1. META-INF/context.xml in a WAR file
2. META-INF/context.xml in webapps/xxx (WAR) directory
3. conf/Catalina/localhost/xxx.xml (Context file) where "localhost" is replaced by alternative hostnames for more complex server setups.
4. DON'T put a context in server.xml!
An exploded WAR takes priority over a WAR file, even if the WAR file is newer. A characteristic of Tomcat that's caused me grief more than once, since it also means that a replacement WAR won't be exploded to take the place of an older exploded WAR.
A lot the of modern-day software development platforms are designed to permit parcelling out work to those with the best aptitude for it. A lot of modern-day business is predicated on making one person do all the work, regardless of aptitude.