Configuring Maven Release Plugin to Skip Tests

If you are using Maven and using Maven Release Plugin, you would like to skip the execution of tests during the release plugin execution. The reason might be very different but might depend on the nature of the project or how CI pipeline is implemented.

Notice that this might be a really improvement in releasing time since performing the release with Maven Release Plugin implies executing the same tests twice, one in prepare step and the other one in perform step.

To avoid executing tests in prepare phase you need to run as:

mvn -DpreparationGoals=clean release:prepare

If you want to avoid executing tests during perform phase you need to run as:

mvn -Darguments="-Dmaven.test.skip=true" release:perform

Please it is important to note that I am not saying you don't need to execute tests during release process, what I am saying is that something your release process doesn't fit the standard release process of the plugin and for example you are already running tests before executing the plugin.

We keep learning,

Alex.

Say it ain't so, I will not go, Turn the lights off, carry me home, Keep your head still, I'll be your thrill, The night will go on, my little windmill (All The Small Things - Blink-182)

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ht5RZpzPqw