Maven – Guide to using Extensions

Using Extensions

Extensions are a way to add libraries to Core Classloader.

Extensions are typically used to enable Wagon providers, used for the transport of artifact between repositories, and plug-ins which provide lifecycle enhancements.

Wagon providers

<project>
  ...
  <build>
    <extensions>
      <extension>
        <groupId>org.apache.maven.wagon</groupId>
         <artifactId>wagon-ftp</artifactId>
         <version>2.10</version>
      </extension>
    </extensions>
  </build>
  ...
</project>

Plug-ins which provide lifecycle enhancements

<project>
  ...
  <build>
    <plugins>
      <plugin>
        <groupId>org.apache.felix</groupId>
        <artifactId>maven-bundle-plugin</artifactId>
        <extensions>true</extensions>
        <configuration>
          ...
        </configuration>
      </plugin>
    </plugins>
  </build>
  ...
</project>