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SpringBoot_REST_Controller_Full_Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on Spring Boot REST Controllers, explaining their role in handling HTTP requests and responses in JSON format. It includes real-world use cases, core HTTP methods, essential annotations, and best practices for designing RESTful APIs. Additionally, it covers tools like Postman and Swagger for testing and documenting APIs, as well as tips for effective communication in professional settings.

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Omaar barii
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2 views

SpringBoot_REST_Controller_Full_Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on Spring Boot REST Controllers, explaining their role in handling HTTP requests and responses in JSON format. It includes real-world use cases, core HTTP methods, essential annotations, and best practices for designing RESTful APIs. Additionally, it covers tools like Postman and Swagger for testing and documenting APIs, as well as tips for effective communication in professional settings.

Uploaded by

Omaar barii
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Spring Boot REST Controllers - Full Developer Guide

1. What is a REST Controller in Spring Boot?

A REST controller is a Java class annotated with @RestController. It handles HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT,
DELETE) and returns responses in JSON format. It acts as the entry point for frontend or external systems to
communicate with your backend service.

2. Real-World Use Case: Task Management API

Imagine a task manager app. Users can register, log in, and manage tasks. The backend must expose endpoints like:
- POST /users to register
- POST /login to authenticate
- GET /tasks to list tasks
- POST /tasks to create one
- DELETE /tasks/{id} to remove
- PUT /tasks/{id} to update

3. Core HTTP Methods

- GET: Read data


- POST: Create data
- PUT: Replace data
- PATCH: Partial update
- DELETE: Remove data

4. Essential Spring Annotations

@RestController: Marks the class as REST controller


@RequestMapping: Sets the base URL path
@GetMapping/@PostMapping/etc.: Bind methods to HTTP verbs
@RequestBody: Reads JSON body and maps to object
@PathVariable: Extracts values from URL path
@RequestParam: Reads values from URL query parameters
@ResponseEntity: Custom response with status and body

5. Designing a RESTful API

- Use plural nouns like /users


- Avoid verbs in URLs like /getUser
- Return correct status codes
- Use layers: controller > service > repository
- Make controllers thin: logic goes in service

6. Example: UserController.java

@RestController
@RequestMapping("/users")
public class UserController {
@PostMapping
public ResponseEntity<User> create(@RequestBody User user) {
return ResponseEntity.status(HttpStatus.CREATED).body(userService.save(user));
Spring Boot REST Controllers - Full Developer Guide

@GetMapping("/{id}")
public ResponseEntity<User> get(@PathVariable Long id) {
return ResponseEntity.ok(userService.getById(id));
}
}

7. REST API Status Codes

- 200 OK: Success


- 201 Created: New resource created
- 204 No Content: Successful DELETE
- 400 Bad Request: Validation error
- 404 Not Found: Resource missing
- 500 Server Error: Unexpected failure

8. Using Postman and Swagger

Postman is a tool to test APIs manually with different methods and payloads.
Swagger generates a web interface (swagger-ui) from your code, so others can see and try your API without reading
your code. It's essential in teamwork.

9. Best Practices for Enterprise

- Use DTOs to avoid exposing internal entities


- Validate input with @Valid
- Secure endpoints with JWT
- Handle errors globally using @ControllerAdvice
- Log every important action

10. How to Talk Like a Pro in a Meeting

Instead of saying 'I made an API', say:


- I exposed REST endpoints documented via Swagger
- I followed RESTful design patterns
- I used @RequestBody for input and handled errors via exceptions
- I delegated business logic to service classes

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