# Upgrading within Gradle 9.x.y

version 9.5.0-20260207005303+0000

This chapter provides the information you need to migrate your Gradle 9.x.y builds to the latest. For migrating to Gradle 9.0.0, see the older migration guide first.

We recommend the following steps for all users:

1. Try running `gradle help --scan` and view the deprecations view of the generated Build Scan.

   This lets you see any deprecation warnings that apply to your build.

   Alternatively, you can run `gradle help --warning-mode=all` to see the deprecations in the console, though it may not report as much detailed information.

2. Update your plugins.

   Some plugins will break with this new version of Gradle because they use internal APIs that have been removed or changed. The previous step will help you identify potential problems by issuing deprecation warnings when a plugin tries to use a deprecated part of the API.

3. Run `gradle wrapper --gradle-version 9.5.0-20260207005303+0000` to update the project to 9.5.0-20260207005303+0000.

4. Try to run the project and debug any errors using the Troubleshooting Guide.

## Upgrading from 9.3.0 and earlier

### Potential breaking changes

#### The `java-gradle-plugin` plugin now adds the `gradleApi()` dependency to the `compileOnlyApi` scope

The `java-gradle-plugin` now attaches the `gradleApi()` dependency to the `compileOnlyApi` scope instead of the `api` scope.

For most plugin projects, this change should be transparent and without any side effects:

- Your plugin still has full access to Gradle types (like `Project`, `Task`, etc.) during build time.

- Gradle will no longer leak its own API as a transitive runtime dependency of your plugin.

#### Stricter validation for published plugins

For plugin builds that apply any of the `com.gradle.plugin-publish`, `ivy-publish`, or `maven-publish` plugins, Gradle now automatically enables stricter validation of plugin code.

In order not to break your builds, this does not apply to local plugins (in `buildSrc` or included builds containing build logic). However, we encourage you to always enable stricter validation:

build.gradle.kts

    tasks.validatePlugins {
        enableStricterValidation = true
    }

#### CodeNarc compilation classpath is set by default

The CodeNarc plugin now automatically populates the `compilationClasspath` of a `CodeNarc` task with the compile classpath of its associated source set.

CodeNarc offers Enhanced Classpath Rules (like `UnusedImport` or `DuplicateImport`) that require the project’s compiled classes and dependencies to be analyzed for full accuracy. Previously, you had to wire this up manually. Now, it works out of the box.

This change introduces a task dependency. The `CodeNarc` task must now wait for the `compile` task to finish so it can access the compiled classes.

If you do not use enhanced rules and want to restore parallel execution, you can manually empty the `compilationClasspath`:

build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("groovy")
        id("codenarc")
    }

    tasks.withType<CodeNarc>().configureEach {
        // Override the default compilation classpath
        compilationClasspath = files()
    }

If your build relies on a custom configuration for the `compilationClasspath` of a `CodeNarc` task, you will need to continue explicitly setting it to override the new default behavior.

#### System property priority for Wrapper execution has changed

The priority of system properties passed to the Gradle Wrapper now correctly follows the documented order of precedence. In previous versions, properties defined in `gradle.properties` files could unexpectedly override those passed via the command line.

If a property is defined in multiple locations, Gradle now strictly honors the following hierarchy (from highest to lowest):

Priority | Source | Example
--- | --- | ---
1 (Highest) | Command Line Option | `./gradlew build -Dproperty.name=value`
2 | Gradle User Home | `~/.gradle/gradle.properties`
3 (Lowest) | Project Directory | `[project-root]/gradle.properties`

For more details see the related issue.

#### Upgrade to Kotlin 2.3.0

The embedded Kotlin has been upgraded from 2.2.21 to Kotlin 2.3.0.

#### Upgrade to Zinc 1.12.0

Zinc has been updated to 1.12.0.

### Deprecations

#### Deprecation of `DomainObjectCollection.findAll(Closure)`

The `findAll(Closure)` method on Gradle collections is now deprecated and scheduled for removal in Gradle 10.0.0.

This method relies specifically on Groovy types and eagerly evaluates the contents of the container.

