What is the difference between Maven and Ant?

Maven and Ant are both build automation tools commonly used in Java development, but they have some key differences:

1. Dependency management: Maven has built-in support for dependency management through its centralized repository, while Ant relies on manual library management.
2. Convention over configuration: Maven follows conventions and provides predefined project structures, which simplifies project setup. Ant requires explicit configuration for each project.
3. Plugin architecture: Maven uses a plugin-based architecture for extending its functionality, making it easier to integrate additional tools and features. Ant requires more manual scripting for similar tasks.
4. Project Object Model (POM): Maven uses the XML-based Project Object Model to define project configurations and dependencies, while Ant uses XML build files for defining build tasks.
5. Community support: Maven has a larger and more active community, with extensive documentation and plugins available. Ant has a smaller community and fewer resources.

In summary, Maven is a more opinionated and feature-rich build tool with stronger support for dependency management and project structuring, while Ant offers more flexibility and customization through manual configuration and scripting.