Revamping Your Project: Changing Scalatra SBT Directories

When working on a Java project, it's crucial to ensure that the project is structured in a way that allows for efficient development and maintenance. One aspect of this is the directory structure within the project. In this article, we'll explore how to change the directory structure of a Scalatra project built with SBT, a popular build tool for Scala and Java projects.

Why Change the Directory Structure?

The default directory structure provided by Scalatra SBT archetype might not always suit the specific needs of a project. Hence, it becomes essential to customize the directory structure. A well-organized project structure can improve code readability, maintainability, and make it easier for new developers to onboard the project.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that you have SBT installed on your system. If not, you can follow the installation instructions here. Also, to work with Scalatra projects, you should have some basic knowledge of Scala and Scalatra.

Assuming you have the prerequisites set, let's dive into the process.

Current Directory Structure

First, let's take a look at the default directory structure provided by the Scalatra SBT archetype:

- src
  - main
    - resources
    - scala
  - test
    - resources
    - scala
- project
  - build.properties
  - build.scala

This default structure may not be ideal for all projects. For instance, if the project is large and complex, organizing files under different sub-packages such as controllers, services, and models can greatly enhance its maintainability.

Changing the Directory Structure

To change the directory structure, we need to update the SBT build file (build.scala) and the Scalatra Bootstrap file (ScalatraBootstrap.scala).

1. Update the SBT Build File

First, let's update the SBT build file to reflect the new directory structure. Here is an example of how the directory structure could be changed:

- src
  - main
    - resources
      - <new-resource-dir>
    - scala
      - <new-package-dir>
  - test
    - resources
      - <new-test-resource-dir>
    - scala
      - <new-test-package-dir>
- project
  - build.properties
  - build.scala

You can update the directory structure in the build.scala file as follows:

import sbt._
import Keys._
import com.earldouglas.xsbtwebplugin.WebPlugin.webSettings

object MyBuild extends Build {
  lazy val project = Project("myproject", file("."))
    .settings(
      sourceDirectory in Compile <<= baseDirectory / "src/main/scala/<new-package-dir>",
      resourceDirectory in Compile <<= baseDirectory / "src/main/resources/<new-resource-dir>",
      sourceDirectory in Test <<= baseDirectory / "src/test/scala/<new-test-package-dir>",
      resourceDirectory in Test <<= baseDirectory / "src/test/resources/<new-test-resource-dir>"
    )

  // Other settings and dependencies
}

Replace <new-package-dir>, <new-resource-dir>, <new-test-package-dir>, and <new-test-resource-dir> with the desired directory names.

2. Update the Scalatra Bootstrap File

Next, we need to update the Scalatra Bootstrap file (ScalatraBootstrap.scala) to reflect the new directory structure. This file is normally located in the src/main/scala directory.

import com.example.app
import org.scalatra._
import javax.servlet.ServletContext

class ScalatraBootstrap extends LifeCycle {
  override def init(context: ServletContext) {
    context.mount(new app.Controllers, "/*")
  }
}

Ensure that the package declaration and the import statements in this file match the new directory structure.

Closing the Chapter

In this article, we've explored the process of changing the directory structure of a Scalatra project built with SBT. Modifying the directory structure can significantly improve the organization and maintainability of a project. By customizing the structure to better suit the specific needs of the project, developers can enhance productivity and contribute to a more efficient development process.

Reframing the directory structure is just one aspect of project organization. For more comprehensive insights, it's advisable to explore other methods and best practices related to project structuring in SBT-based Scala projects.

Remember, a well-organized project is the foundation for efficient development and smooth maintenance.

So, go ahead, customize your project's directory structure, and witness the ease it brings to your development process!