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Some differences between Gradle and Maven 🙌

#automation #devops #java #tooling

About build tools

Gradle and Maven are two popular build tools. Build tools are software that automates the project build process. Such as compile code, download dependencies, run tests, package jar, release artifact ..., build tools encapsulate these reusable commands and processes into simpler commands, making project builds more standardized and consistent.

How is maven ?

Maven is a long-established and classic Java project build tool. Its core idea is convention over configuration.

According to the official Maven documentation:
We wanted a standard way to build the projects, a clear definition of what the project consisted of, an easy way to publish project information, and a way to share JARs across several projects.

Maven specifies that configuration files should be written in XML and specifies a standard directory structure.

├── src/main/java
├── src/test/java
├── pom.xml
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<dependencies>
    <dependency>
        <groupId>org.springframework</groupId>
        <artifactId>spring-core</artifactId>
        <version>6.0.0</version>
    </dependency>
</dependencies>
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Therefore, its advantages are standardization, high readability, and ease of unifying enterprise standards.

A relatively complete configuration file looks like this:

<project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0"
         xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">

    <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion>

    <groupId>com.example</groupId>
    <artifactId>demo</artifactId>
    <version>1.0.0</version>

    <properties>
        <maven.compiler.release>21</maven.compiler.release>
    </properties>

    <dependencies>

        <dependency>
            <groupId>org.springframework</groupId>
            <artifactId>spring-context</artifactId>
            <version>6.1.0</version>
        </dependency>

    </dependencies>

</project>
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How is gradle ?

The biggest feature of Gradle is its code-based build functionality. You can use groovy or kotlin to write the config file. Gradle makes the entire build process more flexible, allowing for features such as dynamically executing tasks and adding conditional builds.

According to the official Gradle documentation, Gradle has the following characteristics:
Comprehensibility, Scalability, Reliability, Adaptability

dependencies {
    implementation("org.springframework:spring-core:6.0.0")
}
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For complex, multi-module projects, Gradle allows for more granular build processes, enabling the addition of more monitoring tasks, etc.

def env = System.getenv("ENV")

if (env == "prod") {
    version = "1.0.0"
} else {
    version = "1.0.0-SNAPSHOT"
}
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A relatively complete configuration file looks like this:

plugins {
    java
    id("org.springframework.boot") version "3.3.0"
    id("io.spring.dependency-management") version "1.1.5"
}

group = "com.example"
version = "1.0.0"

java {
    toolchain {
        languageVersion.set(JavaLanguageVersion.of(17))
    }
}

repositories {
    mavenCentral()
}

dependencies {
    implementation("org.springframework.boot:spring-boot-starter-web")
    testImplementation("org.springframework.boot:spring-boot-starter-test")
}
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Gradle and Maven

Comparison Item Maven Gradle
Configuration Style XML DSL / Groovy / Kotlin
Core Philosophy Convention over Configuration Programmable Build System
Flexibility Relatively Low High
Learning Curve Relatively Low High
Build Performance Relatively Slower Relatively Faster
Incremental Build Support Basic Strong
Caching Mechanism Relatively Weak Strong
Android Support Limited Official Standard
Usage in Traditional Enterprise Projects Widely Used Growing Adoption
Maintainability Strong Depends on Team Practices (Yes, it depends on the team's skill level. Don't ask me how I know 🙂)

In my opinion, the above comparison results only reflect some extreme scenarios. Both Maven and Gradle are constantly being optimized, and the performance difference is not significant in most scenarios.

Generally, Maven is suitable for systems that require stability and ease of maintenance and management. Gradle is better suited for Android, Kotlin, multi-module microservices, and large-scale projects.

Maven's configuration philosophy:
Restricting freedom in exchange for uniformity

Gradle's configuration philosophy:
Giving freedom in exchange for extensibility

Of course, the choice of such tools should primarily be based on the actual skill level of the personnel; there is no absolute good or bad.

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