Introduction
For quite a long time, Java was one of the strongest programming languages in the backend sphere. Nevertheless, the development of backend applications using the conventional Spring was not an easy task. It required the writing of XML configuration files, managing the dependency manually, handling the server configurations, among other tasks.
This was the game change introduced in Spring Boot.
Spring Boot made it easier for Java developers to develop the backend by removing the overhead of configuration, which increased productivity and allowed programmers to work more on the business logic and less on the setup. In this blog, we will walk through the functionality of Spring Boot and why it became the standard for the industry.
First, let us start by defining the meaning of Spring Boot, which will give us an understanding of the topic. Spring Boot will then
Issues with Conventional Spring Development
In the past, before the advent of Spring Boot application development involved the following problems:
1. Heavy XML Configuration
- Projects included large XML files related to bean configuration, data source definition, security
- Difficult maintainability and error prone
2. Complex Project Setup
- Managing dependencies manually
- Issues related to the compatibility between libraries
3. External Server Configuration
- Required external servers like Tomcat or JBoss respectively.
- The process of deployment took longer
4. Boilerplate Code
- Repetitive Configuration/Setup Code Test-Code
- Shorter development cycle
These issues made Java's backend development very powerful but not very developer-friendly.
What Is Spring Boot?
Spring Boot is the Spring Framework extended with the ability to build production ready Java-based applications in a simplified way.
Its main aim is: "Convention Over Configuration"
Provides:
-
Auto-configuration
-
Embedded servers
-
Starter dependencies
-
Ready-to-use features
All these make it possible for developers to create applications in a short time.
1. Auto-Configuration – Say Goodbye to Manual
Auto-configuration feature is one of the biggest benefits of Spring Boot.
The Spring Boot auto-configuration beans are based on the following:
- List of project dependencies or requisites
- Application properties
- Classpath configuration
Example:
By adding the dependency of spring-boot-starter-data-jpa, the following are:
-
DataSource
-
EntityManager
-
TransactionManager
No XML, no bean definitions by hand.
2. Starter Dependencies: Simplified Dependency Management
Spring Boot brought the concept of "starter dependencies." Starter dependencies are pre-configured dependency groups.
Example Starters:
- spring-boot-starter-web
- spring-boot-starter-data-jpa
- spring-boot-starter-security
- spring-boot-starter-test
Benefit:
- Not necessary to search for each library individually
- Avoids version conflicts
- Cleaner pom.xml
This makes dependency management very simple.
3. Embedded Servers: No More WAR Files
Spring Boot comes with embedded servers like:
-
Tomcat (default)
-
Jetty
-
Undertow
why it matters:
- No need for WAR files deployment
- Application runs as a standalone JAR
- Increased speed of development and testing
Run your app with:
java -jar myapp.jar
This enables Spring Boot-based applications to be cloud-enabled and microservices-friendly.
4. Minimal Configuration with application.properties
Spring Boot configures the application through the following:
- application.properties
- application.yml
Example:
server.port=8081
spring.datasource.url=jdbc:mysql://localhost:3306/testdb
spring.datasource.username=root
spring.datasource.password=1234
No XML, no multiple config files—just simple key-value configuration.
5. Quick Start with Spring Initializr
Spring Boot provides a web-based tool called Spring Initializr to create projects instantly.
You can:
- Select dependencies
- Choose build tools: Maven/Gradle
- Generate Runnable Project
This reduces project setup time from hours to minutes.
6. Simplified REST API Development
Creating REST APIs using Spring boot is very simple.
Example REST Controller:
@RestController
@RequestMapping("/api")
public class HelloController
- No servlet configuration
- No dispatcher XML
- Built-in JSON support
This makes Spring Boot ideal for RESTful backend services.
7. Production-Ready Features (Actuator)
Spring Boot provides a project called Spring Boot Actuator. It provides the following:
- Health checks
- Metrics
- Application Monitoring
- Environment Details
Example:
management.endpoints.web.exposure.include=health,info
Such characteristics are critical in a real-world manufacturing environment.
8. Easy Integration with Databases and ORM
It seamlessly integrates with:
- JDBC
- JPA
- Hibernate
- MongoDB
With minimal configuration, you can:
- Databases connectivity
- Execute CRUD Operations
- Manage transactions
It cuts backend development time drastically.
9. Microservices and Cloud Readiness
Spring Boot has been developed with the latest trends in application design in mind, such as:
- Microservices
- Network
- Kubernetes
- Cloud platforms
Its lightness and integration with a server make it ideal for use in large-scale backend applications.
Real World Effects of Spring Boot
Due to these benefits, Spring Boot has:
- Improved developer productivity
- Less repetitive code.
- Simplified deployment.
- Better maintainability
Currently, Spring Boot is widely used in:
- Enterprise applications
- Startup products
- Banking and Fintech Solutions
- E-commerce platforms
Conclusion
The emergence of Spring Boot revolutionized the process of developing a Java-based backend by making it:
- Faster
- Simpler
- The more developer-friendly
By reducing complex configurations and offering strong defaults, Spring Boot makes it possible to concentrate on what truly matters: writing business logic.
Being a Java developer, if you are looking to develop a modern-back-end application, Spring Boot has become a necessity rather than a choice.