neo4j - What's the difference between Maven plugins and dependencies? -

neo4j - What's the difference between Maven plugins and dependencies? -

i using neo4j , mongodb grails, , want know whether maven neo4j plugin provides neo4j dependencies build. mongodb.

i confused. should used, plugins or dependencies? difference?

dependencies artifacts (i.e. jar) project requires available in classpath @ point in time (i.e. @ compile time or runtime)

a plugin artifact can configure in project have during build of project. (so illustration there plugins compile java classes, re-create files or start , stop database among many others). plugin not available on project's classpath.

taking neo4j example, include dependency if project requires neo4j classes available on classpath - maybe because compiling against api. if need neo4j server running tests, utilize neo4j plugin have start server before maven runs tests , plugin stop server after tests have completed.

i recommend taking read of sonatype's book maven: finish reference more details on maven in general.

maven neo4j dependencies