Introduction
to
Maven
and
Gradle
Overview of Build Automation Tools
Build automation tools are used to automate the process of compiling, testing, packaging, and
deploying software. They help developers:
Manage dependencies (libraries and frameworks).
Standardize the build process.
Save time and reduce errors.
Popular Build Automation Tools:
Maven: A widely used build tool for Java projects, based on the POM (Project Object
Model).
Gradle: A more modern build tool that supports multiple languages (Java, Kotlin, etc.) and
uses a Groovy/Kotlin DSL for configuration.
Introduction to Maven
A project management and build automation tool
Uses XML based configuration (POM.xml)
Provides dependency management, reporting, and plugin support
Convention over configuration approach
Maven Architecture
Core concepts: POM (Project Object Model), Plugins, Repositories
Lifecycle Phases: Validate, Compile, Test, Package, Install, Deploy
Supports various plugins and profiles
Maven Build Lifecycle
Default Lifecycle: Handles project compilation and deployment
Clean Lifecycle: Removes previous builds (clean phase)
Site Lifecycle: Generates project documentation
Phases: Validate → Compile → Test → Package → Verify → Install →
Deploy
Introduction to Gradle
A modern build automation tool
Uses Groovy/Kotlin DSL instead of XML
Supports incremental builds and caching
More flexible and faster than Maven
Gradle Architecture
Core components: Build scripts, Tasks, Plugins
Build Scripts: Written in Groovy/Kotlin
Tasks & Plugins: Modular approach to execution
Lifecycle Phases: Initialization, Configuration, Execution
Supports dependency management like Maven
Incremental Builds & Caching: Improves performance
Gradle Build Lifecycle
Initialization Phase : Defines project structure
Configuration Phase : Configures project and dependencies
Execution Phase : Runs tasks in sequence
Tasks can be customized and extended with plugins
Key Differences Between Maven and Gradle
Advantages of Maven
Standardized, widely used in Java projects
Strong dependency management system
Large community support
Integrates well with CI/CD tools
Disadvantages of Maven
Verbose and complex XML configurations
Slower build times compared to Gradle
Less flexible and customizable
Advantages of Gradle
Faster builds with incremental compilation
More flexible than Maven
Supports Groovy and Kotlin DSLs(Domain-Specific Languages)
Ideal for Android development
Disadvantages of Gradle
Learning curve is steeper than Maven
Configuration can be complex for large projects
Less standardized compared to Maven
When to Use Maven vs Gradle
Use Maven: For enterprise Java projects requiring consistency
Use Gradle: For Android and performance sensitive applications
Consider team expertise and project requirements
Installation and Setup
Installing Maven
Download Maven:
Go to https://maven.apache.org/download.cgi
Download the latest binary zip file.
Install Maven:
Extract the zip file to a directory ( Example : /home/cse/opt/maven ).
Add the bin directory to your system's PATH environment variable.
EXAMPLE : export M2_HOME=/home/cse/opt/maven/apache maven 3.9.9
export PATH=${M2_HOME}/bin:$PATH
Verify Installation:
Open a terminal or command prompt and run: mvn –v ( or mvn –version)
Installing Gradle
Download Gradle:
Go to https://gradle.org/releases/
Download the latest binary zip file.
Install Gradle:
Extract the zip file to a directory ( Example : /home/cse/opt/gradle ).
Add the bin directory to your system's PATH environment variable.
EXAMPLE: export PATH=$PATH:/home/cse/opt/gradle/gradle-8.12.1/bin
Verify Installation:
Open a terminal or command prompt and run: gradle -v
Save changes to .bashrc File
Type nano ~/.bashrc in command prompt to open the file.
Add the 3 export lines corresponding to setting up environment.
After making the required changes
Press Ctrl + X, then Y, and press Enter.
After saving run source ~/.bashrc
This reloads the .bashrc file without needing to log out and log in.
CONCLUSION
Both Maven and Gradle are powerful build automation tools.
Choice depends on project requirements and team preference.
Gradle is gaining popularity due to its speed and flexibility.
Learning both can enhance build automation expertise.
