Spring Boot is a powerful framework for building modern web applications and services. In this course, we will delve into the basic setup for backend development using Spring Boot and some handy shortcuts to enhance development convenience. First, let’s briefly look at the features of Spring Boot.
1. Features of Spring Boot
Spring Boot simplifies the configuration and setup of the Spring framework, helping developers focus on business logic. Here are the main features of Spring Boot:
- Auto Configuration: Spring Boot automatically handles the necessary configurations for the application.
- Embedded Server: Applications can be easily run via an embedded server without needing to install a separate server.
- Dependency Management: Required library dependencies can be simply managed through the POM file.
- Production-Ready Features: Offers various features for monitoring, metric collection, and more.
2. Setting Up the Development Environment
To start development using Spring Boot, you need to set up an appropriate development environment. The following describes the necessary steps.
2.1 Installing JDK
To use Spring Boot, you must first install the Java Development Kit (JDK). The JDK is a tool that helps you develop Java applications. It is advisable to install version 11 or higher.
java -version
2.2 Choosing an IDE
The most commonly used Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for Spring Boot development include:
- IntelliJ IDEA: An IDE that offers powerful features and convenience, optimized for Spring Boot development.
- Eclipse: An IDE with a wide array of plugins and ecosystem.
- VSCode: A lightweight, fast editor that supports various programming languages.
2.3 Initializing Spring Boot
To start a Spring Boot project, you can generate a project using Spring Initializr. You can access it through the link below:
Fill in the metadata in the project settings and select the necessary dependencies:
- Project: Maven Project
- Language: Java
- Spring Boot: Select the desired version
- Dependencies: Spring Web, Spring Data JPA, H2 Database, Lombok, etc.
2.4 Managing Dependencies
Open the POM file of the generated project and add the necessary dependencies. Spring Boot’s dependency management features allow you to manage libraries easily.
3. Handy Shortcuts to Enhance Development Convenience and Speed
Let’s explore shortcuts that can be useful in the IDE while developing. These shortcuts will greatly enhance the convenience and productivity of your development environment.
3.1 IntelliJ IDEA Shortcuts
- Code Completion:
Ctrl + Space– Provides automatic code completion. - Code Formatting:
Ctrl + Alt + L– Automatically arranges the code. - Commenting:
Ctrl + /– Comments or uncomments the selected code. - Finding Methods:
Ctrl + F12– Shows the list of methods in the class. - Search Everything:
Shift + Shift– Allows searching for files, classes, symbols, etc.
3.2 Eclipse Shortcuts
- Code Completion:
Ctrl + Space– Uses the auto code completion feature. - Adding Comments:
Ctrl + /– Adds a single-line comment. - Finding Errors:
Ctrl + .– Finds any occurring errors. - Code Cleanup:
Ctrl + Shift + F– Applies code formatting.
3.3 VSCode Shortcuts
- Code Completion:
Ctrl + Space– Suggests code snippets and completions. - File Navigation:
Ctrl + P– Quickly performs file search. - Commenting:
Ctrl + /– Comments out the selected lines of code. - Format Entire Code:
Shift + Alt + F– Formats all the code.
4. Conclusion
Backend development using Spring Boot maximizes development convenience due to its various advantages and shortcuts. With the right setup of your development environment and useful shortcuts, you will be able to write code faster and more efficiently. As more advanced development environments and tools emerge, continue to learn and apply them.