Side by side

Apache Ant vs Apache Maven

Both stand on build automation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache Ant

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

Apache Ant provides flexible, task-based build tooling for Java and non-Java applications. Check its JDK requirement and the separate dependencies needed for JUnit before choosing it.

Visit Apache Ant

Choose Apache Maven for Java projects that benefit from POM-based builds, dependency handling, and plugin extensions. Look elsewhere if a project’s structure cannot be reorganized to fit Maven’s opinionated layout. Builds of untrusted code also need isolation.

Visit Apache Maven

The facts

	Apache Ant	Apache Maven
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Apache Maven
Website	ant.apache.org	maven.apache.org
On build automation software	#1 of 42	#2 of 42

Apache Ant: what it does well

Builds Java as well as C and C++ applications
Does not impose a Java project layout
Extensible through optional Antlibs
Built-in tasks cover source control and remote access

What to know first

Ant 1.10 requires JDK 8 or later
Many tasks do not work with only a JRE
JUnit task needs external libraries

Apache Maven: what it does well

Free to use under Apache License 2.0.
Manages transitive dependencies and automatic updates.
Builds JARs, WARs, and distributions from project metadata.
Generates dependency lists and unit test reports.
Supports offline installation and private registry authentication.

What to know first

Maven 3.10 and later requires JDK 8 or above to run.
Unusual project layouts may limit Maven features.
Untrusted builds require isolation under Maven’s security model.

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