Exploring What is Spring Boot and Its Features

The Spring Framework provides a lot of functionality out of the box. What is Spring Boot? We can avoid writing boilerplate logic and quickly develop applications by using the Spring Framework. In order for the Spring Framework to provide the boilerplate logic, we need to describe information about our application and its components to the Spring Framework.

It’s not just our application components that need configuration; even the classes provided by the Spring Framework have to be configured as beans within the Spring Framework.

Exploring Spring Framework Configuration Options

XML-based Configuration: A Classic Approach

One way we can provide configuration information about our class to the Spring Framework is by using XML-based configuration, specifically the Spring Bean Configuration File. Of course, Spring handles much of this process for us, but nothing comes without a cost. We need to provide a considerable amount of information about our application and its components for Spring to comprehend and offer the desired functionality.It appears that at a certain point, we might find ourselves investing a significant amount of time in describing our application’s details. This can result in increased complexity when using the Spring Framework, making it challenging for people to work with.
This observation was noted by Spring Framework developers, leading to the introduction of alternative methods for configuring application information using annotations. Writing configuration in XML format can be cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming due to its complexity. Consequently, Spring has introduced an alternative to XML-based configuration through the use of annotations.

Stereotype Annotations: A Leap Forward

That’s where Spring has introduced stereotype annotations to expedite the configuration of our application classes within the Spring Framework. Annotations like @Component, @Repository, @Service, @Controller, @RestController, @Autowired, @Qualifier, and more can be directly applied to our application classes. This approach helps us bypass the need for XML-based configuration.
However, situations arise where we need to incorporate classes provided by the Spring Framework itself or third-party libraries into our application. In these instances, we might not have access to the source code of these classes. Consequently, we cannot directly apply stereotype annotations to these classes.
Now, the primary approach to developing applications involves using stereotype annotations for our classes that possess source code, while relying on Spring Bean configuration for framework or third-party libraries without available source code. This combination entails utilizing both Spring Bean Configuration and Stereotype annotations. However, it appears that we haven’t entirely resolved the initial issue. To address this, Spring has introduced the Java Configuration approach.
Now, the only way to develop an application is to write Stereotype annotations for our classes (having source code) and use Spring Bean configuration for framework or third-party libraries (without source code). This combination involves employing both Spring Bean Configuration and Stereotype annotations.
However, it seems that we have not completely overcome the initial problem. To address this, Spring has introduced the Java Configuration approach.

Java Configuration: Bridging the Gap

Spring has introduced the Java Configuration approach, where instead of configuring classes without source code in a Spring Bean Configuration file, we can write their configuration in a separate Java Configuration class. Advantages:
- No need to memorize XML tags for configuration.
- Type-safe configuration.
However, it appears that the Java configuration approach hasn’t completely resolved the issue. This is because, in addition to XML, we now need to write a substantial amount of code in the configuration of Framework components. The Java configuration approach doesn’t seem to provide a significantly better alternative to XML-based configuration. Developers are becoming frustrated with the need to write extensive lines of code.

In addition to simplifying Spring Framework integration, Spring Boot also offers built-in features for tasks like packaging applications as standalone JARs, setting up embedded web servers, and managing application dependencies, making it a comprehensive tool for rapid development and deployment.

What does Spring Boot, what is Spring Boot, provide?

Spring boot is an module that addresses the non-functional requirements in building an Spring Framework based application.

Advantages

In general people this Spring Boot can be used for building an functional aspect of an application for e.g.. spring jdbc is used for building persistency-tier of an application similarly spring mvc can be used for building web applications. Unlike these modules spring boot is not used for building any of the functional aspects of an application rather it helps the developers in speeding up the development of a Spring based application.

How and in which Spring Boot helps us in building the Spring Framework applications fast?

Spring boot features

1. Auto Configurations:

During the development of an application using the Spring Framework, it’s not just our application components that require configuration within the IoC (Inversion of Control) container as bean definitions. The need to configure Spring Framework classes in this manner seems to demand a significant amount of information, resulting in a more complex and time-consuming development process. This is where the concept of auto-configuration steps in.

Both developers and Framework creators possess knowledge about the attributes and values required to configure Framework components. Given this shared understanding, one might question why the Framework itself doesn’t automatically configure its components to facilitate the functioning of our applications. This is the essence of Auto Configurations.
Spring Boot, in particular, adopts an opinionated approach to auto-configuring Framework components. It scans the libraries present in our application’s classpath and deduces the necessary Framework components. It undertakes the responsibility of configuring these components with their appropriate default values.
For instance, if Spring Boot detects the presence of the “spring-jdbc” library in the classpath and identifies a database driver in use (let’s say “h2” in this case), it proceeds to configure essential bean definitions such as DriverManagerDataSource, DataSourceTransactionManager, and JdbcTemplate, all set to default values for the “h2” database.
Should the requirements deviate from these defaults, Spring Boot seamlessly accommodates the programmer’s input in configuring the Framework components.
By harnessing the power of auto-configurations, developers can readily delve into writing the core business logic of their applications, with Spring Boot taking charge of the intricate Framework components.
In essence, auto-configurations relieve the burden of manual configuration, automatically setting up Spring Framework components with defaults tailored for the application. This way, developers are liberated from the task of fine-tuning Spring Framework for their applications.

