Maven refactorings

IntelliJ IDEA lets you use several extract refactorings while you work in your POM. For example, you can extract a dependency definition into a parent POM if you have a multi-module project. You can also extract a repeatable content of dependencies into a property to eliminate duplicates.

Extract managed dependency

Let's say you have a multi-module project and in one of subprojects you have defined several dependencies that can be used by other subprojects.

You can use Extract managed dependency refactoring to extract such dependency into a parent POM under dependencyManagement.

In your POM, select the dependency you want to extract.
Press Ctrl+Alt+M or select Refactor | Extract | Extract Managed Dependency.
IntelliJ IDEA extracts the selected dependency into a parent POM, automatically creating a dependencyManagement section and a full dependency definition.
Use gutter icons to see a popup with dependency descriptions or to navigate between parent and subprojects' dependencies.

Extract property

Let's say you have a bunch of dependencies that have the same version.

You can use the Extract Property refactoring to extract such property into the properties section to manage it in one place.

In your POM, select an item (in our case version) you want to extract.
Press Ctrl+Alt+V or select Refactor | Extract | Property.
In the dialog that opens, specify a name of the property and name of the POM and click OK.
IntelliJ IDEA creates a properties section with a new declaration and replaces the content of the selected dependency.
If IntelliJ IDEA encounters more than one occurrence, it displays them in the Find tool window where you can manage their replacement.
Click Replace All to replace all of the dependencies' versions.

Last modified: 11 February 2024