It comes with predefined targets for performing certain well-defined tasks such as compilation of code and its packaging. An XML file describes the software project being built, its dependencies on other external modules and components, the build order, directories, and required plug-ins. Contrary to preceding tools like Apache Ant it uses conventions for the build procedure, and only exceptions need to be written down. Maven addresses two aspects of building software: First, it describes how software is built, and second, it describes its dependencies. Maven is a build automation tool used primarily for Java projects. By default the XML file is named build.xml.Īpache Ant home page at What is Apache Maven? The most immediately noticeable difference between Ant and Make is that Ant uses XML to describe the build process and its dependencies, whereas Make uses Makefile format. It is similar to Make but is implemented using the Java language, requires the Java platform, and is best suited to building Java projects. Maven is a framework.Īpache Ant is a software tool for automating software build processes. By default it assumes a common project directory structure by convention.Īnt is much simpler. It also uses XML as config file (named pom.xml). You have to tell it exactly what to do, like, source dir, target dir, make dir, delete dir, compile this file, etc.Īpache Maven is more modern.

What is the difference between Apache Ant and Maven?īoth are for compiling/building Java software.Īpache Ant is like unix make, but using XML as build file (named build.xml).

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