cp src/* dist/* && webpack

Sry, this plugin is an integration of cp for webpack during runs, there is no way to start/use a webpack plugin without actually starting webpack

But you could hook into the compilation process before entrypoints are resolved. I ended up doing it like this:

const EventHooksPlugin = require('event-hooks-webpack-plugin');
const fs = require('fs-extra')

//in webpack plugins
      new EventHooksPlugin({
        'before-run': (compilation, done) => {
          console.log('Copying source files to compiled')
          fs.copy('src', 'compiled', done);
        }
      }),

Sry, I overread entrypoints :), (maybe) possible, but not supported atm

@light24bulbs Thank you, your comment helped out a lot!

@evilebottnawi

It would be nice to have an option like event (either in options or pattern config) which will decide when the copy is executed.

PR welcome

possible workaround is to use WebpackShellPlugin
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/36773619/webpack-execute-function-before-build-starts