Apache Maven is a project management and build automation tool used primarily for Java projects. Here's a breakdown of what Maven is and its key features:

OVERVIEW

1. Project Management

Maven helps manage the project's build, reporting, and documentation from a central piece of information.

2. Build Automation

It automates the process of compiling code, packaging the binaries, running tests, generating documentation, and deploying the final product.

KEY FEATURES

1. Dependency Management

• Maven centralizes and automates the management of project dependencies, ensuring that the correct versions of libraries are used.
• Dependencies are specified in a file called pom.xml (Project Object Model).

2. Standard Directory Layout

• Maven enforces a standard project structure which simplifies the process of navigating and understanding projects.
• Common directories include src/main/java for source code, src/test/java for test code, and target for compiled output.

3. Build Lifecycle

• Maven defines a lifecycle for building projects, consisting of a series of well-defined phases (e.g., validate, compile, test, package, verify, install, deploy).
• Each phase in the lifecycle represents a stage in the building and deployment process.

4. Plugins

• Maven's functionality can be extended through plugins, which are reusable tasks that automate different parts of the build process (e.g., compiling code, running tests, packaging applications).
• Plugins are also specified in the pom.xml.

5. Repositories