Welcome to this simple Spring Boot tutorial. Spring Boot is a helpful tool that makes Java app development easier by reducing setup work. In this Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, you will learn basic features like auto-configuration and built-in servers. You will also learn how to create a simple REST web service. Whether you are new to coding or want to improve your skills, this Spring Boot for beginners step-by-step guide will help you start using Spring Boot with clear examples and easy steps.

What is Spring Boot?

Before delving into the Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, let's understand what it is. So, it is a free tool that helps you build Java applications more easily and quickly. It is built on top of the Spring framework and removes the need to write a lot of setup code. With built-in features like auto setup, ready-to-use servers, and helpful packages, you can create complete applications faster. It follows simple rules to reduce manual settings, making it great for creating microservices and APIs. Many developers use it because it’s fast, easy to use, and well-supported by a large community.

Why Use Spring Boot?

There are many good reasons to use Spring Boot when making an application. So, here are the reasons in this Spring Boot step by step tutorial for beginners:

  • Fast Development: It helps you build apps quickly by giving ready-made tools and settings, so you can focus more on your main code.
  • Auto Setup: Spring Boot sets things up for you based on what your project needs. So you don’t have to do it all by hand.
  • Built-in Servers: It comes with its own web servers (like Tomcat). So you don’t need to install one separately to run your app.
  • Great for Microservices: Spring Boot works very well with microservices. Which are small parts of a bigger system that can work on their own.
  • Big Community and Help: Many developers use Spring Boot, so it’s easy to find help, guides, and examples online.
  • Ready for Real Use: It has built-in tools to check if your app is healthy, working well, and running smoothly.
  • Flexible: You can choose your own tools and connect them with many other programs and technologies.

In short, Spring Boot makes it easier, faster, and more flexible to build modern apps.

Getting Started with Spring Tutorial for Beginners

Prerequisites

Before starting the Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, make sure you have these things ready:

  • Java JDK 8 or newer installed
  • Maven or Gradle to manage project files and libraries
  • An IDE like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse to write and run your code easily

Setting Up Your First Spring Boot Application

To make a Spring Boot application, follow these simple steps:

  • Create a New Project: Go toSpring Initializr and fill in your project details. Choose the tools and features (called dependencies) you need.
  • Import the Project: After downloading the project, open it in your IDE (like IntelliJ or Eclipse).
  • Understand the Project Structure:
    • src/main/java: This is where you write your Java code.
    • src/main/resources: This holds settings and other files your app may need.
    • pom.xml or build.gradle: These files handle the tools as well as the libraries your project uses.

Writing Your First Spring Boot Application

Here in this Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, let’s create a simple RESTful web service as our first Spring Boot example.

1. Create a Controller:

In the src/main/java directory, create a new package called com.example.demo.controller and add a class named HelloController.

package com.example.demo.controller;

import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.GetMapping;

import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.RestController;

@RestController

public class HelloController {

@GetMapping("/hello")

public String sayHello() {

return "Hello, Spring Boot!";

}

}
2. Run the Application: 

In the main application class (usually named DemoApplication), add the @SpringBootApplication annotation and run the application.

package com.example.demo;

import org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication;

import org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.SpringBootApplication;

@SpringBootApplication

public class DemoApplication {

public static void main(String[] args) {

SpringApplication.run(DemoApplication.class, args);

}

}
3. Access the Endpoint: 

Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080/hello. You should see the message "Hello, Spring Boot!".

Features of Spring Boot Framework

In this section of the Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, we will discuss some key features of the Spring Boot framework. This helps developers create applications more efficiently.

1. Automatic Setup 

One of the standout features of Spring Boot is its ability to automatically set up your application based on the tools you’ve chosen to use. This means you don’t have to spend time writing repetitive code; instead, you can focus on the actual functionality of your application.

2. Easy Dependencies 

Spring Boot simplifies the process of managing the different tools and libraries your application needs. It offers “starter dependencies,” which are pre-packaged collections of libraries. For example, if you're building a web application, you just need to add a specific starter, and it will take care of the rest for you.

3. Configuration Settings 

You can customize your Spring Boot application using a configuration file called application.properties or application.yml, found in the resources folder of your project. This file allows you to set important settings for your application. Such as which port it runs on, how it connects to databases, and what information gets logged.

In short, the features that we have discussed above in this Spring Boot tutorial for beginners make it easier for developers to create and manage applications without getting bogged down by technical details.

