I really don't want to use maven because it seems like a massive hassle. Is there any way to just download mahout and use it in my eclipse project? All I get from using maven is build path errors and millions of warnings.
I have searched for a way to do this but people seem pretty set on using maven all the time.
I'm not set on it. I hate Maven.
The problem you'll have with Mahout is that they've decided to use it. If that's the case, you're stuck with it, too.
Actually, I don't think you could use Mahout without Maven, because Mahout is a Maven project! In eclipse, you could install maven plugin (or in elicpse marketplace, find integrated M2), you could refer this post Maven in Eclipse: step by step installation
The blog is very good for us to learn how to install mahout: how to install mahout
BTW, you could ignore installing hadoop. If Mahout cannot find HADOOP configuration on your computer, it will run locally.
The best way to use mahout is by using build tool Maven.Its a great tool for project build and management,nevertheless it throws errors for missing artifacts etc,but you will find the solution to overcome it with the help of maven wiki and the error it shows,it shows you the solution after the error details.
You can very well work on mahout without building it.Just download the necessary jars and add it to the BuildPath in eclipse.You can run this as usual Java program.
I know it's late but let's answer anyway:
I don't know if things have changed, but I used mahout today for the first time - and I did not use Maven. I simpy followed the steps given in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD40rVKUwPI
In particular, have a look at the description of the next tutorial: "Note: this tutorial uses maven for the project, unlike the first tutorial." ==> I guess that means that using Maven is not a must.
I also had this same issue. If you just want to use mahout as a java library for your project, you can use it in eclipse without using maven. You just need to create a user library and upload the jar files into it. Then just put that library into your build path.
来源：https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17172127/using-mahout-in-eclipse-without-using-maven