Build systems like Maven, Gradle, and Ant have been the foundation of Java development for years, offering powerful tools for managing dependencies and automating builds. While these tools excel in flexibility and community support, they often struggle with incremental build performance and supply chain security risks. Inefficient dependency tracking can lead to wasted time and unreliable builds, while reliance on public repositories introduces vulnerabilities to supply chain attacks.

This talk reflects on the strengths and limitations of current Java build systems, identifying key areas for improvement. It also presents an alternative approach designed to address these challenges: a build system that prioritizes deterministic incremental builds and integrates robust mechanisms for dependency verification and isolation. Through examples and demonstrations, attendees will see how this model can deliver faster, more reliable builds while reducing exposure to security threats, offering a practical path forward for Java developers.