Spring Boot with Rest API

What is Spring Boot?

Spring Boot is basically a spring module which aims to simplify the use of spring framework for Java application development(Top of the spring framework architecture).It is used to create both standalone/console and web applications by removing a lot of configuration and dependencies and aims for rapid application development. Spring Boot is opiniated framework (user friendly , flexible , stable).

How does Spring Boot differ from Spring?

1. Setup and Configuration:

• Spring: Requires manual configuration of the application, which can be XML or annotation-based.
• Spring Boot: Provides auto-configuration, reducing the need for manual setup.

2. Dependency Management:

• Spring: Dependencies need to be added manually.
• Spring Boot: Allows automatic addition of dependencies through "starters" when creating a project, simplifying the process.

3. Web Server:

• In Spring, you need to manually add a server like Tomcat or Jetty.
• Spring Boot has an embedded (in-built) server, so you don’t need to configure one separately.

4. Development Speed:

• Spring is slower due to extensive configurations required.
• Spring Boot is faster because of auto-configuration and embedded web servers.

5. Boilerplate Code:

• Spring involves more boilerplate code, requiring developers to write similar code multiple times.
• Spring Boot reduces boilerplate code, making it more concise.

6 . In- Memory Database:

• Spring does not support in-memory databases natively.
• Spring Boot offers plugins for working with embedded and in-memory databases.

Features of Spring Boot

1. Auto Configuration
2. Starter dependencies
3. Embedded Web Server
4. Actuator
5. Health Checks
6. Metrics

Advantages of Spring Boot

1. Ease of use
2. Productivity
3. High Performance
4. Scalability
5. Flexibility
6. Large Community
7. Open Source

What is an API?

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the ability for different applications and services to communicate and work together is essential. This is where APIs - short for Application Programming Interfaces come into play. APIs act as a bridge that allows different software systems to interact with one another, using a standardized set of protocols and subroutines to facilitate communication.

Essentially, APIs provide programmers with tools to develop software in a more efficient and streamlined manner. By leveraging APIs, developers can access functionalities and data from other applications without having to build these features from scratch. This not only speeds up the development process but also enhances the capabilities of their own software.

At its core, an API serves as an intermediary that takes requests from users and communicates them to service providers, then relays the responses back to the users. This communication ensures that different programs can exchange data, perform tasks, and function cohesively, ultimately improving user experiences.

How do APIs work?

To understand how an API functions, it helps to picture a client-server architecture where the client (such as a user or application) sends a request and the server (often the backend system) responds. APIs facilitate this communication by acting as an intermediary, handling requests from the client and delivering responses from the server. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how this process typically unfolds:

• The Client Initiates the Request: The process begins when the client makes a request through the API's URI (Uniform Resource Identifier). This request can be for data, a service or a specific action.
• The API Calls the Server: Once the API receives the request, it processes it and makes a call to the server, relaying the client's request.
• The Server Sends a Response: The server then processes the request, gathers the necessary information, and sends a response back to the API.
• The API Delivers the Response to the Client: Finally, the API transfers the server's response to the client, completing the communication loop.

What are the different types of APIs?

There are three main types of APIs:

• Web API - Also referred to as Web Services, Web APIs are commonly used on the internet and are accessible via HTTP. These APIs are typically open-source and allow access from multiple client types, including mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers.
• Program API - Program APIs allow remote programs to function as if they were local, using Remote Procedural Calls (RPCs). SOAP is a common example, enabling applications to communicate across networks and providing a structured message format in XML.
• Local API - Local APIs provide middleware services within a local environment. They facilitate communication between software components on the same system. Examples include TAPI (Telephony Application Programming Interface) and .NET, which allow programs to interact within a local framework.

API Used in My Project

In this project, we have utilized RESTful Web APIs, which follow the REST architectural style

REST (Representational State Transfer): REST is a lightweight and stateless architectural style that enables data manipulation using standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. Due to its scalability, ease of use, and flexibility, REST is widely adopted for web-based applications.

While REST is a popular choice, there is also SOAP API. However, in comparison, SOAP is generally considered less effective than REST for most web-based applications:

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): SOAP uses XML for its message format and is commonly employed in web-based services requiring high levels of security and strict standards. It is particularly suited for applications that demand reliable messaging.

To test and apply the RESTful Web APIs in this project, I have used Postman, which allows for streamlined API development and testing.

Project Structure

Here is the project structure of my Spring Boot project, which includes RESTful Web APIs.

Screenshots of Postman displaying the outputs after execution

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my mentor, Jonnalagadda Surya Kiran Sir , for his exceptional guidance in explaining and teaching complex concepts clearly and effectively. Your expertise has greatly enriched our understanding and provided us with invaluable insights that have significantly contributed to our learning journey.