2. Starter Dependencies:

Spring Boot provides Maven archetypes designed to expedite the configuration of project dependencies. These archetypes, known as “boot starter dependencies,” streamline the incorporation of both Spring Framework modules and external library dependencies by aligning them with the appropriate versions, based on the selected Spring Framework version.
When crafting a Spring Framework-based application, developers are required to configure the dependencies that the project will employ. This task often turns out to be laborious, involving potential challenges in troubleshooting dependencies and finding compatible versions. Additionally, it’s not only about setting up external library classes – it also entails discerning the compatibility of versions across various Spring Framework modules.
Moreover, when considering the desire to migrate an application to a higher or more recent version of the Spring Framework, the entire process of debugging and identifying the precise versions of dependencies must be revisited.
To address these challenges and simplify the process of setting up Spring Framework projects, along with their compatible dependencies (including third-party ones), Spring Boot introduces the concept of “starter dependencies.”
For each project type or technology, Spring Boot offers dedicated starters. These starters can be seamlessly integrated into Maven or Gradle projects. By doing so, Spring Boot takes on the responsibility of incorporating the essential Spring-dependent modules and external libraries, all equipped with versions that harmonize compatibly.

3. Actuator Endpoints:

Using Spring Boot, we have the capability to develop applications that smoothly transition from development to production-grade deployment. Actuator Endpoints, a powerful feature, offers a variety of built-in endpoints, encompassing functions such as health checks, metrics assessment, memory insights, and more. Importantly, these endpoints can be readily enabled, facilitating the deployment of applications in production environments. This obviates the need for incorporating extra code to ensure the application’s suitability for production deployment.

Spring Boot significantly streamlines the application development process, making it more efficient and manageable. One of its standout features is the inclusion of Actuator Endpoints. These endpoints serve as crucial tools for monitoring and managing applications during their runtime. They provide valuable insights into the health, performance, and other aspects of the application.
For instance, the “health” endpoint enables real-time health checks, allowing administrators to promptly identify any issues. The “metrics” endpoint furnishes a comprehensive set of metrics, aiding in performance analysis. Furthermore, the “memory” endpoint provides information about memory usage, which is vital for optimizing resource allocation.
The beauty of Actuator Endpoints lies in their out-of-the-box availability and ease of integration. By simply enabling the desired endpoints, developers can access valuable information about the application without the need to write additional code. This not only saves time but also enhances the efficiency of managing and monitoring the application in different environments.

4. DevTools [Development Feature]:

Debugging code becomes remarkably efficient with the aid of DevTools. Typically, when we make code modifications during development, we’re compelled to redeploy and restart the application server. Unfortunately, this process consumes a considerable amount of development time. However, DevTools brings a refreshing change. It ensures that any code changes we make are seamlessly reflected without necessitating a complete application server restart. Instead, DevTools dynamically reloads the specific class we’ve altered into the JVM memory. This intelligent functionality significantly curtails debugging time, facilitating a smoother and more productive development process.

5. Embedded Container:

The concept of an embedded container is a remarkable feature that enhances the development process. In this approach, the server is integrated into the project as a library. Consequently, you can execute your project directly from the codebase. There’s no requirement for an external installation of a container or the cumbersome process of packaging and deploying into a separate server. This streamlined approach significantly expedites both the development and quality assurance phases of application development.

6. Spring Boot CLI:

The Spring Boot Command Line Interface (CLI) introduces a powerful tool to swiftly develop and execute prototype code. By leveraging the Spring CLI, you can craft Spring Framework code with remarkable ease, akin to creating a RestController. This code can then be promptly executed using the CLI.

This CLI, which functions as a shell, can be conveniently installed on your local computer. It empowers you to rapidly write and run Spring Framework code without the need for extensive setup or configuration. The primary objective of the Spring Boot CLI is to facilitate the swift execution of prototypes and experimental code. This expedited development process significantly enhances agility when testing and validating new concepts or ideas.

Summary of Features Here’s a concise summary of the key features offered by Spring Boot

Jump-Start Experience: Spring Boot provides a seamless starting point for building Spring Framework applications, accelerating the setup process.
Rapid Application Development: With Spring Boot’s streamlined approach, developers can swiftly develop applications, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
Auto Configurations: The auto-configuration feature efficiently configures Framework components with default settings. In cases where requirements differ, simple configurations allow for easy tuning of components.
Production-Grade Deployment: Spring Boot empowers the deployment of applications that meet production-grade standards, ensuring stability and reliability.
Enhanced Non-Functional Aspects: Beyond core functionality, Spring Boot addresses non-functional aspects of application development. This includes features like debugging, automatic restart during development, and robust tools for metrics and memory management.

In essence, Spring Boot revolutionizes Spring Framework application development by offering an array of capabilities that streamline the process, bolster production readiness, and enhance the development experience.