ERROR: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoader - Context initialization failed

ERROR: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoader - Context initialization failed

Problem :

We come across this common exception when using Java Spring application.

Exception I Encountered Was :

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ERROR: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoader - Context initialization failed
java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoaderListener
    at org.apache.catalina.loader.WebappClassLoader.loadClass(WebappClassLoader.java:1676)
    at org.apache.catalina.loader.WebappClassLoader.loadClass(WebappClassLoader.java:1521)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.DefaultInstanceManager.loadClass(DefaultInstanceManager.java:415)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.DefaultInstanceManager.loadClassMaybePrivileged(DefaultInstanceManager.java:397)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.DefaultInstanceManager.newInstance(DefaultInstanceManager.java:118)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContext.listenerStart(StandardContext.java:4660)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContext$1.call(StandardContext.java:5226)
    at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContext$1.call(StandardContext.java:5221)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:303)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:138)
    at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.runTask(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:886)
    at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:908)
    at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:662)

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Solution :

This exception was caused when i did not add the maven dependencies to the build path. I was using eclipse with maven, so had to include the maven dependencies in the build path as explained below.

Example :

- Adding Maven dependencies in project web deployment assembly : 
          
Open project properties(example: In project explorer right Click on project name to select "Properties").
          
Select "Deployment Assembly".
          
Click "Add..." button on the right navigation.
          
Select "Java Build Path Entries" from menu of Directive Type and then click "Next".
          
Select "Maven Dependencies" from Java Build Path Entries menu and then click "Finish".
          
Now the "Maven Dependencies" should be added to the Web Deployment Assembly.


- When using Eclipse WDT and using unmodified and previously working project :

If Tomcat is running Stop it
Open the "Servers" view: Window then select "Show view" and then select "Other" > Server > Servers
Right Click on the Tomcat Server and then select "Clean Tomcat Work Directory".
Right Click on the Tomcat Server and then select "Clean"
Restart the Tomcat Server

The above solution should resolve the exception.

Similar Exception :

     
- ERROR: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoader - Context initialization failed
- java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: org.springframework.web.context.ContextLoaderListener