Various Java EE module types, such as connector module, web module, EJB module, application client module, can be deployed in the following ways:
Archive Deployment. Deploys the application as an archive file. For instructions, see To Deploy an Application or Module.
Dynamic Reloading. Redeploys the application by creating or modifying a special .reload file in the applications repository. For instructions, see To Reload Changes to Applications or Modules Dynamically.
Automatic Deployment. Deploys the application archive that is placed in the autodeployment directory. For instructions, see To Deploy an Application or Module Automatically.
Directory Deployment. Deploys the application in a directory format. For instructions, see To Deploy an Application or Module in a Directory Format.
JSR 88 Deployment. A deployment mechanism implemented based on the JSR 88 standard from jcp.org. It delivers vendor neutral deployment options. See JSR 88 Client and JSR 88 Naming.
A deployment plan, which deploys a portable archive along with a deployment plan containing GlassFish Server deployment descriptors, can apply to any of these deployment techniques. For instructions, see To Deploy an Application or Module by Using a Deployment Plan.
There are two work situations that require different safeguards and processes:
A development environment provides a loose set of tools and work spaces for a relatively small number of developers who are creating and testing applications and modules.
A production environment provides a stable, protected environment where applications are tuned to maximum efficiency for business use rather than for development.
Some deployment methods that are used effectively in a development environment should not be used in production. For example, dynamic reloading is a quick way for developers to reload an application, but might degrade performance in a production environment. In addition, whenever a reload is done, the sessions that are in transit become invalid, which might not be a concern for development, but can be a serious matter in production. The client must restart the session, another negative in a production environment.