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.jarURL patterns - Parsing POMs for direct dependencies; transitive trees via Maven/Gradle on the consumer project
- Versions Maven Plugin — ensure
org.codehaus.mojo:versions-maven-pluginis 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:versionwhen a version is fixed - BEFORE APPLYING: Read the reference for step-by-step workflows, query syntax, and URL patterns
- EDGE CASE: If the user goal is ambiguous, stop and ask a clarifying question before editing files or running project-wide commands
- EDGE CASE: If required context, files, credentials, or tools are missing, report the blocker explicitly and ask whether to proceed with setup or fallback guidance
- EDGE CASE: If requested changes conflict with project constraints or safety boundaries, explain the conflict and ask for user confirmation on the preferred trade-off
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- Outdated Maven dependencies
Workflow
- Read Maven search reference workflow
Read references/114-java-maven-search.md before forming queries, coordinate checks, or URL outputs.
- Perform Maven Central discovery and verification
Use Search API and repository metadata/POM checks to confirm valid coordinates and available versions.
- Format results with full coordinates and links
Return groupId:artifactId:version outputs, structured tables, and verifiable HTTPS artifact URLs.
- Run project-local update checks when applicable
When working on a local project, ensure versions-maven-plugin usage and run versions:display-* reports for properties, dependencies, and plugins.
Reference
For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/114-java-maven-search.md.