To fix this, use the similar `DomainObjectCollection.matching(Spec)`. While not a direct replacement for `findAll`, `matching` is lazy, it returns a new collection that only filters elements as they are actually needed by the build:

    // Deprecated:
    def checkTasks = tasks.findAll { it.name.startsWith("check") }

    // Recommended:
    def checkTasks = tasks.matching { it.name.startsWith("check") }

#### Deprecation of methods taking `Closure` on `Test` tasks

The following APIs are deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0:

- `AbstractTestTask.onOutput(Closure)` can be replaced with `AbstractTestTask.addTestOutputListener(TestOutputListener)`

- `AbstractTestTask.beforeTest(Closure)` can be replaced with `AbstractTestTask.addTestListener(TestListener)`

- `AbstractTestTask.afterTest(Closure)` can be replaced with `AbstractTestTask.addTestListener(TestListener)`

- `AbstractTestTask.beforeSuite(Closure)` can be replaced with `AbstractTestTask.addTestListener(TestListener)`

- `AbstractTestTask.beforeSuite(Closure)` can be replaced with `AbstractTestTask.addTestListener(TestListener)`

- `Test.testFramework(Closure)` can be replaced with `Test.options(Action)`

#### Deprecation of `apply false` in precompiled script plugins

The use of `apply false` within precompiled script plugins is now deprecated and will result in an error in Gradle 10.0.0.

In a precompiled script, the `plugins {}` block behaves differently than in a standard build script. Currently, if you write `apply false`, Gradle applies the plugin anyway. This creates confusion because the syntax suggests you are merely adding a plugin to the classpath without activating it, which is not what actually happens.

The fix depends on whether you actually want the plugin to be active in your precompiled script:

- If you want to use the plugin: Remove the `apply false` statement.

- If you do NOT want to use the plugin: Delete the line entirely.

my-plugin.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        // Deprecated (and misleading, as it is still applied)
        id("org.gradle.test-retry") apply false
        // The plugin will still be on the classpath,
        // but it will not be applied as part of this precompiled script plugin.

        // Recommended: Either remove 'apply false' to keep using it,
        // or delete the line to stop using it.
        id("org.gradle.test-retry")
    }

#### Deprecation of `version` in precompiled Settings script plugins

The use of `version` within precompiled script plugins is now deprecated and will become an error in Gradle 10.0.0.

In precompiled Settings scripts, `version` has no effect. The plugin version is already fixed by the script’s own build file; declaring it again inside the script is ignored and causes confusion about which version is actually in use.

To fix this, remove the `.version()` or `version "…​"` call from the `plugins {}` block:

my-settings-plugin.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        // Deprecated:
        id("org.gradle.test-retry") version "x.y.z"
        // Recommended:
        id("org.gradle.test-retry")
    }

## Upgrading from 9.2.0 and earlier

### Potential breaking changes

#### Referential equality is not guaranteed for `Project` instances

Instances of `Project` type representing the same logical Gradle project do not provide any guarantee of being equal by reference (`==` in Java, `===` in Kotlin). However, historically it was possible to observe that such `Project` instances were exactly the same.

In Gradle 9.3.0, `Project` instances (for the same logical project) can be different with respect to the referential equality, even if obtained within the same context, e.g., in the same build script. This change is necessary to facilitate future performance improvements of Gradle. The `Project.equals()` equality behavior remains unchanged.

Avoid referential equality in Kotlin:

build.gradle.kts

    // DON'T do this
    project.rootProject === project.parent

Avoid referential equality in Groovy:

build.gradle

    // DON'T do this
    project.rootProject.is(project.parent)

Avoid referential equality in Java:

MyPlugin.java

    // DON'T do this
    project.getRootProject() == project.getParent();

In general, it is better to check project equality via `Project.getPath()` or `Project.getBuildTreePath()` for composite-build support. The paths are also better suited to be keys in data structures, like maps.

#### TestNG output may change when using versions before 6.9.13.3

As part of the `AbstractTestTask` refactoring, Gradle’s integration with TestNG has been updated. Gradle now relies on a correctly functioning `IClassListener` to report the hierarchy of test classes and methods.

When using TestNG versions earlier than 6.9.13.3, this can lead to different or degraded output:

- With older versions, class information may be lost. For example, output that previously looked like: `org.gradle > TestClass > ok` may now be reported simply as: `ok`.

