Create a REST API Using Spring Boot

Spring is flexible and powerful application framework widely used in web development. The downside is that there's a fairly steep learning curve with Spring, and it takes quite some configuration to get a Spring web application up and running. If you are interested in creating a Spring web application, see my guide Spring and Hibernate From Scratch.

Spring Boot aims to help creating self-contained, production-ready Spring applications with minimal configuration. In this guide I'll show how to create a simple REST API using Spring Boot.

0. Preparation

Download and install JDK, Eclipse, and Spring Tools.

1. Spring Boot Starter Project

Use the Spring Starter Project wizard in Eclipse to create a starter project.

2. Data Access

Add MySQL database, data model classes, and DAO based on JPA/Hibernate.

3. REST API

Implement a REST API using Spring controllers.

4. Security

Secure the REST API with JWT.