Spring Boot Backend Development Course, Development Environment, Creating a Project

Hello! In this course, we will learn how to develop backend applications using Spring Boot. Spring Boot is a lightweight framework based on the Spring Framework that helps you quickly develop production-grade applications. In this article, we will explain in detail how to set up the development environment and create a project.

1. Setting Up the Development Environment

Before starting a Spring Boot project, you need to set up the following development environment.

1.1. Install JDK

Since Spring Boot is based on Java, you need to install the JDK (Java Development Kit). The JDK is a tool that compiles and runs Java source code.

  • JDK Download: [Oracle JDK Download Page](https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jdk11-downloads.html) or [OpenJDK Download Page](https://openjdk.java.net/install/)
  • After installation, check if it was successful by running the command java -version in the terminal.

1.2. Install an IDE

You need to use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to write code. There are various IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and VSCode, but in this course, we recommend IntelliJ IDEA.

  • IntelliJ IDEA Download: [JetBrains Official Website](https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/download/)
  • After installation, you can create a new Spring Boot project through the ‘Create New Project’ menu.

1.3. Install Maven

Spring Boot uses Maven to manage dependencies. You can easily add the necessary libraries by installing Maven.

  • Maven Download: [Maven Official Website](https://maven.apache.org/download.cgi)
  • After installation, check if it is completed by running the command mvn -v.

2. Creating a Project

Now that the development environment is fully prepared, the next step is to create a Spring Boot project.

2.1. Using Spring Initializr

Spring Initializr is a web-based tool that allows you to easily create Spring Boot projects. Follow the steps below to create a project.

  • Open [Spring Initializr](https://start.spring.io/) in your browser.
  • Select Project: Choose either Maven Project or Gradle Project.
  • Select Language: Choose Java.
  • Select Spring Boot Version: Choose the latest stable version (e.g., 2.6.6).
  • Enter Project Metadata: You need to fill in the following fields.
    • Group: com.example
    • Artifact: demo
    • Name: demo
    • Description: Demo project for Spring Boot
    • Package name: com.example.demo
    • Packaging: Choose Jar.
    • Java: Select the version that matches your JDK version (e.g., 11).
  • Add Dependencies: Select the libraries you need for your project. For example, you can add Spring Web, Spring Data JPA, H2 Database, etc.
  • Click the Generate button to create the project and download the ZIP file.

2.2. Opening the Project in IntelliJ

After extracting the downloaded ZIP file, open IntelliJ IDEA and follow the steps below.

  • Select ‘File’ -> ‘Open’ and choose the extracted project folder.
  • IntelliJ will recognize Maven and download the necessary libraries. Once this process is complete, the project structure will be ready.

2.3. Writing Application Code

Now let’s create a simple Spring Boot application. Open the src/main/java/com/example/demo/DemoApplication.java file and enter the following code.