- For TestNG versions from 6.9.10 up to (but not including) 6.9.13.3, the `IClassListener` API exists but is broken. This can result in even worse output, such as empty or missing names.

To get correct and stable output, we recommend upgrading to TestNG 6.9.13.3 or newer.

#### Upgrade to Kotlin 2.2.21

The embedded Kotlin has been upgraded from 2.2.20 to 2.2.21.

#### Upgrade to Jansi 2.4.2

Jansi was upgraded from 1.18 to 2.4.2 to pick up support for Windows ARM64.

#### Upgrade to ASM 9.9

ASM was upgraded from 9.8 to 9.9 to ensure earlier compatibility for Java 26.

#### Upgrade to Groovy 4.0.29

Groovy has been updated to 4.0.29.

#### Upgrade to JaCoCo 0.8.14

JaCoCo has been updated to 0.8.14.

### Deprecations

#### Deprecation of the `Wrapper.getAvailableDistributionTypes()` method

The method on the Wrapper task has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.

Use `Wrapper.DistributionType.values()` to obtain the available distribution types instead.

#### Deprecation of publishing dependencies on unpublished projects

When publishing a project, Gradle resolves project dependencies to the coordinates of the target project’s publication. If the target project has no publication, Gradle currently resolves the dependency silently using that project’s `group`, `name`, and `version`.

Starting with Gradle 10, this behavior is deprecated. Gradle will no longer silently ignore the absence of a publication. Publishing a project that depends on another project without a publication will be forbidden and will cause the build to fail. This change prevents publishing broken metadata with dependency coordinates that cannot be resolved.

The example below demonstrates a build that triggers the deprecated behavior:

build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("java-library")
        id("maven-publish")
    }

    group = "com.example"
    version = "1.0.0"

    dependencies {
        api(project(":other"))
    }

    publishing {
        publications {
            create<MavenPublication>("maven") {
                from(components["java"])
            }
        }
    }

other/build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("java-library")
    }

    group = "com.example"
    version = "1.0.0"

To avoid this deprecation, ensure that all project dependencies of published projects are also published. In the example above, applying the `maven-publish` plugin and configuring a publication in the `:other` project resolves the issue:

other/build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("java-library")
        id("maven-publish")
    }

    group = "com.example"
    version = "1.0.0"

    publishing {
        publications {
            create<MavenPublication>("maven") {
                from(components["java"])
            }
        }
    }

#### Deprecation of legacy `Usage` attribute values

Since Gradle 5.6, the `Usage` attribute has been split into an additional `LibraryElements` attribute. In the JVM ecosystem, `Usage` indicates whether a variant is intended for compilation or runtime, while `LibraryElements` specifies the format of the artifact (for example, a JAR file or a classes directory).

To ease migration, Gradle has automatically mapped legacy `Usage` values to their corresponding `Usage` and `LibraryElements` pairs:

Legacy `Usage` | Replaced `Usage` | Replaced `LibraryElements`
`java-api-jars` | `java-api` | `jar`
`java-api-classes` | `java-api` | `classes`
`java-runtime-jars` | `java-runtime` | `jar`
`java-runtime-classes` | `java-runtime` | `classes`
`java-runtime-resources` | `java-runtime` | `resources`

Starting with Gradle 10, this automatic mapping will no longer occur when legacy `Usage` values are added directly to an `AttributeContainer` in build logic. To maintain backward compatibility for already published modules, Gradle will continue translating legacy `Usage` values found in published Gradle Module Metadata.

#### Deprecation of using module coordinates to depend on the current project

Starting with Gradle 10, declaring a dependency on the current project using module coordinates (`group`, `name`, `version`) will no longer resolve to that project. Instead, Gradle will attempt to resolve that dependency from a repository.

