Detailed explanation of three common build systems when creating Java projects

When creating Java projects, the three common build systems are​Apache Ant​​、​​Apache Maven​and​Gradle​​。

They each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different development scenarios. The following are their core roles and differences:

1. Apache Ant

​Positioning​: The earliest Java construction tool, based on "task" and "target" configuration.

​Core functions​：

• By writingFile definition build process (such as compilation, packaging, cleaning).
• Highly flexible, allowing for fully customization of build steps.
• ​​No built-in dependency management​ (Required to be combined with Ivy and other tools).

​Example​：

<!--  -->
<project name="MyApp" default="compile">
    <target name="compile">
        <javac srcdir="src" destdir="bin"/>
    </target>
    <target name="jar" depends="compile">
        <jar destfile="" basedir="bin"/>
    </target>
</project>

​Applicable scenarios​：

• Old projects that require complete control over the build process.
• Simple, complex and small project.

​Disadvantages​：

• Long configuration and high maintenance costs.
• Dependency management requires additional tools to support.

2. Apache Maven

​Positioning​: Based on the construction tool "convention is better than configuration", emphasizing standardization.

​Core functions​：

• passFile management project structure, dependencies, and life cycle.
• ​Built-in dependency management​, supports automatic download of library files from the central warehouse.
• Provides a standardized build life cycle (e.g.compile、test、package）。

​Example​：

<!--  -->
<project>
    <groupId></groupId>
    <artifactId>myapp</artifactId>
    <version>1.0</version>
    <dependencies>
        <dependency>
            <groupId>junit</groupId>
            <artifactId>junit</artifactId>
            <version>4.12</version>
            <scope>test</scope>
        </dependency>
    </dependencies>
</project>

​Applicable scenarios​：

• Medium- and large-scale projects need to rely on management and standardized construction processes.
• When teamwork, ensure the unified project structure.

​Disadvantages​：

• Low flexibility (respond to Maven's conventions).
• The syntax is more complicated when it comes to complex configurations.

3. Gradle

​Positioning​: Combining Ant's flexibility and Maven's standardization, use Groovy/Kotlin DSL scripts.

​Core functions​：

• passFile-defined tasks, support incremental builds (only recompiles the modified parts).
• ​​Strong dependency management​, compatible with Maven repository.
• Supports multi-module projects and multi-language construction (such as Android development).

​Example​：

// 
plugins {
    id 'java'
}

repositories {
    mavenCentral()
}

dependencies {
    testImplementation 'junit:junit:4.12'
}

task customTask {
    doLast {
        println "This is a custom task!"
    }
}

​Applicable scenarios​：

• Large projects that require high flexibility and high performance (such as Android applications).
• Complex construction processes (such as multi-project portfolio, custom tasks).

​Disadvantages​：

• The learning curve is steep (you need to be familiar with Groovy or Kotlin DSL).
• It may seem "too heavy" for small projects.

Comparative summary

How to choose?

• ​Simple Project​: Use the default build function of IDE (such as IntelliJ or Eclipse).
• ​Standardized team collaboration​: Choose Maven (dependence management and conventions are preferred).
• ​Flexibility and high performance requirements​: Choose Gradle (such as Android, microservice architecture).
• ​Maintain old projects​: Ant may be required.

​​Modern Trends​: Gradle has gradually become mainstream (especially in the Android field), but Maven is still widely used in enterprise-level Java projects. It is recommended to choose based on project size and team familiarity!

Summarize

The above is personal experience. I hope you can give you a reference and I hope you can support me more.