Create a REST API Using Spring Boot

0. Preparation

Download and install the latest Java SE JDK 1.8 from Oracle - we only need the JDK, not NetBeans or Java EE.

Download the latest Eclipse IDE for Java EE Developers from Eclipse.org. There is now an Eclipse Installer, but personally I prefer the zip package as it does not require internet access or admin privilege during installation. Unzip it to a local directory, e.g. c:\eclipse, then start up Eclipse by double-click on eclipse.exe under the Eclipse folder. If you are using Eclipse for the first time, you will be asked to choose a folder to be Eclipse's workspace. Eclipse will store all your projects in that folder.

In Eclipse, click Help -> Eclipse Marketplace ..., search for "spring sts", and install  Spring Tools (aka Spring IDE and Spring Tool Suite), which is set of Eclipse plugins that help with Spring application development.