Spring and Spring Boot are popular open source frameworks for the Java programming language, and both are used to facilitate the development of modern enterprise applications. However, there are some important differences and features:
Spring Framework
Overview:
Spring Framework is a framework that offers a wide range of features for developing Java applications. These features include support for Dependency Injection, Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP), data access, messaging, and web applications.
Thanks to its modular structure, only the modules needed can be used.
Configuration:
In Spring Framework, configuration is usually done through XML files or Java-based configuration classes.
Spring applications can be complex initially due to configuration requirements and dependency management.
Flexibility:
Spring provides integration with many third-party libraries and has an extensible structure.
Spring Boot
Overview:
Spring Boot is a tool built on the Spring Framework and designed to meet modern application development requirements such as microservices architectures or rapid prototyping.
The aim is to develop working Spring-based applications quickly and easily.
Configuration:
Spring Boot is known for its auto-configuration features. It greatly reduces the hassle of application developers with XML or Java-based configurations.
Spring Boot starter packages offer ready-made configurations for common usage scenarios and simplify dependency management.
Operation and Distribution:
Spring Boot provides the ability to create standalone jar files. These files contain embedded servers (Tomcat, Jetty, etc.) so there is no need to install a separate application server.
Spring Boot allows applications to be launched and run quickly.
Summary
Spring Framework offers flexibility and a wide range of features, but requires more initial configuration.
Spring Boot is built on top of the Spring Framework and offers facilitating features such as automatic configuration and embedded servers for rapid development and deployment.
While Spring may be more suitable for large and complex enterprise applications, Spring Boot is better suited for microservices and projects that require rapid application development.
