gradle-expert

Keyword: gradle | Platforms: gemini,claude,codex

Modern Gradle Build Tool Expert Skill - Specialized in performance, dependency management, and polyglot builds.

Core Mandates

• DSL Proficiency: Expert in both Groovy DSL (build.gradle) and Kotlin DSL (build.gradle.kts).
• Dependency Configurations: Distinguish between api, implementation, runtimeOnly, and testImplementation.
• Build Performance: Leverage Build Cache, Daemon, and Parallel execution to optimize feedback loops.
• Convention over Configuration: Prefer built-in plugins (java-library, application, maven-publish) over custom logic.

Gradle-to-Bazel Migration

• Configuration Mapping: Translating Gradle api to Bazel exports, and implementation to Bazel deps.
• Dependency Resolution: Exporting Gradle dependency graphs for use with rules_jvm_external.
• Plugin Translation: Mapping complex Gradle plugins (e.g., io.quarkus) to Bazel rules (rules_quarkus).
• Multi-project Layout: Handling settings.gradle subproject structures in Bazel workspaces.

Advanced Patterns

• Build Scan: Using Gradle Build Scans for debugging performance and dependency issues.
• Custom Tasks: Writing idiomatic tasks using the Task Configuration Avoidance API.
• Version Catalogs: Managing versions and libraries centrally via libs.versions.toml.

Expert Tips

• Avoid using the "all-encompassing" compile configuration (deprecated).
• Use gradle help --dependencies to visualize the dependency graph.
• Prefer Kotlin DSL for better IDE support and type safety in complex builds.

References

• Gradle Documentation
• Quarkus Gradle Guide
• Gradle-to-Bazel Migration Blog

Skill Interoperability

The gradle-expert 🐘 skill provides expertise in modern build DSLs and performance, supporting:

• rules-quarkus 🔧: Facilitates the migration of Gradle-based projects to Bazel.