title: Is there a centralized Java libraries repository such like CPAN for Perl?
body: <p>People build repositories of software (like these that contains GNU/Linux packages) or  code, documentation, all centralized in one place. </p>
  
  <p>All modules/libraries installations can be done through it. Re-using code is a good thing, and it helps developers to not reinvent the wheel, debugging existing code and share the work with others. Using a system like this one, you will retrieve security-updates easily. It helps to develop the community too. </p>
  
  <p>CPAN is a good example of a large and comprehensive ecosystem, and it is become <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cpan#Influence" rel="noreferrer">a strength of the Perl language</a>.</p>
  
  <p>I would like to know if a similar thing exists for the Java world and what are the main differences from the Perl/CPAN world (I don't try to open an opinion based debate but hope for constructive discussion). I've heard about a <a href="http://search.maven.org/" rel="noreferrer">Maven's Central Repository</a> but if Maven provides "<em>patterns to a project's build infrastructure in order to promote comprehension and productivity by providing a clear path in the use of best practices</em>", is it also largely used to promote publishing of Open Source code?</p>
  
  <p>I would like to know what kinds of tools are used today and what are your experiences around this problematic.</p>