Learn Spring Boot from Scratch

To learn Spring Boot from the beginning, you should understand these important topics:

  • Spring Boot Starters: These are ready-made sets of tools to help you start projects easily.
  • Spring Boot Actuator: This helps you check and monitor how your app is working.
  • Spring Data JPA: This lets you connect and work with databases in a simple way.
  • Spring Security: This helps you add login, password, and other safety features to your app.
  • RESTful Web Services: This teaches you how to build and use web APIs with Spring Boot.

Spring Boot Example: Building a CRUD Application

Let’s create a simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) application using Spring Boot and Spring Data JPA in this Spring Boot tutorial for beginners.

1. Add Dependencies: 

In your pom.xml, add the following dependencies:

<dependency>

<groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>

<artifactId>spring-boot-starter-data-jpa</artifactId>

</dependency>

<dependency>

<groupId>com.h2database</groupId>

<artifactId>h2</artifactId>

<scope>runtime</scope>

</dependency>

2. Create an Entity: 

Create a new package called com.example.demo.model and add a class named User .

package com.example.demo.model;

import javax.persistence.Entity;

import javax.persistence.GeneratedValue;

import javax.persistence.GenerationType;

import javax.persistence.Id;

@Entity

public class User {

@Id

@GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)

private Long id;

private String name;

private String email;

// Getters and Setters

}

3. Create a Repository: 

In this step of Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, create a new package called com.example.demo.repository and add an interface named User Repository.

package com.example.demo.repository;

import com.example.demo.model.User;

import org.springframework.data.jpa.repository.JpaRepository;

public interface UserRepository extends JpaRepository<User, Long> {

}

4. Create a Service: 

Create a new package called com.example.demo.service and add a class named User Service.

package com.example.demo.service;

import com.example.demo.model.User;

import com.example.demo.repository.UserRepository;

import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;

import org.springframework.stereotype.Service;

import java.util.List;

@Service

public class UserService {

@Autowired

private UserRepository userRepository;

public List<User> getAllUsers() {

return userRepository.findAll();

}

public User createUser (User user) {

return userRepository.save(user);

}

// Additional methods for update and delete

}

5. Create a Controller: 

In this step of the Spring Boot tutorial for beginners example, update your HelloController to include CRUD operations.

package com.example.demo.controller;

import com.example.demo.model.User;

import com.example.demo.service.UserService;

import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;

import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.*;

import java.util.List;

@RestController

@RequestMapping("/users")

public class UserController {

@Autowired

private UserService userService;

@GetMapping

public List<User> getAllUsers() {

return userService.getAllUsers();

}

@PostMapping

public User createUser (@RequestBody User user) {

return userService.createUser (user);

}

// Additional endpoints for update and delete

}

Best Way to Learn Spring Boot

According to this Spring Boot tutorial for beginners, the best way to learn Spring Boot is by combining reading and practice. In fact, here are some easy tips to help you learn better:

  • Follow Tutorials: Watch videos, read spring boot tutorial for beginners step by step guides, or a Java full stack developer course that lets you try things yourself.
  • Build Projects: Make your own simple apps to practice what you’ve learned.
  • Read Documentation: Check the official Spring Boot website to understand how things work.
  • Join Communities: Ask questions and talk with others in online groups or forums.

Important Spring Boot Topics to Learn

As you keep learning, here are some more useful Spring Boot topics to explore:

  • Spring Boot Testing: Learn how to check if your app works correctly by writing tests.
  • The Spring Boot Profiles: Understand how to set up different settings for development, testing, or live use.
  • Spring Boot with Frontend Frameworks: Try connecting Spring Boot with tools like Angular or React to build full apps.
  • Spring Boot and Docker: Learn how to put your app in a container using Docker so it runs anywhere easily.

Conclusion

This Spring Boot tutorial for beginners gave you a simple and clear start to using Spring Boot. You learned about helpful features like auto-setup, built-in servers, and starter tools that make coding faster. We also covered important topics like creating REST APIs and CRUD apps, which are used in real projects. To keep learning, build your own apps and join the Spring Boot community for help. With its easy setup and strong features, Spring Boot is a great choice for making modern Java applications quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which is better, Node.js or Spring Boot?

Ans. Both are good. Use Node.js for simple and fast apps. Use Spring Boot for big, complex apps in Java that need strong structure as well as features.

Q. Is Spring Boot a backend?

Ans. Yes, Spring Boot is a backend tool. It also helps to create apps that run on servers and connect to databases and frontends.

Q. Is Spring Boot easy for beginners?

Ans. Spring Boot is easy if you know basic Java. It reduces setup work as well as lets you build apps faster and more easily.