Eager Configuration (tasks.create)

Summary of When Eager Tasks Make Sense:

Using eager tasks (defined with tasks.create) is generally less efficient than lazy tasks (defined with tasks.register), but there are certain situations where eager task creation might make sense.

• Tasks that influence the configuration phase, like generating necessary files or values.
• Legacy plugins or situations where eager task creation is required for compatibility.
• During script development or testing, to get immediate feedback on task configurations.

When Eager Task Creation Makes Sense:

4. Tasks That Affect Configuration:

   • If the task configuration itself influences the project configuration or other tasks (for example, dynamically setting properties based on some condition), you might want the task to be eagerly configured.
   • Example: If your task needs to generate some files or values that other tasks depend on during the configuration phase.

   tasks.create("configureBasedTask") {
       val outputDir = file("build/generated")
       outputs.dir(outputDir)
       doLast {
           outputDir.mkdirs()
           println("Generated configuration files.")
       }
   }
   

   In this case, the task might need to be eagerly configured to ensure the output directory is ready before other tasks are evaluated.

5. Legacy or Third-Party Plugin Requirements:

   • Some older or third-party Gradle plugins may rely on eager task configuration. If a plugin you're using expects tasks to be available immediately during the configuration phase, it might not work well with lazy task registration (tasks.register).
   • In such cases, you may need to use tasks.create to ensure compatibility.

6. Immediate Feedback in Script Testing:

   • When you’re developing and testing a build script, eager task creation can provide immediate feedback. Tasks are configured right away, so any errors in task configuration will be shown immediately, without waiting for the task to be run. This can make script debugging easier in some cases.

Example of When Eager Tasks Make Sense:

tasks.create("generateDocs") {
    description = "Generates documentation"
    group = "Documentation"

    // Assuming the documentation generation happens during the configuration
    outputs.dir("build/docs")

    doLast {
        println("Generating documentation...")
    }
}

In this case, if generateDocs is always run as part of every build, or if its outputs affect other parts of the configuration, eager task creation might be suitable.

Typically Avoid Eager Tasks:

Large projects with many tasks should avoid eager configuration because it will slow down the build by configuring tasks that are not needed. In these cases, lazy task registration (tasks.register) is preferred to improve build performance.

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Backlinks

• Gradle Configuration