Understanding the Difference between Clean, Package, and Install Phases in Maven

When working with Maven, it is essential to understand the differences between the clean, package, and install phases in the build lifecycle:

• Clean: The clean phase removes all files generated by the previous build, such as compiled classes and artifacts. It provides a fresh start for the next build without any leftover files.
• Package: The package phase takes the compiled source code and packages it into a distributable format, such as a JAR or WAR file. It prepares the application for deployment or distribution.
• Install: The install phase installs the packaged artifact into the local Maven repository. This allows other projects to use the artifact as a dependency without having to build it again.

By understanding the roles of these phases in the Maven build lifecycle, developers can efficiently manage their project builds and dependencies.