The example below demonstrates the change in behavior:

my-project/build.gradle.kts

    group = "com.example"
    version = "1.0.0"

    val deps = configurations.dependencyScope("deps")
    val classpath = configurations.resolvable("classpath") {
        extendsFrom(deps.get())
        attributes.attribute(Category.CATEGORY_ATTRIBUTE, objects.named(Category.LIBRARY))
    }

    val elements = configurations.consumable("elements") {
        attributes.attribute(Category.CATEGORY_ATTRIBUTE, objects.named(Category.LIBRARY))
    }

    dependencies {
        // In Gradle 9.x, this dependency resolves to the `elements` configuration.
        // In Gradle 10, this dependency will attempt to resolve from a repository.
        deps("com.example:my-project:1.0.0")
    }

To continue depending on the current project, use a `project` dependency:

my-project/build.gradle.kts

    dependencies {
        // Declare a dependency on the current project to continue resolving
        // to the current project.
        deps(project)
    }

#### Deprecation of `ModuleVersionSelector` to `ModuleComponentSelector` conversion

The conversion of `ModuleVersionSelector` to `ModuleComponentSelector` (used in `ResolutionStrategy.force(…​)`, `DependencyResolveDetails.useTarget(Object)`, and `PluginResolveDetails.useModule(Object)` ) has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

Typically, `ModuleVersionSelector` instances are `DependencyContstraint` objects.

Note that this deprecation does not apply to `ExternalDependency` objects, despite them implementing `ModuleVersionSelector`.

To fix this deprecation, pass one of the supported notations (for example, a String in the `group:name:version` format).

## Upgrading from 9.1.0 and earlier

### Potential breaking changes

#### Upgrade to Kotlin 2.2.20

The embedded Kotlin has been upgraded from 2.2.0 to Kotlin 2.2.20.

#### Removed incubating `ObjectFactory#dependencyCollector()` method

The incubating `ObjectFactory#dependencyCollector()` method has been removed. You can still create `DependencyCollectors` within Gradle managed types.

#### Consumable configurations in bundled plugins are now initialized lazily

Consumable configurations created by bundled Gradle plugins are now initialized only when needed. `Configure` actions on these configurations no longer run at configuration time by default. They only execute if the configuration is published, consumed as a variant, or otherwise realized by build logic.

For example:

build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("java-library")
    }

    configurations.named("apiElements").configure {
        println("Configuring apiElements")
    }

With this change, the `Configuring apiElements` line is no longer printed during configuration time unless `apiElements` is actually realized.

See Declaring Configurations for more guidance.

#### `ValidatePlugins` now has stricter Java version requirements

The `ValidatePlugins` task must now run on a Java version that is supported by the Gradle daemon. This change was made because the task depends on several core Gradle services, which may now be compiled to the same bytecode version supported by the daemon.

By default, the task’s convention has been updated:

- If your project’s toolchain is compatible, `ValidatePlugins` will use it.

- Otherwise, it will fall back to the Java version used to run Gradle.

If you explicitly set a toolchain like this:

build.gradle.kts

    tasks.withType<ValidatePlugins>().configureEach {
        javaLauncher.set(
            project.javaToolchains.launcherFor {
                languageVersion.set(JavaLanguageVersion.of(17))
            }
        )
    }

build.gradle

    tasks.withType(ValidatePlugins).configureEach {
        javaLauncher.set(
            project.javaToolchains.launcherFor {
                languageVersion.set(JavaLanguageVersion.of(17))
            }
        )
    }

If the specified Java version is not compatible with the Gradle daemon, you must update it to a compatible version.

### Deprecations

#### Deprecation of `Project.container(…​)` methods

The `Project.container(…​)` methods are deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10. These methods manually create named domain object containers.

Use a managed property to let Gradle instantiate containers automatically. If a managed property isn’t possible, use `ObjectFactory.domainObjectContainer(…​)` (available since Gradle 5.5). Unlike `Project.container(Class)`, the `ObjectFactory` version decorates container elements and makes them extension aware.

#### Deprecation of ruleSource-based dependency management APIs

The `RuleSource`-based dependency management APIs have been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

Deprecated APIs include:

- `ComponentMetadataHandler.all(Object)`

- `ComponentMetadataHandler.withModule(Object,Object)`

- `ComponentSelectionRules.all(Object)`

- `ComponentSelectionRules.withModule(Object,Object)`

Use the alternative methods that accept a `ComponentMetadataRule` class or an `Action`.

