Maven is a popular open-source build automation tool for Java projects. It simplifies the build process by providing a standard way to define project structure, dependencies, and builds.

Maven uses a declarative XML file called the POM (Project Object Model) to define a project's configuration, including its dependencies, plugins, and other project-related metadata. The POM file is located in the project's root directory and contains information about the project, such as its name, version, and packaging type.

Maven provides several benefits for Java projects, including:

1. Simplified project configuration: Maven uses a standard directory structure and configuration file, making it easy to create and maintain projects.

2. Dependency management: Maven provides a powerful dependency management system, allowing you to easily manage and resolve dependencies from remote repositories.

3. Build automation: Maven automates the build process and can compile, test, package, and deploy your project with just a few commands.

4. Plugins: Maven provides a rich set of plugins that can perform various tasks, such as generating documentation, running tests, and creating reports.

Overall, Maven is a powerful tool that can simplify the development process and save time for Java developers.