Great International Developer Summit (GIDS)

Simpler Java Build Tools with Object-Oriented Programming - Haoyi Li

52:56 · 21 Apr 2026 – 24 Apr 2026 · YouTube

About this talk

This talk examines the challenges faced in Java build tooling and discusses how object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts such as methods, classes, and overrides can enhance clarity and performance. The speaker highlights how applying OOP principles can effectively model the complex dependency graphs and configuration rules needed for real-world projects, thereby avoiding the difficulties posed by legacy DSLs and opaque configuration files. The session culminates in a demonstration of Mill, an innovative build tool that leverages OOP to provide a faster, more predictable, and user-friendly build experience, illustrating what an ideal developer-friendly Java build system can achieve.