give each developer a separate jvm and context;
give each jvm its own classpath;
give each application its own "webapps" directory and load app-specific jars in the
WEB-INF.
For example, we provide a base directory with common jars (ie a customized mailer,
security services (we use kerberos) and vaious objects that make life easier). Some
jars get updated and are placed alongside the older versions in this directory.
Then using a classpath script that is called from the startup script the developer can
pick and choose what jars and what versions to use in creating the application. The
app jars are placed in the "webapps" directory are auto-loaded with each restart.
Each webapp has its own server.xml file and startup files. The developer can specify
what version jdk to use there too.
This has worked very well, and several people can develop on the same box without
effecting other's development efforts.
Of course, your mileage may vary, and this is best used in development only.
HTH...
At 08:52 AM 12/06/2000 -0800, George McKInney wrote:
>We've got a heterogeneous collection of internal applications running under
>the same Tomcat installation, and have recently had some problems.
>
>This collection has "evolved" and changed as we learn more about using
>Tomcat, and the problem seems to be that some webapps (particularly the
>earlier ones) were installed with the .jar files they needed being put into
><TOMCAT_HOME>/lib and when another app (which required, for example, a
>different version of some class) was installed with the .jars IT needed
>going into WEB-INF/lib the .jars in <TOMCAT_HOME>/lib "shadowed" the classes
>the new app needed.
>
>General consensus here seems (in hindsight) to be that <TOMCAT_HOME>/lib is
>***NOT*** the place to put .jar files UNLESS the Tomcat administrator can
>ensure that every app that will be installed will be happy with them.
>Otherwise, the webapp should keep the .jars it needs in its own WEB-INF/lib
>even if that means some duplication of .jar files across the collection of
>webapps.
>
>Has anyone else had similar experiences, and what were your solutions?
>
>Thanks,
>
>George McKinney, Developer
>tantalus communications inc.
>500-1122 Mainland Street
>Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 5L1
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>Direct 604.726.6753
>Main 604.609.0700
>Fax 604.609.0705
>www.tantalus.com
>"When eBusiness experience counts."
