What is a .groovy file? (Groovy)

A .groovy file is Apache Groovy source code, a dynamic language for the Java Virtual Machine. It reads like a simplified Java and is widely used for scripting, testing and Gradle and Jenkins build automation.

What is a .groovy file used for?

Groovy runs on the JVM and works seamlessly with Java, but adds concise syntax and dynamic features. It is the default language of Gradle build scripts and Jenkins pipelines, so many .groovy files are automation rather than applications.

The files are plain text; IntelliJ IDEA and VS Code handle them well.

How to open a .groovy file

The .groovy format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .groovy file.

Windows

IntelliJ IDEA
VS Code
any text editor

macOS

IntelliJ IDEA
VS Code
any text editor

Linux

IntelliJ IDEA
VS Code
any text editor

.groovy file signature (magic bytes)

Programs recognise a .groovy file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for Groovy.

Hex signature	Offset	Note
(no fixed signature)	0	plain text; no fixed magic bytes

See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.

Frequently asked questions

What is a .groovy file?

How do I run a .groovy file?

With Groovy installed, run groovy file.groovy. Gradle and Jenkins run their own .groovy build and pipeline scripts automatically.

Is Groovy the same as Java?

No, but it runs on the same JVM and can use Java libraries. Groovy adds dynamic typing and terser syntax, and most Java code is also valid Groovy.

Why do build tools use .groovy files?

Gradle build scripts and Jenkins pipelines are written in Groovy because its concise, flexible syntax suits describing build and automation logic.

Related formats

Sources

Details on this page were checked against authoritative references:

Apache Groovy documentation