What is Maven?

It is a popular automation and dependency management tool used mainly in Java projects.

Why?

It simplifies the building and management of Java-based projects

Another popular Java project build tool: Gradle

Equivalent build tools

• Node: npm / yarn
  • With npm: package.json: to specify dependencies.
  • npm install / start options to download n install dependencies n run the app.
  • dependencies: node_modules

In Java:

• Maven: build tool
• pom.xml: to specify dependencies + build plugins
• Maven goals: clean, compile, test, install, package...
• In Eclipse IDE (STS): has built in Maven plug-in (m2e)
• dependencies - Maven Dependencies

How?

By providing a structured way to define the project's configuration, dependencies, and build process.

Maven uses a declarative approach, where you define the build plug-ins, dependencies etc n Maven takes care of executing the necessary tasks(goals)

Maven follows a predefined project structure and uses a declarative approach to build and manage Java projects. Here's a general overview of how Maven works:

Maven Project Structure

It has a specific directory structure.

By default: