Difference Between Spring and Spring Boot: Compare and Know When to Use

It’s the scope where you will notice the main difference between spring and spring boot. Spring is a comprehensive framework that provides a wide range of features and tools for building Java applications. In contrast, Spring Boot is a specialized project within the Spring ecosystem. It is designed to simplify and accelerate the development of production-ready applications.

Java-based application development generally relies on Spring and Spring Boot. These two frameworks play important roles when developers want to simplify the process. Let’s help you understand the difference between spring and spring boot. 

Here is all you need to know about Java, so that this blog below helps as a supplement.

Major Differences Between Spring and Spring Boot

Aspect	Spring	Spring Boot
Size and Complexity	Comprehensive and feature-rich	Lightweight and streamlined
Range of Features	Versatile, suitable for many use cases	Focused on microservices and REST APIs
Specific Use Cases	Ideal for large, complex applications	Well-suited for rapid development and microservices
Dependency Injection and IoC	Supported	Supported
Aspect-Oriented Programming	Supported	Supported
Web Development and Data Access	Robust support for both	Simplified configuration
Security and Testing	Extensive features and tools	Emphasis on ease of configuration
Auto-Configuration	Manual configuration required	Automatic configuration based on dependencies
Embedded Web Server	Requires external server setup	Embedded web server for ease
Spring Boot Actuator	Not available	Provides production-ready features
Starter Dependencies	Not available	Simplifies integration of common features

What you should know about Spring?

Spring is often referred to as the Spring Framework. It remains versatile and robust for building Java applications. Its comprehensive suite of features and functionalities streamline application development. 

From dependency injection to aspect-oriented programming, Spring covers it all.

One of Spring’s key strengths is its modularity. Spring is modular through dependency injection and a modular architecture that divides the framework into various modules or components. 

Some other benefits include improved testability, flexibility, and maintainability.

Want to explore more? Check out Java courses from the top MOOCs.

Spring Boot within Spring 

Spring Boot is a specialised project within the Spring ecosystem. It’s geared towards simplifying the creation of production-ready applications with minimal hassle. 

How it helps, you ask?

Suppose a business is trying to market its service quickly. Launching it quickly can be the difference between success and falling behind competitors. 

This is where Spring Boot is important. It focuses on rapid development that allows developers to build and deploy applications faster. 

It takes the Spring framework’s concepts and wraps them into a convenient package. 

The advantages of Spring Boot are apparent when it comes to developing microservices and RESTful web applications. It provides embedded servers, autoconfiguration, and a set of starter dependencies.

Detailed Spring and Spring Boot Differences

Size and complexity

Spring, being the parent framework, is comprehensive and offers a wide range of components. It’s like a Swiss Army knife, equipped with numerous tools. 

In contrast, Spring Boot is more like a streamlined pocket knife for specific tasks. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Range of features

Spring offers a broad spectrum of features that cater to various enterprise-level applications. In contrast, Spring Boot is optimised for microservices and REST APIs, with features tailored to these specific use cases.

Spring is an excellent choice for large-scale, complex applications where modularity and extensive configurability are required. 

On the other hand, Spring Boot shines in scenarios where rapid development and minimal configuration are desired, such as microservices and RESTful APIs.

Dependency Injection and Inversion of Control 

Both Spring and Spring Boot embrace the principles of dependency injection and inversion of control. These core concepts facilitate loose coupling of components and enhance testability.

So what is Dependency Injection (DI)?

Imagine you’re baking cookies, and you need flour, sugar, and eggs. Instead of going to the store yourself, someone brings these ingredients to your kitchen. In Spring, your code doesn’t fetch or create things it needs; Spring does this for you. It’s like a magical kitchen helper who brings what your recipe (code) requires.

The relationship with Inversion of Control (IoC) can be explained as below. 

In regular code, you’re in charge of calling functions and making decisions. With IoC, it’s a bit different. You write your code, but Spring decides when to use it. It’s like you’re a musician playing your instrument, and Spring is the conductor directing when you should play.

These ideas help keep your code neat, testable, and easier to change later.

Aspect-Oriented Programming 

Spring provides comprehensive support for aspect-oriented programming, allowing developers to modularise cross-cutting concerns. Spring Boot also supports aspect-oriented programming but primarily within the context of microservices.

If you are confused in what Spring’s AOP is… 

…it’s like having a superhero who can spot tricky problems that appear in many places (cross-cutting concerns). For instance, imagine every time you open a door, a security guard checks your ID. 

Spring helps you write this security check once and then automatically applies it everywhere you need it.

Now if you want to understand the relationship with Spring Boot and AOP, here is an example to understand.  

When you’re building small software parts (microservices), Spring Boot helps you use this superhero where you need it most—like a captain using their superhero’s powers for specific missions.

Spring Boot’s auto-configuration feature automatically configures application components based on their dependencies. Additionally, it provides embedded web servers, reducing the need for external server setups.

When to use Spring or Spring Boot?

When faced with the decision of whether to use Spring or Spring Boot for your project, consider the following factors. 

• Spring’s modularity and extensive configuration options may be advantageous for large, intricate applications. Spring Boot’s simplicity may be preferable for smaller, more straightforward projects.
• If you need to get your project off the ground quickly, Spring Boot’s auto-configuration and starter dependencies can save you time.
• Identify whether your project aligns more closely with the enterprise-level scope of Spring or the microservices focus of Spring Boot.

Ultimately, the choice between Spring and Spring Boot hinges on your project’s unique requirements. Consider the factors mentioned above and evaluate how each framework aligns with your development goals.