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Apache Maven

maven.apache.org

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Spec score 8.8 #2 of 42 in Build Automation Software

What it is

Apache Maven is a free build tool for Java projects. It uses a project object model, or POM, and plugins to manage compilation, testing and documentation through a uniform build system. Maven manages 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 also generate project information, including changelogs, cross-referenced sources, dependency lists and unit test reports. Java or scripting-language plugins extend it, and it can work with source control systems such as Subversion or Git to manage tag-based releases. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, while toolchains can target other JDK versions. Its project layout is opinionated, so projects with unusual structures that cannot be reorganized may have to give up some Maven features or Maven itself. The software is distributed under Apache License 2.0; its listed plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Apache Maven is a build tool for Java projects that uses a project object model (POM) to manage compilation, testing, and documentation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Integrations
Maven can integrate with source control systems such as Subversion or Git to manage releases based on tags.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Support
The Maven site recommends its users mailing list for help and also points users to documentation, issue management, wiki resources, and Slack.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Founded
2002Read 28 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Build model
Maven builds projects using a POM and plugins, with a uniform build system across Maven projects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Compatibility
Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, while toolchains can target other JDK versions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Dependencies
Maven supports dependency management, including automatic updates and transitive dependencies, and can download dependencies from a central repository.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Dependency resolution
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Extensions
Maven can be extended with plugins written in Java or scripting languages.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Free availability
The Apache Software Foundation states that Apache project source releases and, when available, binary releases are provided free of charge.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apache.org
Licensing
Apache Maven is distributed under the Apache License, version 2.0.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Offline installation
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Package formats
pom,jar,maven-plugin,ejb,war,ear,rarRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Private registry auth
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Project information
Maven can generate project information including changelogs, cross referenced sources, dependency lists, and unit test reports.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Project outputs
Maven can build projects into output types such as JARs, WARs, and distributions using project metadata.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Release verification
The download page recommends verifying release bundle signatures against the public KEYS used by Maven developers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org
Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,LinuxRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org
Workspace support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · maven.apache.org

Plans and prices

Apache Maven Free Apache License 2.0 · JDK 8+ required for Maven 3.10 Read 8 Oct 2026 · maven.apache.org

Every Apache Maven plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Manages transitive dependencies and automatic updates.
  • Builds JARs, WARs and distributions.
  • Generates dependency lists and unit test reports.
  • Available free under Apache License 2.0.

Limits

  • Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above.
  • Its opinionated layout can constrain unusual projects.
  • Untrusted builds require user-provided isolation.

Who it suits

Maven suits Java project teams looking for a POM- and plugin-based build system with dependency management. It may be a poor fit when an unusual project layout cannot be reorganized.

Verdict

Maven offers build, dependency and project-reporting workflows under a free license. Check its JDK requirement and whether its project layout fits before adopting it.

Where Specifiction places it

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