Difference Between clean, validate, compile, and install Goals in Maven

When working with Maven, it's important to understand the differences between the clean, validate, compile, and install goals. Here's a breakdown:

Clean Goal

The clean goal is used to remove all the generated files and directories created during the build process. This goal is typically used to start with a clean slate before building the project again.

Validate Goal

The validate goal is used to check if the project is correct and all necessary information is available. It validates the project structure and configuration to ensure that it is ready to be built.

Compile Goal

The compile goal is used to compile the source code of the project. It translates the Java source code into bytecode that can be executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Install Goal

The install goal is used to install the project's artifacts into the local Maven repository. This makes the project's compiled and packaged artifacts available for other projects to use as dependencies.

By understanding the differences between these goals, developers can effectively manage the build process in Maven projects.