Maven is a build automation tool used primarily for Java projects. Maven addresses two
aspects of building software:
First: It describes how software is built
Second: It describes its dependencies.
Unlike earlier tools like Apache Ant, it uses conventions for the build procedure, and only
exceptions need to be written down.
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.
It comes with pre-defined targets for performing certain well-defined tasks such as
compilation of code and its packaging.
Maven dynamically downloads Java libraries and Maven plug-ins from one or more
repositories such as the Maven 2 Central Repository, and stores them in a local cache.
This local cache of downloaded artifacts can also be updated with artifacts created by local
projects. Public repositories can also be updated.