Gradle 9.9 Speeds Kotlin Script Recompilation
The release adds more precise test selection and changes to Wrapper and report formats that may require upgrade adjustments.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Software
Gradle released version 9.9 on November 6, 2026, reducing repeated compilation work for Kotlin build scripts. The release notes report 65% faster script recompilation in one large multi-project performance test.
Why it matters
Faster script recompilation can shorten iteration time for teams maintaining large multi-project builds that rely on Kotlin DSL scripts. The release also clarifies how upgrades may affect scripts that read internal Configuration Cache and Problems report data.
The 65% figure comes from one large multi-project performance test and measures script recompilation specifically, not total build time. Kotlin DSL scripts now use the Kotlin Build Tools API for incremental compilation, though the release notes do not report results beyond that single test.
The players
Gradle
Gradle is an open-source build automation tool widely used for compiling, testing, and packaging software projects, particularly on the Java and Kotlin platforms.
The details
Only affected parts are recompiled when changes in buildSrc or an included build require script recompilation. Test selection now handles JUnit Platform tests declared on fields and allows ArchUnit rules to be matched by enclosing class and reported name, while retry behavior for selected non-method tests has improved. Users upgrading should check deprecations, update plugins, and review scripts that extract data from Configuration Cache and Problems HTML reports, since those embedded formats changed in Gradle 9.x.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Gradle 9.9 released.
November 10, 2026: Article published.
The Tech Race
Gradle's move to the Kotlin Build Tools API for script compilation follows the broader shift of JVM build tooling toward Kotlin-native infrastructure. The change positions Gradle to keep pace with competing build systems that are also optimizing incremental compilation.
Developers maintaining Kotlin DSL build scripts may see shorter recompilation cycles after upgrading to Gradle 9.9, though gains depend on project structure. Teams using the Configuration Cache or Problems reports should verify scripts that parse those embedded formats before upgrading.
The takeaway
Upgrading to Gradle 9.9 can speed up iteration on Kotlin build scripts, but teams should first check deprecations, plugin compatibility, and any tooling that reads internal report formats.
Further reading
For related developments in build and development tooling, explore the Software section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ADTmag.
