title: Deploy java web application to Tomcat with Visual Studio Code
body: <p>I'm trying to deploy a java web application to Tomcat using Visual Studio Code and I'm having some issues that I'd like to share. </p>
  
  <p>After installing the extension <a href="https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=adashen.vscode-tomcat" rel="noreferrer">Tomcat for Java</a>, I've tried to deploy a Maven Java Web project. To do so, I've clicked over project's folder and selected "Run on Tomcat Server" option. The result is an error with this message: <code>The folder is not a valid web app to run on Tomcat Server.</code></p>
  
  <p>Then, I've realized that maybe I should create a war file before running it on Tomcat. Therefore, I've executed <code>mvn clean package</code> command and afterwards execute "Run on Tomcat Server" option over the war file. Doing this the project has been deployed correctly. </p>
  
  <p>However, compared to Eclipse's way to work with Tomcat, it seems to me a bit tedious. Particularly if I'm working with static files, like css or js, because every time I modify a file I should execute <code>mvn clean package</code> and "Run on Tomcat Server". Whereas, in Eclipse, these files are deployed automatically on Tomcat without restarting. </p>
  
  <p>I wonder if there is another way to work with VS Code and Tomcat for Java. </p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>