What is Maven? How to install & configure Maven? in Windows Machine

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What is Maven

Maven is an open-source build automation tool primarily used for Java projects. It helps manage project builds, dependencies, documentation, and more by using a Project Object Model (POM). Maven simplifies the build process and ensures a standardized build environment.

Key Features of Maven

Project Object Model (POM): Maven uses an XML file known as pom.xml to describe the project structure, dependencies, and configuration details. This file acts as the central point of reference for all project-related information.

Dependency Management: Maven automatically manages project dependencies, downloading required libraries from central repositories. This eliminates the need for developers to manually handle JAR files.

Build Lifecycle: Maven defines a build lifecycle that includes several phases such as clean, compile, test, package, and install. Each phase represents a specific stage in the build process, allowing for streamlined execution of tasks.

Plugin Architecture: It supports a wide range of plugins that extend its functionality, enabling tasks like code analysis, packaging, and deployment. Popular plugins include those for static code analysis (e.g., Find Bugs) and web application packaging (e.g., Maven WAR).

Standardization: By adhering to a uniform structure and conventions, Maven allows developers to easily understand and navigate multiple projects without needing to learn different build systems for each one.

Reporting and Documentation: Maven can generate comprehensive reports on project status, including unit test results and dependency hierarchies, which aids in maintaining high-quality standards throughout the development process.

How to install Maven in Windows

Java must be installed in your Machine and configuration Environment Variables.

Step 1: Download Maven :

  1. Go to the official https://maven.apache.org/

2. Download the binary zip archive for Windows.

Step 2: Extract Maven :

  1. Extract the downloaded zip file to a folder on your system.

Set Up Environment Variables:

  1. JAVA_HOME: Ensure you have Java installed and set the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point to your JDK installation.
  2. Open Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
  3. Click on Environment Variables.
  4. Under System Variables, click on New and enter:

Add MAVEN_HOME :

  1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
  2. Click on Environment Variables.
  3. Under System Variables, click on New and enter:
    • Variable Name: MAVEN_HOME
    • Variable Value: Path to your Maven folder

Update PATH :

  1. In the System Variables section, select the Path variable and click Edit.
  2. Add %MAVEN_HOME%\bin to the Path variable and save.

Verify Maven Installation :

  • Open a new Command Prompt.
  • Type mvn -version and press Enter.
  • If installed correctly, Maven’s version information will display, indicating it can locate Java and Maven.

How to Run Maven :

  1. Open Command Prompt: Launch the Command Prompt on your Windows machine.
  2. Navigate to Project Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory containing your Maven project.
  3. Run Maven Commands: Execute Maven commands like mvn clean, mvn compile, mvn test, mvn package etc., depending on your project’s needs
  • mvn test :

mvn compile :

mvn package :

mvn clear :

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