In IntelliJ IDEA, you can run specific Maven goals in two ways: either by creating the run/debug configuration or running it directly from the Maven tool window. To run the selected goal, expand the Lifecycle branch in the Maven tool window and choose Run Maven Build from the context menu, as shown in the following screenshot:
If you choose Create from the context menu, the permanent run configuration to run this goal will be produced. The Create Run/Debug configuration will show up, allowing you to tweak the parameters of the newly created run configuration.
Tip
Basically, you need to create a permanent run configuration for a Maven goal if you try to run that goal with non-standard options (for example, if you need to add certain parameters).
On the other hand, picking Run or Debug will execute the build and then create a temporary configuration you can save later as a permanent one. We described temporary and permanent configurations in detail in the previous chapter...