m2repository

m2repository is a term that refers to a local Maven repository, typically found on a developer's machine. Maven is a popular build automation tool primarily used for Java projects. It manages project dependencies, which are external libraries or components that a project relies on. When Maven builds a project, it downloads these dependencies from remote repositories, such as Maven Central, and stores them in the local m2repository.

The m2repository is structured in a hierarchical directory format. The base directory is usually located in the user's home directory under a `.m2` folder. Within `.m2`, there is a `repository` sub-directory. Inside this repository folder, dependencies are organized by their group ID, artifact ID, and version number. For example, a dependency with group ID `com.google.guava`, artifact ID `guava`, and version `31.1-jre` would be located in a path like `~/.m2/repository/com/google/guava/guava/31.1-jre/`.

This local repository serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it speeds up build times by avoiding repeated downloads of the same dependencies. Once a dependency is downloaded, subsequent builds can retrieve it directly from the m2repository. Secondly, it allows developers to work offline or with limited network connectivity. If all necessary dependencies are present in the m2repository, a project can be built without an internet connection. Finally, it can also host custom or private dependencies that are not available in public remote repositories.