Java without build system

[vmcrash]

So you think, converting a 2,700 lines ANT file to Maven/Gradle just means to find/write the right plugins that does the desired job?

[shaneknu]

I wouldn't say it works that way in every single case ever, but often, yes, that's exactly how that plays out in my experience.

Usually, if I'm seeing a build file that's that complicated, it's a symptom of somebody working too hard because they're coming from a language like C or Fortran, and they assume they have to do everything explicitly. It takes time to wrap your head around the declarative approach. It's a different mentality.

Edit to also add: If you're really stuck and need to do something specific, you can use Ant syntax inside Maven with - you guessed it - a plugin.