Using Spring Initializr

Steps to Create a Project

Visit the Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the Spring Initializr website.
Project Type: Choose between Maven and Gradle as your build tool. Maven is more widely used, but Gradle offers more flexibility.
Language: Select the programming language for your project. You can choose between Java, Kotlin, and Groovy.
Spring Boot Version: Spring Initializr automatically selects the latest stable version, but you can choose a different one if needed.
Project Metadata:
- Group: Enter the base package name, usually in a domain name format (e.g., com.example).
- Artifact: This is your project name, which will also be used as the JAR file name (e.g., my-spring-boot-app).
Packaging: Choose between JAR and WAR packaging. JAR is the most common and is suitable for microservices.
Java Version: Select the Java version you want to use. Spring Boot 2.x supports Java 8, 11, and 16.
Dependencies: This is where the magic happens. You can search for and add various dependencies that your project will use. For example, if you're building a web application, you might add 'Spring Web', 'Thymeleaf', and 'Spring Data JPA'.
Generate Project: Once you're satisfied with your selections, click on the 'Generate' button. This will download a ZIP file containing your new Spring Boot project.
Unzip and Open: Extract the downloaded ZIP file and open it in your preferred IDE. The project will come pre-configured with the chosen settings and dependencies.

Spring Initializr takes care of the boilerplate configuration and setup, allowing you to jump straight into coding. It's an excellent tool for both beginners and seasoned developers looking to kickstart their Spring Boot projects.