Apache Maven
Apache Maven is a build tool for Java projects that uses a project object model, or POM, to manage compilation, testing, and documentation.
What Apache Maven is
Apache Maven is a build tool for Java projects that uses a project object model, or POM, to manage compilation, testing, and documentation. Its plugin-based model provides a common build approach across Maven projects. Maven manages dependencies, including transitive dependencies and automatic updates, and can download them from a central repository. Project metadata can drive outputs such as JARs, WARs, and distributions. Maven can also generate project information including changelogs, cross-referenced sources, dependency lists, and unit test reports. Plugins written in Java or scripting languages extend the tool, and source control integrations such as Subversion or Git can support releases based on tags. Maven runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, though toolchains can target other JDK versions. Its opinionated project layout may be a poor fit for projects with unusual structures that cannot be reorganized. Apache Maven is distributed under Apache License 2.0, and its listed plan costs nothing.
Good
- Manages transitive dependencies and automatic updates.
- Can build JARs, WARs, and distributions.
- Generates dependency lists and unit test reports.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Distributed under Apache License 2.0.
Watch out
- Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above.
- Its opinionated layout may not suit unusual project structures.
- Users building untrusted code must provide isolation.
Who it suits
It suits Java developers who want a POM- and plugin-based build process with dependency management and project reporting. Projects with unusual structures that cannot be reorganized may not fit Maven's layout assumptions.
Verdict
Apache Maven brings Java project builds, dependency management, plugin extensions, and project reports into a POM-based workflow. Its JDK requirement and opinionated layout are worth considering before adoption.
Plans and prices
From Apache Maven's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Apache Maven | Free | Apache License 2.0 · JDK 8+ required for Maven 3.10 |
The facts
Each one read from Apache Maven's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build model
- Maven builds projects using a POM and plugins, with a uniform build system across Maven projects.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to execute, while toolchains can target other JDK versions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- Maven supports dependency management, including automatic updates and transitive dependencies, and can download dependencies from a central repository.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Extensions
- Maven can be extended with plugins written in Java or scripting languages.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Maven can integrate with source control systems such as Subversion or Git to manage releases based on tags.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Apache Maven is distributed under the Apache License, version 2.0.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Offline installation
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Package formats
- pom,jar,maven-plugin,ejb,war,ear,rarchecked 22 Sep 2026
- Private registry auth
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Project information
- Maven can generate project information including changelogs, cross referenced sources, dependency lists, and unit test reports.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Project outputs
- Maven can build projects into output types such as JARs, WARs, and distributions using project metadata.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Apache Maven is a build tool for Java projects that uses a project object model (POM) to manage compilation, testing, and documentation.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Release verification
- The download page recommends verifying release bundle signatures against the public KEYS used by Maven developers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Maven site recommends its users mailing list for help and also points users to documentation, issue management, wiki resources, and Slack.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Workspace support
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2002checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free availability
- The Apache Software Foundation states that Apache project source releases and, when available, binary releases are provided free of charge.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linuxchecked 22 Sep 2026
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