```html

What is the difference between a Maven and Ant build tool in Java?

When it comes to build tools in Java development, Maven and Ant are two popular choices. Here are some key differences between Maven and Ant:

• Dependency Management: Maven has built-in dependency management, making it easier to manage project dependencies compared to Ant.
• Convention over Configuration: Maven follows the convention over configuration principle, providing predefined project structures and build lifecycle phases, while Ant requires explicit configuration.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Maven has a rich plugin ecosystem that simplifies build automation tasks, while Ant relies more on custom scripts for automation.
• Project Object Model (POM): Maven uses a standardized project object model (POM) for defining project configurations, making it easier to share and maintain project settings.
• Centralized Repository: Maven provides a centralized repository for storing project dependencies, making it easier to manage and share libraries across projects.

Overall, while both Maven and Ant are capable build tools, Maven is often preferred for its standardized approach to project management and dependency resolution.

```