Depends on the changes - if it's just JSF/facelets (.xhtml files) then you just need an explode. If you change Java code or configuration then you need a restart. It takes place when hibernate starts (at application (re)start) - when hibernate is on create-drop, it will always drop tables, create new ones, and run import.sql. If its on update then it tries to update them. Check the hibernate manual for more. View the original post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=viewtopic&p=4056838#... Reply to the post : http://www.jboss.com/index.html?module=bb&op=posting&mode=reply&a...