“Learn the difference between Spring, Spring MVC, and Spring Boot with real-life examples. Explore key features, interview questions, and the companies that focus on these Java frameworks.”
If you are starting your journey with Java frameworks, terms like Spring, Spring MVC, and Spring Boot might seem confusing. This blog simplifies these concepts with real-life examples so that even a beginner can understand them. We’ll also cover frequently asked interview questions and companies that emphasize these topics during technical interviews.
Table of Contents
What is Spring?
Spring is a Java-based framework that helps developers build enterprise-level applications. Think of Spring as a Swiss army knife – it has tools for everything, from connecting to a database to securing your app.
However, using Spring requires a lot of manual configuration, which can sometimes feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions.
Key Features of Spring:
- Dependency Injection (DI): Makes your app modular and loosely coupled.
- Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP): Helps separate cross-cutting concerns like logging.
- JDBC Template: Simplifies database interactions.
- Spring Security: Adds security features to your app.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine you’re building a house (your application). Spring provides the tools (like hammers and drills) to do everything manually, from laying the foundation to adding the roof.
What is Spring MVC?
Spring MVC is a module in the Spring framework designed for building web applications. MVC stands for Model-View-Controller, a design pattern that separates your application into three parts:
- Model: Represents your data (like database info).
- View: Represents the UI (like HTML, CSS).
- Controller: Handles user inputs and processes them.
Key Features of Spring MVC:
- DispatcherServlet: Acts as the front controller to handle all requests.
- ModelAndView: Helps bind data to the view.
- Form Handling: Simplifies handling form data.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine an online food delivery app.
- The Model is the menu stored in the database.
- The View is the website or mobile app you see.
- The Controller processes your request when you order food.
What is Spring Boot?
Spring Boot is like an upgraded version of Spring that takes care of all the manual configuration for you. It provides a starter kit that makes it easy to create applications quickly without worrying about boilerplate code.
Key Features of Spring Boot:
- Auto-configuration: Configures the application automatically based on the dependencies.
- Embedded Servers: Comes with built-in servers like Tomcat, so you don’t need to deploy your app manually.
- Starter Dependencies: Simplifies adding dependencies to your project.
Real-Life Example:
Imagine building a house again. Spring Boot provides pre-assembled furniture (like modular kitchens) so you can focus on decoration rather than construction.
Comparison Table: Spring vs Spring MVC vs Spring Boot
| Feature | Spring | Spring MVC | Spring Boot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General-purpose framework for enterprise apps. | Module for building web apps. | Simplifies Spring-based application development. |
| Configuration | Manual setup required. | Manual with some MVC tools. | Automatic via starters and auto-configuration. |
| Web Focus | Limited. | Fully web-oriented. | Can be used for web or microservices. |
| Embedded Server | No. | No. | Yes (Tomcat, Jetty). |
| Ease of Use | Steep learning curve. | Moderate learning curve. | Beginner-friendly. |
Which One Should You Use?
- Spring: Use it if you need complete control and are building highly customized enterprise applications.
- Spring MVC: Perfect for building web applications using the MVC design pattern.
- Spring Boot: Ideal for beginners, startups, or projects that require fast development with minimal configuration.
Real-Life Example Comparing All Three
Scenario: You want to build a blog application.
- Spring: You manually set up every part, like database connections, authentication, and controllers.
- Spring MVC: You focus on building the web application with controllers and views but still need to configure other parts manually.
- Spring Boot: Everything is pre-configured. You just need to write code for the blog logic, and the app is ready.
Interview Questions and Answers
Spring Framework Questions
- What is Spring Framework? Why is it used?
Answer: Spring is a Java framework for building enterprise applications. It provides features like dependency injection, transaction management, and AOP to simplify development. - What is Dependency Injection?
Answer: It is a design pattern where the framework provides the required dependencies for a class rather than the class creating them.
Spring MVC Questions
- What is the role of DispatcherServlet in Spring MVC?
Answer: The DispatcherServlet is the front controller that handles all user requests and delegates them to the appropriate controllers. - How does Spring MVC handle form submissions?
Answer: It binds the form data to a model object using annotations like@ModelAttributeand processes it in the controller.
Spring Boot Questions
- What is the use of Spring Boot starters?
Answer: Starters are pre-configured dependencies that simplify adding common features, like web development or database access, to your project. - What is the difference between
@RestControllerand@Controllerin Spring Boot?
Answer:@RestControllercombines@Controllerand@ResponseBody, making it easier to create REST APIs.
Companies Asking These Topics in Interviews
- Infosys: Focuses on Spring MVC and Spring Boot for web application development.
- TCS: Emphasizes dependency injection and Spring core concepts.
- Capgemini: Tests on Spring Boot microservices architecture.
- Wipro: Asks questions on Spring MVC and its use in building scalable web apps.
- Cognizant: Focuses on real-world applications of Spring and Spring Boot.
- Amazon: Explores how you’ve used Spring Boot in building microservices.
- Google: Looks for advanced knowledge in Spring and Spring Boot for backend roles.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Spring, Spring MVC, and Spring Boot is crucial for any Java developer.
- Spring gives you the flexibility to build highly customized apps.
- Spring MVC is perfect for building web applications using the MVC design pattern.
- Spring Boot simplifies the development process, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for startups.
By mastering these frameworks, you can tackle most Java-based projects with confidence and excel in interviews.