Use multiple Gradle files

Help/Discuss
1

I have to following setup which is not usual or defined by Gradle. Usually this should be done via multi-project but I cannot afford it.

build.gradle
  \-- folder1
      \-- datafile1.gradle
           datafile2.gradle

When I apply a plugin (custom one) over build.gradle it is valid only for main file. Files under folder1 does’t seems to have access to objects defined by the plugin.

How can I import object defined in my plugin?
From my testing I found only exposed properties are visible but the rest is not. By this I mean classes. Trying to import something and I end up instantly with NoClassDefinitionException. Not sure how to expose (make visible) classes over all Gradle files.

My knowledge says:

  1. Loading the plugin should be done from buildscript{}
  2. Plugin is loaded from cache/repo
  3. Loading external files (datafile1.gradle and datafile2)
  4. Loading build.gradle
  5. DAG is built

I’ve read lot forums and discussions but nothing similar. Most of the topics suggests multi-project build.

Please correct me if I am wrong or such feature is still missing in Gradle.
Any help will be appreciated.

2

I’m assuming datafile1.gradle and datafile2.gradle are script plugins (i.e. apply from: 'folder1/datafile1.gradle')?

If this is the case then they each use their own classloader. The simplest solution is simply to define a buildscript { } block in each of them.

3

Yes, they are script plugins but controlled and used from plugin itself. Plugin can work without them but they are worthless without it.

Is there an approach to avoid second buildscript {} because initialization opens connection?

4

I’m not sure what you mean by “initialization opens connection”. Downloaded dependencies are cached if that’s what you are referring to. It shouldn’t incur a performance penalty.

5

By “initialization opens connection” I mean - opening new database connection. Perhaps I should have to re-work my design because when applied next step is to connect.