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.