Java Backend Development

This repository contains Java backend projects. This README provides guidance on how to start Java backend development, the technologies used, recommended tools, project structure, and best practices.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Technologies Used
3. Tools Needed
4. Setting Up the Development Environment
5. Folder Structure
6. Building and Running the Backend
7. Best Practices
8. References

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Introduction

Java is a widely-used language for backend development, offering robustness, scalability, and cross-platform compatibility. Backend development involves creating server-side logic, APIs, database interactions, and integration with frontend applications.

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Technologies Used

• Programming Language: Java (latest LTS version recommended, e.g., Java 17)
• Frameworks:
  • Spring Boot (for building RESTful APIs)
  • Hibernate / JPA (for database ORM)
  • Maven or Gradle (for project build and dependency management)
• Database:
  • Relational: MySQL, PostgreSQL
  • NoSQL (optional): MongoDB
• APIs: RESTful APIs using Spring Boot
• Authentication/Authorization: Spring Security, JWT
• Testing: JUnit, Mockito
• Version Control: Git & GitHub
• Build & Deployment: Docker (optional), CI/CD pipelines

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Tools Needed

• IDE: IntelliJ IDEA (recommended) or Eclipse
• JDK: Java Development Kit (JDK 17+)
• Database Tools: MySQL Workbench, pgAdmin, or MongoDB Compass
• Version Control: Git
• API Testing: Postman or Insomnia
• Build Tools: Maven or Gradle
• Terminal/Command Line: PowerShell, Terminal, or Git Bash

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Setting Up the Development Environment

1. Install Java JDK 17+
2. Install IDE (IntelliJ IDEA recommended)
3. Install Maven or Gradle for build automation
4. Install Git for version control
5. Install Database (MySQL/PostgreSQL/MongoDB)
6. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/your-username/java_backend_course.git
cd java_backend_course
Import the project into your IDE as a Maven or Gradle project

Configure the database connection in application.properties or application.yml

Folder Structure
A typical Java backend project structure:

bash
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java_backend_project/
│
├── src/
│   ├── main/
│   │   ├── java/
│   │   │   └── com/example/project/
│   │   │       ├── controller/       # Handles API endpoints
│   │   │       ├── service/          # Business logic
│   │   │       ├── repository/       # Database interaction
│   │   │       ├── model/entity/     # Database entities
│   │   │       └── config/           # Configuration files (DB, Security)
│   │   └── resources/
│   │       ├── application.properties # Spring Boot config
│   │       └── static/               # Static resources (optional)
│   └── test/                          # Unit and integration tests
│
├── pom.xml / build.gradle              # Project dependencies
├── README.md                           # Project documentation
└── .gitignore                          # Ignored files for Git
Building and Running the Backend
Build the project

bash Copy code

Maven

mvn clean install

Gradle

gradle build Run the project

bash Copy code

Maven

mvn spring-boot:run

Gradle

gradle bootRun Access APIs

By default, Spring Boot runs on http://localhost:8080

Use Postman or browser to test endpoints

Best Practices Keep controllers thin; delegate business logic to services

Use DTOs (Data Transfer Objects) for API requests/responses

Handle exceptions globally using @ControllerAdvice

Use proper version control and commit messages

Write unit tests for services and repositories

Document APIs using Swagger/OpenAPI

References Spring Boot Official Documentation

Java Official Documentation

Maven Official Documentation

Hibernate ORM Documentation

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