What build tools exist for Java projects?

There are several popular tools for building Java projects:

• Apache Maven — a declarative build tool that uses the pom.xml file to describe dependencies and build steps. Widely used in corporate environments.
• Gradle — a modern build tool supporting declarative and scripting approaches (Groovy or Kotlin DSL). Faster than Maven and more flexible in configuration.
• Ant — an older tool based on XML scripts, offering full control but requiring more manual setup.

The choice depends on the project requirements and team preferences. For example, Gradle is often chosen for Android projects and modern Java applications, while Maven is preferred for stable enterprise solutions.