How to Create and Setup Spring Boot Project in Spring Tool Suite?

Spring Boot is a Java-based framework that simplifies the development of enterprise applications by reducing configuration and setup time. Spring Tool Suite (STS) is an Eclipse-based IDE specially designed for Spring application development with built-in support and developer tools.

• Spring Boot reduces boilerplate configuration using auto-configuration.
• Spring Tool Suite provides built-in support for Spring projects.
• Maven is used for dependency management and project building.

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK 11 or later) installed
• Spring Tool Suite (STS) installed
• Basic knowledge of Java and Maven
• Active internet connection for downloading dependencies

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Install Spring Tool Suite

Download and install the latest version of Spring Tool Suite from the official website.

• STS is built on top of Eclipse IDE.
• It simplifies Spring Boot project creation and management.

Note: Make sure the installation is completed successfully before proceeding.

Step 2: Create a New Spring Starter Project

Open Spring Tool Suite (STS). Go to : File -> New -> Spring Starter Project

• Spring Starter Project automatically creates a Spring Boot project structure.
• It reduces manual configuration work.

This will open the Spring Starter Project configuration window.

Step 3: Enter Project Details

Fill the required project information.

• Name: Project name
• Type: Maven Project
• Packaging: Jar or War
• Java Version: 11 or higher
• Language: Java
• Group: Organization or company name
• Artifact: Project identifier
• Package: Base package name

After filling in the details, click Next.

Step 4: Choose Spring Boot Version and Dependencies

Select the required Spring Boot version (3.3.x). Select dependencies according to your project needs, such as:

• Spring Web
• Spring Data JPA
• MySQL Driver
• Spring Security
• Lombok

After selecting dependencies, click Next.

Step 5: Finish Project Creation

Click the Finish button.

Now, wait for a few moments while STS downloads all required dependencies and sets up the project.

Step 6: Understand Project Structure

After successful setup, your project structure will look like this:

• MainApplication.java -> Entry point of your Spring Boot application
• application.properties -> stores configuration settings.
• pom.xml -> manages dependencies and plugins.

Step 7: Run the Spring Boot Application

Right-click the project and select: Run As -> Spring Boot App.

• Open the browser and access:

http://localhost:8080