How to Install and Configure JRebel for Java Web Development (Tomcat)
This guide explains how to install JRebel, a hot‑deployment tool for Java web applications, using either Tomcat startup parameters or the IntelliJ IDEA plugin, and details the necessary VM options, deployment settings, and Maven/Gradle integration to achieve instant code updates without restarting the server.
JRebel Installation
JRebel eliminates the need to restart Tomcat after code changes, enabling instant hot‑deployment for Java classes and Spring configuration.
Method 1: Add parameters to Tomcat startup
Extract JRebel, configure Tomcat in IntelliJ IDEA, select the Deployment tab, enable “Update classes and resources” for both “On ‘Update’ action” and “On frame deactivation”, and add the appropriate VM option for your OS.
-noverify -agentpath:D:/dev_env/jrebel/jrebel_running/lib/jrebel64.dllLinux:
-agentpath:/dev_env/jrebel/jrebel_running/lib/libjrebel64.soMac OS:
-agentpath:/dev_env/jrebel/jrebel_running/lib/libjrebel64.dylibMethod 2: IntelliJ IDEA plugin
Install the JRebel plugin locally, enable it in the project settings, and verify the green “VALID” status. The plugin adds Run and Debug buttons with JRebel support.
Custom container launch
Configure Tomcat as before, leaving VM options empty, then start the project using the Debug button; successful execution shows JRebel version info in the log.
Launching with Maven or Gradle
Open the JRebel panel, select the module, generate rebel.xml , and run the project via Maven/Gradle tasks with JRebel enabled.
After activation, any class change can be recompiled (Ctrl + Shift + F9) and instantly reflected without restarting.
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