Configure Maven to use Java 8 for Compile the code

In pom.xml we can configure maven.compiler.source maven.compiler.target properties to tell Maven to use Java 8 (or particular Java version ) to compile the project.

Setting the -source and -target of the Java Compiler

Sometimes when you may need to compile a certain project to a different version than what you are currently using. The javac can accept such command using -source and -target.

We can configure Java Version using Maven properties. Sample Maven properties for Java 7 and Java 8 given below.

Maven Properties

Java 7 pom.xml


    1.7
    1.7

Java 8 pom.xml


    1.8
    1.8

Alternatively we can configure Java Version using Maven Compiler plugin.

Maven Compiler Plugin

pom.xml


    
        
            org.apache.maven.plugins
            maven-compiler-plugin
            3.6.1
            
                1.8
                1.8