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Jib

github.com

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Spec score 7.7 #17 of 34 in Container Build Tools

What it is

Jib builds Docker and OCI images for Java applications without a Docker daemon. It can be used as a Maven or Gradle plugin, a Java library, or a command-line interface, and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Jib divides application contents into layers, allowing code changes to be rebuilt without rebuilding the whole image. It can push images to a container registry of the user's choice, uses an OpenJDK base image by default, and accepts a custom base image. The project says that rebuilding an image from the same contents produces the same image. It supports local build caches and multi-architecture builds, and the project says it works well with Google Cloud Build. Examples cover 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. The project is not an officially supported Google product; it directs usage questions to Stack Overflow and also links to GitHub issues and a FAQ.

Spec sheet

What it does
Jib builds optimized Docker and OCI images for Java applications without a Docker daemon.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
Jib is for building container images for Java applications, including users of Maven, Gradle, and Java libraries.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The repository links to a security policy for reporting security issues.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
For usage questions, the project directs users to Stack Overflow and also links to GitHub issues and a FAQ.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository includes the Apache License, Version 2.0.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Base images
Jib layers images on an OpenJDK base image by default and allows a custom base image.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build integrations
Jib is available as Maven and Gradle plugins, a Java library, and a command-line interface.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cloud integration
The project says Jib works well with Google Cloud Build.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Examples
The repository provides examples for Spring Boot, Micronaut, multi-module projects, and Spark Java with a Java Agent.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Google support
The project states that Jib is not an officially supported Google product.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Layered builds
Jib splits application contents into layers so code changes can be rebuilt without rebuilding the entire application image.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Registry support
Jib can push images to a container registry of the user's choice.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Reproducibility
The project says rebuilding an image with the same contents generates the same image.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Jib Free Open-source container building tools for Java Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Jib plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Builds images without a Docker daemon
  • Available as Maven and Gradle plugins
  • Layered builds avoid rebuilding the whole image
  • Supports local caches and multi-architecture builds
  • Accepts custom base images

Limits

  • Not an officially supported Google product
  • Usage questions are directed to community channels

Who it suits

Jib suits Java developers who want to build container images through Maven, Gradle, a Java library, or a command-line interface. It is also relevant to teams that need daemonless, multi-architecture builds or local build caching.

Verdict

Jib specifies several ways to build Java container images and explains its layering, registry, base-image, and cache options. Users should note that Google does not officially support the project.

Where Specifiction places it

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