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Gradle
Gradle · San Francisco, California, United States
What it is
Gradle Build Tool is a free, open-source system for automating software builds across projects of different types and sizes. Build logic can use Kotlin DSL or Groovy DSL. Incremental builds, caching, and parallel task execution support build workflows, while Gradle manages transitive dependencies from Maven- and Ivy-compatible repositories. The Gradle Wrapper can provision an environment and specify a project's Gradle version. Its ecosystem includes JVM, Android, C/C++, Swift, Objective-C, and assembler projects, and it supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. IDEs and other tools can use the Tooling API to inspect projects, run builds, receive progress events, and cancel operations. Listed integrations and support include Android Studio, Ant, Checkstyle, CodeNarc, PMD, and JaCoCo. Gradle includes dependency verification. The maker says open-source security fixes are limited by its end-of-life policy. A separate Security Subscription offers prioritized fixes under SLA and extended maintenance, but does not guarantee a clean scanner report when findings involve third-party libraries.
For and against
For
- Build logic supports Kotlin DSL and Groovy DSL.
- Supports incremental builds, caching, and parallel execution.
- Manages dependencies from Maven- and Ivy-compatible repositories.
- Tooling API supports IDE build operations.
Against
- Open-source security fixes are limited by end-of-life policy.
- Security Subscription does not guarantee a clean scanner report.
The verdict
Gradle combines build automation, dependency management, and tooling support across several project ecosystems. Teams should consider the stated end-of-life limits on open-source security fixes and the separate subscription's scanner-report caveat.
Who it suits
Gradle suits developers building Java, Android, Kotlin, and other supported project types, from startups to large enterprises. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Plans and prices
Gradle Build Tool
Open-source build system
Read 30 Sep 2026 · gradle.org
On the record
- Build languages
- Build logic can be written with Gradle’s Kotlin DSL or Groovy DSL.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build performance
- Gradle supports incremental builds, build caching, and parallel task execution.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build portability
- The Gradle Wrapper can provision the build environment and specify which Gradle version a project uses.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Build tooling API
- The Gradle Tooling API lets IDEs and other tools inspect projects, run builds, receive progress events, and cancel build operations.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Dependency management
- Gradle downloads and manages transitive dependencies and supports Maven and Ivy compatible repositories.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yesgradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Ecosystem support
- Gradle features cover JVM, Android, C/C++, Swift, Objective-C, and assembler projects.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Gradle lists integrations or support for Android Studio, Ant, Maven and Ivy repositories, and Checkstyle, CodeNarc, PMD, and JaCoCo.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- Gradle describes itself as the open-source build system of choice for Java, Android, and Kotlin developers, from startups to large enterprises.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Lockfile support
- Yesgradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Offline installation
- Yesgradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Package formats
- Maven,Ivy,flat directorygradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Private registry auth
- Yesgradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Gradle Build Tool automates building software of any type, size, or complexity.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- Gradle includes dependency verification; the maker says open-source security fixes are limited by its end-of-life policy, while its Security Subscription offers prioritized fixes under SLA and extended maintenance.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security coverage limit
- The Security Subscription does not guarantee a clean scanner report because some findings may come from third-party libraries.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support and learning
- The site links to community Slack, community forums, professional services, a user manual, and free Gradle training.gradle.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linuxgradle.org · read 21 Sep 2026
