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java version in maven

2 min read 02-10-2024
java version in maven

When working with Java projects, it’s crucial to ensure that the correct Java version is being used. This is especially important when your project relies on specific Java features that are only available in certain versions. In this article, we will explore how to specify the Java version in a Maven project.

Original Problem Scenario

Here is a sample scenario that illustrates the problem you might face:

<properties>
    <maven.compiler.source>1.8</maven.compiler.source>
    <maven.compiler.target>1.8</maven.compiler.target>
</properties>

In the above XML snippet, there may be confusion about what values should be set for maven.compiler.source and maven.compiler.target. These properties specify the Java version used for compiling the project.

Understanding the Maven Compiler Plugin

The Maven Compiler Plugin is a tool in Maven that helps manage the Java compiler configuration. By default, it compiles Java code to the version specified in your pom.xml file. Setting the Java version is crucial for maintaining compatibility with your codebase.

Setting the Java Version

Here’s how to properly specify the Java version in your Maven project. A typical pom.xml configuration might look like this:

<project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0"
         xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
         xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0 http://maven.apache.org/xsd/maven-4.0.0.xsd">
    <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion>
    <groupId>com.example</groupId>
    <artifactId>my-app</artifactId>
    <version>1.0-SNAPSHOT</version>

    <properties>
        <maven.compiler.source>11</maven.compiler.source>
        <maven.compiler.target>11</maven.compiler.target>
    </properties>

    <build>
        <plugins>
            <plugin>
                <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>
                <artifactId>maven-compiler-plugin</artifactId>
                <version>3.8.1</version>
                <configuration>
                    <source>${maven.compiler.source}</source>
                    <target>${maven.compiler.target}</target>
                </configuration>
            </plugin>
        </plugins>
    </build>
</project>

Explanation of the Configuration

  1. Properties Section:

    • maven.compiler.source and maven.compiler.target are set to 11. This means the project will be compiled using Java 11.

  2. Build Section:

    • The maven-compiler-plugin specifies the version of the plugin being used (in this case, 3.8.1).
    • The configuration section uses the properties defined earlier, ensuring consistency and maintainability.

Additional Considerations

  • Compatibility: Always check the compatibility of libraries used in your project with the Java version specified.
  • Maven Version: Ensure that you're using a Maven version that supports the Java version specified.
  • JDK Installation: Make sure the JDK corresponding to the specified version is installed on your machine.

Practical Example

Let's say you are developing a web application that requires Java 11 features like the var keyword for local variable type inference. The example pom.xml shared above will ensure that your code is compiled using Java 11, thus avoiding any compilation issues related to unsupported features in an earlier version.

Useful Resources

By properly specifying the Java version in your Maven project, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure that your application runs smoothly across different environments. Make sure to review this configuration as part of your project setup to maintain consistency and compatibility throughout your development lifecycle.

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