This is a repackaged open source software product wherein additional charges apply for support. Maven is a powerful build automation and project management tool primarily designed for Java projects. It simplifies the project development lifecycle by providing a uniform structure, managing dependencies, compiling source code, running tests, and packaging the final product. Maven uses an XML file called pom.xml (Project Object Model) to describe the project dependencies, build configurations, and other project-specific information. It enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks and ensuring consistent project setups across different development environments.