People build repositories of software (like these that contains GNU/Linux packages) or code, documentation, all centralized in one place.
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.
CPAN is a good example of a large and comprehensive ecosystem, and it is become a strength of the Perl language.
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 Maven's Central Repository but if Maven provides "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", is it also largely used to promote publishing of Open Source code?
I would like to know what kinds of tools are used today and what are your experiences around this problematic.
Maven is the way to go !
It has plugins for eclipse, and other IDE's plus it supports a decent building process.
Check this out: http://maven.apache.org/guides/getting-started/