What is the difference between spring and Spring boot?

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Key Differences Between Spring and Spring Boot

1. Purpose:

  • Spring: A comprehensive framework for building Java applications, offering features like dependency injection and transaction management.
  • Spring Boot: An extension of Spring that simplifies setup, configuration, and deployment with conventions and pre-configured templates.

2. Configuration:

  • Spring: Requires extensive manual configuration using XML or Java classes.
  • Spring Boot: Provides auto-configuration, reducing the need for manual setup by applying sensible defaults.

3. Setup and Initialization:

  • Spring: Involves complex and time-consuming setup.
  • Spring Boot: Offers a streamlined setup process with starter dependencies and tools like Spring Initializr.

4. Dependency Management:

  • Spring: Developers manually manage dependencies and versions.
  • Spring Boot: Uses starter dependencies that simplify management and ensure compatibility.

5. Embedded Server:

  • Spring: Requires external servers (e.g., Tomcat) for web applications.
  • Spring Boot: Comes with embedded servers, allowing applications to run standalone.

6. Production-Ready Features:

  • Spring: Lacks out-of-the-box production features; requires additional tools.
  • Spring Boot: Includes built-in production-ready features like metrics and health checks.