#### Deprecation of calling `registerFeature` without applying the Java plugin

Creating a JVM feature with `JavaPluginExtension#registerFeature` before applying the Java plugin has been deprecated and will become an error in Gradle 10.0.0.

Ensure the Java plugin is applied before invoking `registerFeature`. The following bundled plugins apply the Java plugin automatically:

- `java-library`

- `application`

- `groovy`

- `scala`

- `war`

## Upgrading from 9.0.0 and earlier

### Potential breaking changes

#### Upgrade to ASM 9.8

ASM was upgraded from 9.7.1 to 9.8 to ensure earlier compatibility for Java 25.

#### Upgrade to Groovy 4.0.28

Groovy has been updated to Groovy 4.0.28.

### Deprecations

#### Deprecation of multi-string dependency notation

In an effort to simplify and standardize the Gradle API, the multi-string dependency notation used in dependency management has been deprecated and will no longer be permitted in Gradle 10. Gradle will primarily accept dependency declarations in the form of a single string, with each dependency coordinate separated by a colon.

Below are examples of the deprecated multi-string notation:

build.gradle.kts

    dependencies {
        implementation(group = "org", name = "foo", version = "1.0")
        implementation(group = "org", name = "foo", version = "1.0", configuration = "conf")
        implementation(group = "org", name = "foo", version = "1.0", classifier = "classifier")
        implementation(group = "org", name = "foo", version = "1.0", ext = "ext")
    }

    testing.suites.named<JvmTestSuite>("test") {
        dependencies {
            implementation(module(group = "org", name = "foo", version = "1.0"))
        }
    }

build.gradle

    dependencies {
        implementation(group: 'org', name: 'foo', version: '1.0')
        implementation(group: 'org', name: 'foo', version: '1.0', configuration: 'conf')
        implementation(group: 'org', name: 'foo', version: '1.0', classifier: 'classifier')
        implementation(group: 'org', name: 'foo', version: '1.0', ext: 'ext')
    }

    testing.suites.test {
        dependencies {
            implementation(module(group: 'org', name: 'foo', version: '1.0'))
        }
    }

These declarations should be replaced with the single-string notation:

build.gradle.kts

    dependencies {
        implementation("org:foo:1.0")
        implementation("org:foo:1.0") {
            targetConfiguration = "conf"
        }
        implementation("org:foo:1.0:classifier")
        implementation("org:foo:1.0@ext")
    }

    testing.suites.named<JvmTestSuite>("test") {
        dependencies {
            implementation("org:foo:1.0")
        }
    }

build.gradle

    dependencies {
        implementation("org:foo:1.0")
        implementation("org:foo:1.0") {
            targetConfiguration = "conf"
        }
        implementation("org:foo:1.0:classifier")
        implementation("org:foo:1.0@ext")
    }

    testing.suites.test {
        dependencies {
            implementation("org:foo:1.0")
        }
    }

In some cases, a complete single-string notation may not be known up front. Instead of concatenating the coordinates into a new string, it is possible to use a `DependencyFactory` to create `Dependency` instances directly from the individual components:

build.gradle.kts

    val group = "org"
    val artifactId = "foo"
    val version = "1.0"

    configurations.dependencyScope("implementation") {
        dependencies.add(project.dependencyFactory.create(group, artifactId, version))
    }

build.gradle

    def group = "org"
    def artifactId = "foo"
    def version = "1.0"

    configurations.dependencyScope("implementation") {
        dependencies.add(project.dependencyFactory.create(group, artifactId, version))
    }

#### Deprecation of `ReportingExtension.file(String)`

The `file()` method on `ReportingExtension` has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

Instead, use `ReportingExtension.getBaseDirectory()` with `file(String)` or `dir(String)`.

#### Deprecation of `ReportingExtension.getApiDocTitle()`

The `getApiDocTitle()` method on `ReportingExtension` has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

There is no direct replacement for this method.

