Java and Multi-Module Project Support Enhancements

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  • August 05,2025

Java and Multi-Module Project Support Enhancements

Java and Multi-Module Project Support Enhancements improve the ability to build, manage, and test Java applications across different JDK versions using multi-release JARs and modular setups, enabling cleaner code separation, better compatibility, and efficient multi-version testing in complex projects.

Java and Multi Module Project Support Enhancements

1 ) Introduction to Multi Release JAR Challenges in Maven  

     EqualsVerifier, a tool targeting JDK 8, needs to support newer Java features like records and sealed types introduced in later JDKs.  

     Supporting sealed types requires calling methods introduced in JDK 17, which can't be done easily without reflection or multi release JARs.  

     Multi release JARs allow different class implementations depending on the JDK version at runtime.  

     Setting up multi release JARs in Maven, especially with effective testing across JDK versions, presents complexities.  

2 ) Approach 1: Tweaking the Maven Compiler Plugin  

     Configuring `maven compiler plugin` allows compiling different Java versions in one build.  

     Downsides:  

     a) IDE incompatibility—IDEs don't recognize the multi version setup correctly, causing false compilation errors.  

     b) Testing limitation—unit tests cannot be structured to test JDK specific features effectively.  

     This approach is straightforward but insufficient for projects needing multi version test coverage.  

3 ) Approach 2: Leveraging the Maven Failsafe Plugin  

     Recommended by Maven experts as an alternative to `maven surefire plugin`.  

     Use of annotations like `@EnabledOnJre` to select tests that run only on specific JDK versions.  

     Enables testing of JDK specific features selectively during the verify phase.  

     Improves test coverage but adds complexity in configuration and test management.  

4 ) Approach 3: Multi Module Build Setup  

     Separates source codes into different Maven modules targeted to different JDK versions.  

     Combines modules into a single multi release JAR artifact.  

     Allows clean separation of platform dependent code and easier test management.  

     Considered the most scalable solution but increases project structural complexity.  

5 ) General Observations and Lessons Learned  

     Multi release JAR support in Maven is powerful but complicated; existing documentation can be difficult to grasp initially.  

     Community support, including help from Apache Maven project maintainers, was valuable.  

     The trade offs between IDE compatibility, testability, and build complexity are critical when choosing an approach.  

     This discussion serves as a starting point for future enhancements and improved tooling in Java multi module project support.  

Summary:  

Enhancing Java projects that need to support multiple JDK versions within the same artifact involves navigating complex build and test configurations. Maven users can choose between compiler plugin tweaks, advanced testing plugins, or robust multi module project structures. Each has benefits and drawbacks concerning ease of use, IDE integration, and test coverage. Understanding these improves the development of multi release JARs and future Java module support.

 

 

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