Apache Ant vs build2

Apache Ant is a Java library and command-line tool that runs processes described in build files as targets and tasks. Its tasks compile, assemble, test, and run Java applications, and can also build C and C++ projects. Additional built-in coverage handles archiving, file operations, execution, remote access, source control, and testing. Ant does not impose coding conventions or directory layouts on Java projects. Developers can extend it with Antlibs containing tasks and types, while optional Antlibs are distributed separately from the core release. For projects needing dependency management alongside build tooling, the project recommends Apache Ivy. Ant 1.10 requires JDK 8 or later; many tasks will not work with only a JRE. The JUnit task requires external libraries that are not bundled. Ant has been used on Linux, macOS, Windows NT descendants, Unix, and other platforms, with development focused on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Unix. Releases from version 1.6.1 onward use the Apache License, Version 2.0. The listed free plan is Apache Ant 1.10.18, distributed as ZIP, TAR.GZ, and TAR.BZ2 packages. Download guidance includes PGP signature and SHA512 verification.

build2 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.