Java Build with Gradle

Scope

In scope:

• •Ensure Gradle Wrapper exists and is the canonical build entrypoint.
• •Standardize multi-module build structure (settings + conventions).
• •Create baseline tasks: build, test, integrationTest (optional), lint (optional).
• •Improve reproducibility and performance with sane defaults.
• •Document "how to run" commands.

Out of scope:

• •Full CI pipeline authoring (only provide recommended commands).
• •Introducing framework-specific plugins unless requested.
• •Large refactors unrelated to build correctness/performance.

When to use

• •Build fails locally/CI, dependency conflicts.
• •Migrating from Groovy DSL to Kotlin DSL, or Gradle version upgrades.
• •Adding a new module/service in a mono-repo.
• •Slow builds: want caching/parallelism/conventions.

Inputs (required context)

• •Current Gradle files: settings.gradle(.kts), build.gradle(.kts), gradle.properties.
• •Current modules list (if multi-module).
• •JDK target version(s) and runtime constraints.
• •CI constraints: required Java version, offline build needs, proxy, etc.

Procedure (deterministic steps)

1. •

   Wrapper first (canonical entrypoint)

   • •Ensure ./gradlew exists and is used in docs/CI.
   • •If upgrading Gradle, update wrapper scripts and verify wrapper JAR update.
2. •

   Project structure

   • •Define modules in settings.gradle(.kts) with clear names.
   • •Introduce a conventions mechanism:
     • •Option A: build-logic included build (preferred)
     • •Option B: buildSrc (acceptable for small repos)
3. •

   Dependency governance

   • •Centralize versions via a Version Catalog (libs.versions.toml) when appropriate.
   • •Enforce consistent dependency versions across modules.
   • •Add a process for dependency locking/verification if required by security policy.
4. •

   Java toolchains + compilation

   • •Define Java toolchain and language level.
   • •Configure tests to use the correct JVM and consistent flags.
5. •

   Test strategy

   • •Ensure unit tests run reliably.
   • •Optionally add integrationTest sourceSet and task.
   • •Produce a "minimal tests first" command and a "full checks" command.
6. •

   Performance baseline

   • •Configure parallel execution where safe.
   • •Enable caching where safe (local; remote optional).
   • •Avoid eager configuration; keep configuration cache compatible where possible.
7. •

   Documentation

   • •Update README with canonical commands:
     • •./gradlew clean test
     • •./gradlew build
     • •./gradlew check (if defined)

Outputs / Artifacts

• •Wrapper present and documented.
• •Updated Gradle build files with conventions and tasks.
• •gradle.properties tuned for sane defaults.
• •README "How to build/test" section.

Definition of Done (DoD)

• • ./gradlew -v works locally.
• • ./gradlew clean test passes on a clean checkout.
• • Multi-module build resolves dependencies consistently.
• • README documents canonical commands and JDK requirements.

Guardrails

• •Do not add experimental plugins without justification.
• •Do not enable parallel/caching settings that make builds flaky.
• •Do not silently change target Java version; require explicit confirmation.

Common failure modes & fixes

• •"Works on my machine" → missing wrapper/toolchain → enforce wrapper + toolchain.
• •Dependency conflict → versions scattered → centralize and add constraints.
• •Slow build → too much work in configuration → move to lazy configuration and conventions.

References

• •Use templates in templates/ for starter Gradle files.
• •Use scripts in scripts/ for CI-friendly commands.