Could not find method compile() for arguments Gradle

java

gradle-configuration

dependency-management

build-tools

byAlex Kataev·Nov 3, 2024

Stumbled upon the error "Could not find method compile() for arguments Gradle"? It tells us you're jogging in sneakers of the past, but it's time we switched to running shoes. Transition from the "compile" directive to its modern counterparts - "implementation" or "api" for declaring dependencies. Here's how to lace up your build.gradle and get it running:

dependencies {
    // Wearing grandpa's sneakers? compile 'com.example:mylib:1.0.0'
    
    // It's time to run!
    implementation 'com.example:mylib:1.0.0' // 🏃💨
    // or
    api 'com.example:mylib:1.0.0' // 🏃💨
}

Make sure you update all "compile" lines in your Gradle files to avoid a trip-up.

Why we left "compile" behind and new running mates

Chuck your legacy "compile" configurations away. We haven't needed them since Gradle 4.10. Come Gradle 7.0, they're completely extinct. To stay current with your Gradle builds, keep track of these timeline changes.

The new running team in place of "compile"

Line up your dependencies and get them ready for a relay race with new configurations:

implementation: The sprinters, like the efficient modules your app can't run without.
api: The long-distance racers, modules exposing their APIs to other modules.
runtimeOnly: The baton passers, libraries that pass on their functionality at runtime.
testImplementation: Your personal trainers, handling your testing dependencies.

Is your JVM up to speed?

Ensure your JVM version and Gradle version are running at the same pace. Matched versions prevent stumbles and crashes in your build.

Running the transition race from Maven

Switching lanes from Maven to Gradle? Ensure you're wearing the right Gradle plugins to glide through the transition without a scrape.

The right running gear with sdkman

sdkman is your sweat-wicking, compression running gear that makes handling different Gradle versions a breeze. With commands like sdk install gradle and sdk use gradle, glide through version control with ease.

Handling hurdles with exclude module:

Encounter a version conflict during your run? Take a stride over it with exclude module:, a key tool in your kit to manage transitive dependencies.

Team strategies for large-scale projects

In multi-module projects, you might need sophisticated strategies for dependencies. The ModuleDependency.exclude(java.util.Map) method is your game plan for systematically excluding specific dependencies.

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