How do you deploy a Spring Boot application?

Table of contents

Introduction

Deploying a Spring Boot application involves making it accessible for users or clients. With its embedded server capabilities, Spring Boot simplifies deployment, offering various options to suit different environments. This guide outlines the primary methods for deploying a Spring Boot application.

1. Deploying as a Standalone JAR

Overview

One of the simplest ways to deploy a Spring Boot application is to package it as an executable JAR file. This approach allows you to run the application independently, without needing to configure an external server.

Steps

1. Build the JAR: Use Maven or Gradle to package your application. For Maven, run:

   This creates a JAR file in the target directory.

2. Run the JAR: You can run the JAR file using the following command:

3. Configure Application Properties: Make sure to set any necessary environment variables or application properties required for your production setup.

2. Deploying in a Docker Container

Overview

Docker containers offer a lightweight way to package and deploy applications, ensuring consistency across environments.

Steps

1. Create a Dockerfile: Write a Dockerfile to define how your application should be built and run:

2. Build the Docker Image: Run the following command in the directory with your Dockerfile:

3. Run the Docker Container: Start a container from the image:

4. Use Docker Compose (optional): If your application requires additional services (like databases), consider using Docker Compose to manage them.

3. Deploying on a Cloud Platform

Overview

Cloud platforms provide scalable and reliable environments for deploying Spring Boot applications. Options include AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.

Steps

1. AWS Elastic Beanstalk:

   • Package your application as a JAR.
   • Use the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI to create a new Elastic Beanstalk application.
   • Upload the JAR file and configure environment settings.

2. Google Cloud App Engine:

   • Create an app.yaml file to define your application configuration.
   • Deploy using the Google Cloud SDK:

3. Azure App Service:

   • Use the Azure portal to create a new App Service.
   • Deploy your JAR using Azure CLI or upload it directly through the portal.

4. Deploying to a Virtual Machine or Server

Overview

You can also deploy your Spring Boot application to a dedicated virtual machine or server.

Steps

1. Set Up the Server:

   • Install Java on the server.
   • Transfer the JAR file to the server using SCP or FTP.

2. Run the Application: Use the command:

3. Use a Process Manager: For production environments, consider using a process manager like systemd, PM2, or supervisord to manage your application process.

Conclusion

Deploying a Spring Boot application can be achieved through various methods, including standalone JAR files, Docker containers, cloud platforms, or dedicated servers. Each approach has its advantages and use cases, allowing you to choose the best method based on your project's requirements. By following best practices and leveraging the tools available, you can ensure a smooth deployment process and maintain a reliable application in production.