Java Spring Boot for Beginners: Part 1: Introduction and project setup

If you're interested in diving into backend development with Java and Spring Boot, you've come to the right place. Whether you're completely new to programming or have some Java experience, this guide will help you get started with building a library management tool using Spring Boot. We'll walk you through the essentials of backend development, introduce you to frameworks, and guide you through the project setup process.

If you prefer to watch the tutorial you can do so here:https://youtu.be/lIr1tN5gTN0
also, part 2 is here: https://youtu.be/jAc7SSmuV2I

Introduction to Backend Development

Imagine you’re using a library management system or browsing an online bookstore. Everything you see, like buttons, text, and images, is part of the front-end. It’s the part users interact with. However, beneath the surface lies the backend, where the real magic happens. The backend is responsible for storing and retrieving data, implementing business logic, and processing requests. For instance, it determines if a book can be borrowed based on its availability—similar to a restaurant kitchen you don't see but is essential for preparing your meal.

Understanding Frameworks

Building a backend from scratch can be overwhelming; this is where frameworks come in handy. A framework is a set of prebuilt tools and guidelines that help you build applications faster and more efficiently, like following a recipe instead of inventing a dish from scratch. Frameworks provide consistency, time savings, and community support, making them a preferred choice for developers.

Overview of Spring and Spring Boot

The Spring framework is a popular choice for building backend applications in Java. It manages code complexity by handling common tasks. Key concepts include inversion of control, where the framework manages object setup, and dependency injection, where classes request their needed dependencies from the framework. Spring Boot builds on Spring, simplifying the setup process further. It offers auto-configuration, starter dependencies, and standalone applications, making it easier to create production-ready applications quickly.

Setting Up Your First Spring Boot Project

Let's create our first Spring Boot application using the Spring Initializer. Here’s a step-by-step setup guide:

1. Visit the Spring Initializer:
   Open your browser and go to start.spring.io. This web-based tool helps you create a Spring Boot project quickly.

2. Configure Project Settings:

   • Choose "Java" as your language.
   • Select the current Spring Boot version (e.g., 3.3.4).
   • Set up the project metadata, such as the group (e.g., com.tutorials) and the artifact (e.g., library.management).
   • Set the Java version to the latest available (e.g., Java 23).

3. Add Dependencies:
   Click on "Add Dependencies" and search for "Spring Web". This will include all the tools needed for a web application.

4. Generate and Import the Project:

   • Click "Generate" to download the project zip file.
   • Unzip the folder and open it in IntelliJ IDEA.
   • Use the "File Open" option to locate and select your project folder. After a moment, your libraries should load, revealing the project structure.

Running Your Application

Your main Java file is your entry point. With Spring Boot's @SpringBootApplication annotation, the framework knows where to start. Running the application is as easy as clicking the run button in IntelliJ, and you should soon see "Tomcat started at port 8080" in your console.

Visit localhost:8080 in your browser. You'll see a white label error page, which is normal at this stage and will be addressed in future configuration steps.

Basic Configuration

Inside your project, the application.properties file located in the src/main/resources folder allows you to configure various settings. For example, setting server.port=8090 changes the server port. After saving and restarting the application, Tomcat starts on port 8090. Now, accessing localhost:8090 should display the same error, as expected for now.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've created a new Spring Boot application for a library management tool. You've covered the basics of backend development, explored frameworks, and set up and configured a basic project. In the next session, we'll delve deeper into project structure and functionality. See you soon!