Failed to execute goal org.apache.maven.plugins:maven-compiler-plugin:2.3.2:compile (default-compile)

Dependencies and setup: Don't be afraid to 'clean' your room

Detox Your Maven cache

Sometimes, your local repository can have corrupted or outdated artifacts. Cleaning the .m2/repository can resolve such issues.

Debug with Maven: No, it's not the latest reality TV show

You can use mvn clean install -X for debug output, helping you underline the root cause of your problem.

Align your environment: The planets aren't the only thing needing alignment

Confirm JAVA_HOME points to your JDK and not a JRE. Especially important when working with WAR files.

Compatibility isn't just for speed dating

Verify compatibility between Maven, maven-compiler-plugin, and your JDK version.

For Unix-based systems (including Mac):
~/.m2/repository

For Windows:
%USERPROFILE%\.m2\repository

Make sure to align source and target settings in maven-compiler-plugin configuration.

Taking a path, and it's not the yellow brick road

Ensure your IDE's build path points to the JDK and not the JRE.

Debugging: It's not as scary as it sounds

Aligning Maven Run configuration: No, it's not a marathon

Verify the consistency between JDK versions in your IDE's Maven Run configuration and your pom.xml.

Do your detective work on dependencies

Investigate your pom.xml for any missing or wrongly included dependencies.

Stating clean: A new beginning every time

Always perform a mvn clean before mvn install to clear previous build artifacts.

Visualization

Imagine Maven is a determined puzzle assembler (🧩) but there's an issue; the puzzle piece (it's you!) just won't fit.

Puzzle Assembler 🧩: Piece does not fit, alert! Warning! 

Maven's Compiler Plugin then acts like a strict school teacher (📐) that enforces the rules:

School Teacher 📐 (aka Maven Compiler Plugin): 
Piece 1, Piece 2, "This is not part of my curriculum!" (that's you)

In simple English, this means Maven can't continue until everything fits into place.

Action Plan: Replace the misfit. (No, not the reindeer)

Once you comply with the "school rules", Maven can assemble the puzzle successfully:

Puzzle Assembler 🧩: Mission accomplished! 

Getting proactive: Yes, you should prevent problems

Keeping up with the versions: Yes, you should!

Consider updating to the latest version of maven-compiler-plugin to enjoy the latest bug fixes and compatibility improvements.

Maven and IDE need to play nice

Ensure your IDE's Maven plugin or integration is up-to-date. This helps avoid any tantrums between your command line and IDE.

Spring into action

If you're using Spring Tool Suite or similar, ensure that its Maven compatibility isn't causing any issues. The culprit may be a mismatch between your system's Maven and the embedded Maven.