Jib
What it is
Jib builds Docker and OCI images for Java applications without requiring a Docker daemon. Java teams can use it through Maven or Gradle plugins, as a Java library, or from a command-line interface. It divides application contents into layers, so code changes can be rebuilt without rebuilding the full image. Jib can push images to a container registry chosen by the user, uses an OpenJDK base image by default, and also accepts a custom base image. The project says that builds from the same contents produce the same image. It works with Google Cloud Build and includes examples for Spring Boot, Micronaut, multi-module projects, and Spark Java with a Java Agent. Jib is free and open source under Apache License, Version 2.0, and is listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports local build-cache backends and multi-architecture builds. The project is not an officially supported Google product. For usage questions, it points users to Stack Overflow and also links to GitHub issues and a FAQ; a security policy is linked for reporting security issues.
For and against
For
- Builds without a Docker daemon
- Available for Maven, Gradle, Java library, and CLI use
- Layered builds avoid rebuilding the full image for code changes
- Can push to a registry of the user’s choice
- Free and open source under Apache License 2.0
Against
- Not an officially supported Google product
- Usage questions are directed to Stack Overflow, issues, or FAQ
The verdict
Jib offers several ways to build Java container images without a Docker daemon, with layered rebuilds and registry publishing. Users should note that Google does not officially support the project.
Who it suits
Jib suits Java application developers who build container images with Maven, Gradle, a Java library, or the command line. It is also relevant to teams that want daemonless builds and registry publishing.
Plans and prices
Jib
Open-source container building tools for Java
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Base images
- Jib layers images on an OpenJDK base image by default and allows a custom base image.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build integrations
- Jib is available as Maven and Gradle plugins, a Java library, and a command-line interface.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cloud integration
- The project says Jib works well with Google Cloud Build.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Examples
- The repository provides examples for Spring Boot, Micronaut, multi-module projects, and Spark Java with a Java Agent.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Google support
- The project states that Jib is not an officially supported Google product.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Jib is for building container images for Java applications, including users of Maven, Gradle, and Java libraries.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Layered builds
- Jib splits application contents into layers so code changes can be rebuilt without rebuilding the entire application image.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository includes the Apache License, Version 2.0.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Registry support
- Jib can push images to a container registry of the user's choice.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Reproducibility
- The project says rebuilding an image with the same contents generates the same image.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The repository links to a security policy for reporting security issues.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- For usage questions, the project directs users to Stack Overflow and also links to GitHub issues and a FAQ.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Jib builds optimized Docker and OCI images for Java applications without a Docker daemon.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