#### Deprecation of `JavaForkOptions.setAllJvmArgs()`

The `setAllJvmArgs()` method on `JavaForkOptions` and, by inheritance, on `JavaExecSpec` has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

Instead, to overwrite existing JVM arguments, use:

- `JavaForkOptions.jvmArgs()`

- `JavaForkOptions.setJvmArgs()`

- Provide a `CommandLineArgumentProvider` to add arguments via `JavaForkOptions.getJvmArgumentProviders()`

Note that `setAllJvmArgs()` method on `JavaForkOptions` cleared all fork options before setting `jvmArgs`. The properties cleared included:

- System properties configured via `JavaForkOptions.systemProperties`

- JVM argument providers configured via `JavaForkOptions.jvmArgumentProviders`

- Argument providers configured via `JavaExecSpec.argumentProviders`

- Memory settings configured via `JavaForkOptions.minHeapSize` and `JavaForkOptions.maxHeapSize`

- All other JVM arguments configured via `JavaForkOptions.jvmArgs`

- The assertion and debug flags configured via `JavaForkOptions.enableAssertions` and `JavaForkOptions.debug`

If the arguments you provide to `setJvmArgs()` or `jvmArgs()` depend on any of the above properties being cleared, you will need to manually clear them.

Consider the following snippets for examples of how to implement this change:

build.gradle.kts

    plugins {
        id("java")
    }

    tasks.register<JavaExec>("myRunTask") {
        jvmArgumentProviders.clear() // Clear existing JVM argument providers
        maxHeapSize = null // Clear max heap size
        jvmArgs = listOf("-Dfoo", "-Dbar") // Set new JVM arguments
    }

build.gradle

    plugins {
        id("java")
    }

    tasks.named('myRunTask', JavaExec) {
        jvmArgumentProviders.clear() // Clear existing JVM argument providers
        maxHeapSize = null // Clear max heap size
        jvmArgs = ["-Dfoo", "-Dbar"] // Set new JVM arguments
    }

#### Deprecation of `archives` configuration

The `archives` configuration added by the `base` plugin has been deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0. Adding artifacts to the `archives` configuration will now result in a deprecation warning.

If you want the artifact to be built when running the `assemble` task, add the artifact (or the task that produces it) as a dependency on `assemble`:

build.gradle.kts

    val specialJar = tasks.register<Jar>("specialJar") {
        archiveBaseName.set("special")
        from("build/special")
    }

    tasks.named("assemble") {
        dependsOn(specialJar)
    }

#### Deprecation of the `Configuration.visible` property

Prior to Gradle 9.0.0, any configuration with `isVisible()` returning `true` would implicitly trigger artifact creation when running the `assemble` task. This behavior was removed in Gradle 9.0.0, and the `Configuration.visible` property no longer has any effect. The property is now deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0. You can safely remove any usage of `visible`.

If you want the artifacts of a configuration to be built when running the `assemble` task, add an explicit task dependency on `assemble`:

build.gradle.kts

    val specialJar = tasks.register<Jar>("specialJar") {
        archiveBaseName.set("special")
        from("build/special")
    }

    configurations {
        consumable("special") {
            outgoing.artifact(specialJar)
        }
    }

    tasks.named("assemble") {
        dependsOn(specialJar)
    }

#### Deprecation of non-string `projectProperties` in `GradleBuild` task

The `GradleBuild` task now deprecates using non-String values in `startParameter.projectProperties`. While the type is declared as `Map<String, String>`, there was no strict enforcement, allowing non-String values to be set. This deprecated behavior will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0.

If you are using non-String values in project properties, convert them to `String` representation:

build.gradle.kts

    val myIntProp = 42

    tasks.register<GradleBuild>("nestedBuild") {
        startParameter.projectProperties.put("myIntProp", "$myIntProp") // Convert int to String
    }

build.gradle

    def myIntProp = 42

    tasks.register('nestedBuild', GradleBuild) {
        startParameter.projectProperties.put('myIntProp', "$myIntProp") // Convert int to String
    }

#### Deprecation of project properties for toolchain configuration

In previous versions of Gradle, you could configure toolchains using project properties on the command line with the `-P` flag. For example, to disable toolchain auto-detection, you could use `-Porg.gradle.java.installations.auto-detect=false`. This behavior is deprecated and will be removed in Gradle 10.0.0. Instead, you should specify these settings as Gradle properties using the `-D` flag:

    -Dorg.gradle.java.installations.auto-detect=false