Exploring the Differences Between Clean, Verify, and Install Goals in Maven

When using Maven, it's crucial to understand the distinctions between the clean, verify, and install goals. These goals play key roles in the build process and can impact the quality and reliability of your project. Let's delve into each goal to grasp their specific functions:

The clean Goal:

The clean goal is primarily focused on removing any previously generated files and artifacts from the target directory. By executing this goal, you can ensure a clean slate before the project is rebuilt. This can be particularly useful when you want to start fresh without any remnants of previous builds.

The verify Goal:

On the other hand, the verify goal is concerned with running the project's tests and validations to ensure that it meets the specified criteria and quality standards. This goal helps in validating the project's integrity and functionality, making it a crucial step in the build process.

The install Goal:

Finally, the install goal involves installing the project's built artifacts into the local repository. By doing so, the project can be easily referenced and utilized by other projects locally. This ensures that the project is accessible and can be used as a dependency when needed.

In conclusion, while the clean goal focuses on removing previous artifacts, the verify goal verifies the project's quality, and the install goal installs the project's artifacts for local use. Understanding and effectively utilizing these goals can streamline the build process and enhance the overall development experience.