CODEWITHSUNDEEP
java
G.P.
G.P.

Reputation: 17

Java build system with automatic dependency resolution

I am trying to get up to speed with Java after spending my last couple of years with Python and Perl. And boy is this hard! First of all, there's no easy to use build system that can do only what you want it to do without adding tons of boilerplate. Then, how to add dependencies to your project, how do you run junit tests from the build systems (say ant for example)? How can I make the build system download the dependencies on the fly (or can't I?)

Can I find some docs around that can get me up to speed with this without reading a couple of books ? I am trying to be "agile", but the comeback is hard.

Please feel free to close it if it is too subjective. Thanks!

Upvotes: 0

Views: 314

Answers (3)

Pablo Fernandez
Pablo Fernandez

Reputation: 105220

This question is close to textbook trolling... anyway.

There are a lot of build systems that resolve dependencies for you out there (maven, ant, buildr, etc).

I'd say go with buildr since you are familiar with scripting languages.

NOTE

Though many people pointed out maven, considering your background (perl, python, etc) that will make you hate java even more (it's a sea of <XML> out there dude!). Please consider buildr if you feel frustrated enough

Upvotes: 2

Ernest Friedman-Hill
Ernest Friedman-Hill

Reputation: 81694

There are an awful lot of questions here. "Maven" is the Java build system that automatically downloads dependencies; it is based on Ant, which does everything else you ask about (running tests, etc).

If you want to use Maven, get started by using Maven's quickstart docs and examples.

Upvotes: 0

Paul Cager
Paul Cager

Reputation: 1920

You don't mention which build systems you've tried (other than ant). I feel either Maven or Gradle would meet your needs (although I think Maven might fail your "tons of boilerplate" test; it certainly fails mine).

Upvotes: 0

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