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Apache Maven
Apache Maven · founded 2002
What it is
Apache Maven is a free build tool for Java projects, using a project object model (POM) and plugins to manage compilation, testing, and documentation. Its uniform build model also handles dependencies, including transitive dependencies and automatic updates, and can download them from a central repository. Project metadata can produce outputs such as JARs, WARs, and distributions. Maven can generate project information including changelogs, cross-referenced sources, dependency lists, and unit test reports. Plugins written in Java or scripting languages extend the tool, and source-control integrations such as Subversion or Git can support tag-based releases. Maven runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, though toolchains can target other JDK versions. Its project layout is opinionated, so projects with structures that cannot be reorganized may have to give up some Maven features or use another approach. It is distributed under Apache License 2.0.
For and against
For
- Free plan under Apache License 2.0
- Manages transitive dependencies and automatic updates
- Builds JARs, WARs, and distributions
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
Against
- Maven 3.10+ requires JDK 8 or above
- Unusual project structures may limit available features
The verdict
Maven brings builds, dependency handling, and project information into a common POM-and-plugin model. Check the JDK requirement and whether your project can accommodate its layout before choosing it.
Who it suits
Maven suits Java teams seeking a consistent, plugin-based build process with dependency management and project reporting. It may be a less suitable fit for projects whose structures cannot be reorganized to match its layout.
Plans and prices
Apache Maven
Apache License 2.0 · JDK 8+ required for Maven 3.10
Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
On the record
- Build model
- Maven builds projects using a POM and plugins, with a uniform build system across Maven projects.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, while toolchains can target other JDK versions.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- Maven supports dependency management, including automatic updates and transitive dependencies, and can download dependencies from a central repository.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yesmaven.apache.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Extensions
- Maven can be extended with plugins written in Java or scripting languages.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Free availability
- The Apache Software Foundation states that Apache project source releases and, when available, binary releases are provided free of charge.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Maven can integrate with source control systems such as Subversion or Git to manage releases based on tags.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Apache Maven is distributed under the Apache License, version 2.0.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yesmaven.apache.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Package formats
- pom,jar,maven-plugin,ejb,war,ear,rarmaven.apache.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Private registry auth
- Yesmaven.apache.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Project fit
- Maven uses an opinionated project layout, and projects with unusual structures that cannot be reorganized may have to forgo some Maven features or Maven altogether.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Project information
- Maven can generate project information including changelogs, cross referenced sources, dependency lists, and unit test reports.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Project outputs
- Maven can build projects into output types such as JARs, WARs, and distributions using project metadata.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Apache Maven is a build tool for Java projects that uses a project object model (POM) to manage compilation, testing, and documentation.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Release verification
- The download page recommends verifying release bundle signatures against the public KEYS used by Maven developers.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- Maven's security model assumes users trust the POM, code, dependencies, and repositories used in a build; users building untrusted code must provide isolation.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Maven site recommends its users mailing list for help and also points users to documentation, issue management, wiki resources, and Slack.maven.apache.org · read 8 Oct 2026
