114-java-maven-search

Covers Maven Central search (Search API, maven-metadata.xml, artifact URLs) and project-local update reports via versions-maven-plugin (display-property-updates, display-dependency-updates, display-plugin-updates). Use when finding or verifying coordinates, browsing Central, or checking what newer versions apply to the user’s pom.xml. Part of the skills-for-java project

Maven Central search and coordinates

Help users search Maven Central, resolve groupId:artifactId:version, read version history, and build correct download URLs; and when working on their project, verify versions-maven-plugin and run versions:display-* goals for dependency, plugin, and property updates. What is covered:

  • Maven Central Search API — e.g. keyword search for Spring Boot starters (spring-boot-starter) or coordinate filters (g:org.springframework.boot AND a:spring-boot-starter-parent)
  • Direct repository layout and maven-metadata.xml
  • POM, JAR, -sources.jar, -javadoc.jar URL patterns
  • Parsing POMs for direct dependencies; transitive trees via Maven/Gradle on the consumer project
  • Versions Maven Plugin — ensure org.codehaus.mojo:versions-maven-plugin is declared, then ./mvnw versions:display-property-updates, versions:display-dependency-updates, versions:display-plugin-updates
  • Output format: structured coordinates, tables, and verifiable HTTPS links

Constraints

Verify coordinates against the Search API or repository responses before asserting availability. Prefer release versions unless snapshots are explicitly required.

  • VERIFY: Do not invent GAVs — confirm via Search API or successful GET of metadata/POM
  • FORMAT: Always express full coordinates as groupId:artifactId:version when a version is fixed
  • BEFORE APPLYING: Read the reference for step-by-step workflows, query syntax, and URL patterns

When to use this skill

  • Search Maven Central
  • Find Maven dependency
  • Maven coordinates
  • groupId artifactId version
  • Latest version Maven
  • maven-metadata.xml
  • Download JAR from Maven Central
  • Download javadocs
  • Dependency tree transitive
  • display-dependency-updates
  • display-plugin-updates
  • Outdated Maven dependencies

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/114-java-maven-search.md.