomcat)

   • Copy WAR file into: /webapps/
   • Start Tomcat server

4. Run Application Access system via browser:

http://localhost:8080/student-system

5. Verify Functionality Test:

   • Login
   • Registration
   • CRUD operations

6. (Optional Enhancement)

   • Deploy to cloud server (DigitalOcean / VPS)
   • Use the domain name

Expected Output

Students should produce:

1. WAR file
2. Deployed application running on Tomcat
3. Screenshots of the working system

📚 Suggested Readings

1. Apache Tomcat Documentation https://tomcat.apache.org/
2. Java Web Application Deployment Guide (Refer YT)
3. WAR File Structure Explanation
4. Java EE Deployment Descriptor Guide (Refer YT)