Invokeddepends

Invokeddepends is a build system feature primarily used in software development to manage dependencies between build steps or targets. It is commonly found in build tools like Apache Maven, where it allows developers to specify that certain build phases or plugins should only be executed if specific conditions are met, often related to the presence of certain dependencies or configurations.

The concept is particularly useful in scenarios where certain build tasks are conditional on the availability of particular libraries or tools. For example, a developer might want to run a code coverage analysis plugin only if the `jacoco` dependency is included in the project. By using invokeddepends, the build tool can dynamically determine whether to execute the plugin based on the project's dependencies.

In Maven, invokeddepends is implemented through the `<executions>` section of a plugin configuration. Developers can define conditional logic using expressions that evaluate the presence of dependencies or other build-time conditions. This approach helps streamline the build process by avoiding unnecessary steps when certain dependencies are absent.

The feature is distinct from regular dependency management, which focuses on resolving and including libraries at compile or runtime. Instead, invokeddepends operates at the build phase level, ensuring that certain tasks are only invoked when their prerequisites are satisfied. This can improve build efficiency and reduce errors by preventing the execution of incompatible or redundant steps.

While primarily associated with Maven, similar concepts exist in other build systems, though the syntax and implementation may vary. Invokeddepends helps maintain flexibility in build configurations while ensuring that dependencies are respected and managed effectively.