Maven Central search and coordinates

Help users search Maven Central, resolve groupId:artifactId:version, read version history, and build correct download URLs; and when working on their project, verify versions-maven-plugin and run versions:display-* goals for dependency, plugin, and property updates. What is covered:

• Maven Central Search API — e.g. keyword search for Spring Boot starters (spring-boot-starter) or coordinate filters (g:org.springframework.boot AND a:spring-boot-starter-parent)
• Direct repository layout and maven-metadata.xml
• POM, JAR, -sources.jar, -javadoc.jar URL patterns
• Parsing POMs for direct dependencies; transitive trees via Maven/Gradle on the consumer project
• Versions Maven Plugin — ensure org.codehaus.mojo:versions-maven-plugin is declared, then ./mvnw versions:display-property-updates, versions:display-dependency-updates, versions:display-plugin-updates
• Output format: structured coordinates, tables, and verifiable HTTPS links

Constraints

Verify coordinates against the Search API or repository responses before asserting availability. Prefer release versions unless snapshots are explicitly required.

• VERIFY: Do not invent GAVs — confirm via Search API or successful GET of metadata/POM
• FORMAT: Always express full coordinates as groupId:artifactId:version when a version is fixed
• BEFORE APPLYING: Read the reference for step-by-step workflows, query syntax, and URL patterns
• EDGE CASE: If the user goal is ambiguous, stop and ask a clarifying question before editing files or running project-wide commands
• EDGE CASE: If required context, files, credentials, or tools are missing, report the blocker explicitly and ask whether to proceed with setup or fallback guidance
• EDGE CASE: If requested changes conflict with project constraints or safety boundaries, explain the conflict and ask for user confirmation on the preferred trade-off

When to use this skill

• Search Maven Central
• Find Maven dependency
• Maven coordinates
• groupId artifactId version
• Latest version Maven
• maven-metadata.xml
• Download JAR from Maven Central
• Download javadocs
• Dependency tree transitive
• display-dependency-updates
• display-plugin-updates
• Outdated Maven dependencies

Workflow

1. Read Maven search reference workflow

Read references/114-java-maven-search.md before forming queries, coordinate checks, or URL outputs.

2. Perform Maven Central discovery and verification

Use Search API and repository metadata/POM checks to confirm valid coordinates and available versions.

3. Format results with full coordinates and links

Return groupId:artifactId:version outputs, structured tables, and verifiable HTTPS artifact URLs.

4. Run project-local update checks when applicable

When working on a local project, ensure versions-maven-plugin usage and run versions:display-* reports for properties, dependencies, and plugins.

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/114-java-maven-search.md.