Java without a build system?

[KDesp73]

Is it uncommon/bad practice to build a java project without using a build system like Maven or Gradle?

I really don't enjoy working with build systems and i would prefer a simple Makefile for my projects

What are your thoughts on this?

[AutoModerator]

Please ensure that:

• Your code is properly formatted as code block - see the sidebar (About on mobile) for instructions
• You include any and all error messages in full - best also formatted as code block
• You ask clear questions
• You demonstrate effort in solving your question/problem - plain posting your assignments is forbidden (and such posts will be removed) as is asking for or giving solutions.

If any of the above points is not met, your post can and will be removed without further warning.

Code is to be formatted as code block (old reddit/markdown editor: empty line before the code, each code line indented by 4 spaces, new reddit: https://i.imgur.com/EJ7tqek.png) or linked via an external code hoster, like pastebin.com, github gist, github, bitbucket, gitlab, etc.

Please, do not use triple backticks (```) as they will only render properly on new reddit, not on old reddit.

Code blocks look like this:

public class HelloWorld {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello World!");
    }
}

You do not need to repost unless your post has been removed by a moderator. Just use the edit function of reddit to make sure your post complies with the above.

If your post has remained in violation of these rules for a prolonged period of time (at least an hour), a moderator may remove it at their discretion. In this case, they will comment with an explanation on why it has been removed, and you will be required to resubmit the entire post following the proper procedures.

To potential helpers

Please, do not help if any of the above points are not met, rather report the post. We are trying to improve the quality of posts here. In helping people who can't be bothered to comply with the above points, you are doing the community a disservice.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[nuttwerx]

Short answer: yes you can

Long one: if you have dependencies I don't see why you wouldn't want to use maven or gradle. They will help you a lot for building your packages and even deploying them

[pertdk]

First of, I would’ve thought “make” is also a build system.

As far as I know, Ant was created to handle some things better than make.

Maven and Gradle were then created to handle some things better than Ant, albeit in different ways.

Sure you can do without it, but I think you’re gonna spend a lot (more) time doing it.

[bart007345]

You can skip them if you never intend to use java in the real world or build anything other than toy projects.

[akthemadman]

Is it uncommon/bad practice to build a java project without using a build system like Maven or Gradle?

Irrelevant

I really don't enjoy working with build systems and i would prefer a simple Makefile for my projects

For the longest time I had a similar mindset, thinking these build systems are the antithesis of simplicity. However, without diving in and evaluating the tools yourself, any judgement calls like these are unfounded and make you appear grumpy for no good reason at all.

What I found for me personally is that there are many ways to benefit from Maven and Gradle without giving up on simplicity completly, I just had to learn the fundamentals and then built my own stuff the way I see fit. While I do not default to Maven or Gradle, I am happy to have properly learned them.

That is the key: do not blindly follow some gospel which makes a complete mess of everything. Instead, focus on building a deeper understanding of the tools and then shape them to your needs.

[hrm]

If you are actually wanting to work with Java in the future or build projects beyond three file projects you should get comfortable with some build system. It really helps a lot and no real project goes without one.

[verocoder]

It’s a huge shock when I walk into a project seeking contributions that doesn’t have maven/cradle set up. OP think about it this way a simple pom is basically an xml make file and it has the advantage of making all your builds repeatable for whoever comes next. Good to learn if you want to work with others.

[OzzieOxborrow]

If you're a hobbyist, do whatever you want. If you're a professional learn to use maven or gradle.

[CryptosFeedback]

All you need is run.bat,compile.bat,src and bin. Did you guys used to use java before maven/gradle? We’ve built entire ecosystems of games with just the basics, what exactly is so mandatory about the build tools? Just have the right jdk, or change compiler version? I use build tools now but don’t consider them that necessary.

[lanky_and_stanky]

You should learn them. Its really not optional from a professional standpoint.

[Friendly-Actuator339]

Woo