Spring Boot CLI most used CLI commands

Spring Boot CLI (Command Line Interface) is a tool provided by Spring that allows developers to create, run, and test Spring Boot applications from the command line. It simplifies the development process by enabling rapid prototyping and testing of Spring Boot applications without requiring an IDE or a full build tool setup. The CLI supports Groovy-based scripting to create applications quickly and interactively.

Key Features of Spring Boot CLI:

1. Rapid Prototyping: Create and test Spring Boot applications quickly using Groovy scripts.
2. Dependency Management: Automatically manage dependencies and configurations without explicit XML or Java configuration.
3. Command Execution: Run Spring Boot applications directly from the command line.
4. Integration with Spring Boot: Leverage the features of Spring Boot, such as auto-configuration, by using CLI commands.

Most Used CLI Commands

1. `spring init`:

•  Initializes a new Spring Boot project with the specified metadata and dependencies.
•  Example: `spring init –dependencies=web,data-jpa my-project`

2. `spring run`:

•   Runs a Spring Boot application from a Groovy script or a .java file.
•   Example: `spring run app.groovy`.

3. `spring jar`:

•  Creates a JAR file from a Groovy script or Java source files.
•  Example: `spring jar my-app.jar app.groovy`.

4. `spring help`:

•  Displays help information about available commands and options.
•  Example: `spring help`

5. `spring version`:

• Displays the current version of Spring Boot CLI and its dependencies.
•  Example: `spring version`.

Example

Setting Up Spring Boot CLI

1. Install Spring Boot CLI:
   - Download and install Spring Boot CLI from the [Spring website](https://spring.io/tools) or use SDKMAN! for installation.

2. Create a New Project:
   - Use the `spring init` command to generate a new Spring Boot project.
   ```bash
   spring init --dependencies=web,data-jpa my-app
   ```

3. Run a Groovy Script:
   - Create a file named `app.groovy` with the following content:
     ```groovy
     @RestController
     class HelloController {
         @RequestMapping("/")
         String home() {
             "Hello, World!"
         }
     }
     
     @SpringBootApplication
     class Application {
         static void main(String[] args) {
             SpringApplication.run(Application, args)
         }
     }
     ```
   - Run the application using:
     ```bash
     spring run app.groovy
     ```

4. Create a JAR File:
   - Create a JAR file from the Groovy script:
     ```bash
     spring jar my-app.jar app.groovy
     ```

5. Display Help Information:
   - Get help about the CLI commands:
     ```bash
     spring help
     ```

Check Spring Boot CLI Version:

Check the version of Spring Boot CLI:
bash spring version

Summary

• Spring Boot CLI: A command-line tool for creating, running, and testing Spring Boot applications quickly.
• Commands:
• spring init: Initializes a new project.
• spring run: Runs an application from a script or file.
• spring jar: Creates a JAR file.
• spring help: Displays help information.
• spring version: Displays the version of the CLI

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