Decoding AEM Analyzer Maven Plugin Errors: A Practical Guide

The Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) ecosystem is a powerful platform for building and managing digital experiences. As developers build AEM projects, they face frequent errors that can be frustrating and difficult to understand. The AEM Analyzer Maven Plugin is a critical tool for identifying potential issues early in the development lifecycle. This article aims to break down a specific error encountered while using the aemanalyser-maven-plugin and provide practical steps for troubleshooting.

The Issue: API Regions and Bundle Exports

One common, perplexing error reported by the AEM Analyzer is related to API regions, exports, and imports. A developer encountered the following message during a Maven build:

[api-regions-exportsimports] importing package(s) com.mywebsite.core.models.test in start level 21 but no bundle is exporting these for that start level.

This cryptic message indicates a mismatch between the packages a bundle is trying to import and the packages that other bundles are exporting at a specific start level (in this case, 21). Before we dive into solutions, let's clarify a few terms:

• Bundle: A module in AEM, typically a JAR file containing code, resources, and a manifest.
• Package: A namespace that groups related classes in Java.
• Export: Making a package visible and usable by other bundles.
• Import: Declaring a dependency on a package provided by another bundle.
• Start Level: Within OSGi, start levels dictate the order in which bundles are activated.

Common Causes and Solutions

This error usually arises from one of several scenarios:

1. Missing Bundle Inclusion:

   • Problem: The bundle containing the package com.mywebsite.core.models.test isn't included in the "all" or container package of the AEM project.
   • Solution: Ensure the relevant bundle is properly included in the pom.xml file of the "all" package. This ensures it's deployed to the AEM runtime. As nitesh_kumar suggested, verify that your bundle is included in the container package.

2. Incorrect Export Configuration:

   • Problem: The bundle containing the com.mywebsite.core.models.test package isn't explicitly exporting it in its pom.xml file.
   • Solution: Examine the maven-bundle-plugin configuration in the bundle's pom.xml. Confirm that the Export-Package instruction includes com.mywebsite.core.models.test.

3. Runtime Unavailability:

   • Problem: Even if compilation succeeds, the bundle might be unavailable at runtime, preventing other bundles from resolving their dependencies.
   • Solution: This is often due to the bundle not being deployed or activated correctly. Check the AEM OSGi console to verify the bundle's status. Refer to this article for example on how to embed third-party dependencies.

4. Start Level Conflicts:

   • Problem: The start level of the importing bundle might be lower than the start level required for the exporting bundle to be active.
   • Solution: Ensure the start levels are correctly configured, allowing the exporting bundle to start before the importing one.

5. Internal Class Visibility:

   • Problem: When the package contains internal classes, there is a possibility none of the classes are not exported properly.
   • Solution: Ensure that the classes you try to export are made public so that they are accessible.

Steps for Effective Troubleshooting

1. Inspect the pom.xml Files: Carefully review the importing and exporting bundles' pom.xml files for any misconfigurations in the maven-bundle-plugin.
2. Check the AEM OSGi Console: Use the AEM Web Console (usually accessible at http://localhost:4502/system/console/bundles) to inspect the state of the relevant bundles. Look for errors, missing dependencies, or inactive bundles.
3. Examine Maven Build Logs: Run the Maven build with the -X flag for extra debugging information if needed. This can reveal more details about the plugin's analysis and dependency resolution.
4. Verify Archetype and Plugin Versions: Confirm you're using compatible and up-to-date versions of the AEM archetype and the aemanalyser-maven-plugin. Obsolete versions can sometimes cause unexpected issues.

Embedding Third-Party JARs

If the issue involves third-party libraries, make sure they are properly embedded within your AEM project. The maven-bundle-plugin can assist with this process. Also, ensure that the dependencies are included in the pom.xml file for the project.

Conclusion

Addressing AEM Analyzer Maven plugin errors requires a methodical approach. Understanding the underlying concepts of OSGi bundles, package exports/imports, and correctly configuring your Maven project are vital for a smooth development experience. By systematically investigating the common causes outlined above, you can efficiently resolve issues and maintain a robust AEM environment.

By following these steps, developers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve common issues related to the AEM Analyzer Maven Plugin, ensuring a smoother and more efficient AEM development process.