Gradle build.gradle Stub Builder

Generate a Gradle build file for a Java or Kotlin project

Build a ready-to-edit build.gradle with the right plugins, repositories, dependency blocks (implementation, testImplementation), Java toolchain version, and a test task — for Java or Kotlin JVM applications.

Does this generate Groovy or Kotlin DSL?

It generates the classic Groovy build.gradle syntax, which is the most widely supported and the default for new Gradle projects unless you opt into build.gradle.kts. The dependency and plugin concepts map one-to-one to the Kotlin DSL.

Generate a working build.gradle in seconds

A build.gradle file is the heart of any Gradle project: it declares which plugins apply, where dependencies come from, what libraries the code needs, and how tasks like test behave. Writing one by hand means remembering the exact plugin IDs, the difference between implementation and testImplementation, and the toolchain syntax. This builder assembles a correct, idiomatic file from a few choices.

How it works

The tool follows the standard Gradle JVM build layout. It always emits a plugins { } block (java plus application for runnable apps, or just java/java-library for libraries; the Kotlin JVM plugin is added for Kotlin projects). It sets group and version, configures a java { toolchain { languageVersion = JavaLanguageVersion.of(N) } } block so the build pins its JDK, and adds repositories { mavenCentral() }. Dependencies you type are split into implementation and testImplementation lines inside dependencies { }. Finally it adds tasks.named('test') { useJUnitPlatform() } so JUnit 5 tests run, and for applications a mainClass is wired into the application { } block.

Tips and notes

  • Use implementation for anything your own code imports, and reserve api (library projects) only for dependencies you intentionally re-expose.
  • Dependency coordinates follow group:artifact:version, e.g. com.google.guava:guava:33.0.0-jre.
  • For Kotlin, the generated file applies the org.jetbrains.kotlin.jvm plugin and adds the standard library automatically.
  • Pair this with a settings.gradle containing rootProject.name = 'your-project'; Gradle needs both to build.