What is Java dependency versioning and why is it important?

What is Java dependency versioning and why is it important?

Java dependency versioning refers to managing the versions of libraries and frameworks your Java project relies on. It's crucial because it helps ensure compatibility, stability, and security in your applications.

How do I specify dependency versions in Maven?

In Maven, you specify dependency versions in the <dependency> tag within your pom.xml file. For example:

<dependency>
    <groupId>com.example</groupId>
    <artifactId>my-library</artifactId>
    <version>1.0.0</version>
</dependency>

What happens if I don't manage versions properly?

If you don't manage versions properly, you may encounter issues like dependency conflicts, runtime errors, or even security vulnerabilities due to outdated libraries.

Can I use version ranges in my dependencies?

Yes, you can use version ranges in Maven. For example, you can specify a version range like this: <version>[1.0.0,2.0.0)</version>, which allows any version from 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 2.0.0.