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From: Jesse Barnum <jsb_tomcat@360works.com>
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Subject: Re: Why is context.xml no longer copied to
 Catalina/localhost/myapp.xml?
Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 13:17:40 -0400
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On May 7, 2013, at 9:40 AM, "Mark H. Wood" <mwood@IUPUI.Edu> wrote:

> Well, the developer can simply pack into the app. whatever internal
> configuration is needed, since he has ready access to the interior of
> the app and can deposit on the classpath *.properties, *.xml, or
> anything else he wants.  He can have no certain knowledge of the app's
> runtime environment and should not assume, only specify requirements,
> and provide sensible defaults when there are some.
>=20
> The deployer, OTOH, has ready access to the app's environment,
> including its Context, but should not be assumed to have such access
> to the interior of the app.
>=20
> So this division of labor depends on the developer's discipline in
> distinguishing internal vs. external configuration and coding the
> app. to look in the proper place for each.  I don't see a good way for
> the container to make up for incorrect design in this area.
>=20
> --=20
> Mark H. Wood, Lead System Programmer   mwood@IUPUI.Edu
> Machines should not be friendly.  Machines should be obedient.

Mark, can you give me an example of a use case where it is useful for =
the deployer to modify parameter values in the META-INF/context.xml =
file? Assume that at some point, a new version of the application will =
be deployed, and also assume that the deployer does not wish to re-apply =
the same customizations with each release.

Without getting into the pros and cons of your first paragraph (which =
places all responsibility for managing app preferences on the =
developer), would you agree that the current approach (leaving the =
context.xml file in the web app) is not fulfilling one of its intended =
purposes, which is allowing the deployer to customize the application =
behavior?

--Jesse Barnum, President, 360Works
http://www.360works.com=

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