Spring boot versions : Detailed explanation of the different versions and releases of Spring Boot (AI Generated)

 Here’s a detailed explanation of the different versions and releases of Spring Boot, focusing on what’s most relevant from a Java Developer / Software Developer interview perspective — followed by a visual timeline.


๐Ÿš€ What is Spring Boot?

Spring Boot is a tool built on top of the Spring Framework to make it easier and faster to build, test, and deploy Java applications — especially REST APIs and microservices.

Key Concepts:

  • Auto-Configuration

  • Embedded servers (Tomcat/Jetty)

  • Opinionated defaults

  • Spring Boot Starters

  • Actuator for Monitoring


๐Ÿ“… Major Spring Boot Versions & Features (Interview-Centric)


๐Ÿ”น Spring Boot 1.x (2014–2017)

Spring Boot 1.0 released in April 2014

Features:

  • Introduction of @SpringBootApplication

  • Embedded Tomcat, Jetty, or Undertow

  • Auto-configuration and Starters

  • Properties-based configuration (application.properties)

  • Basic Spring Actuator

Interview Notes:

  • Understand why Spring Boot was introduced

  • Know how it simplifies Spring development

  • Questions may ask: How does Spring Boot achieve auto-configuration?


๐Ÿ”น Spring Boot 2.x (2018–2022)

Spring Boot 2.0 released in March 2018

Key Features:

  • Spring Framework 5 baseline

  • Full Reactive Programming support (WebFlux)

  • Enhanced Actuator with metrics and Prometheus support

  • Java 8+ required

  • Performance and startup time improvements

Later 2.x Updates:

  • Native support for Kubernetes, Micrometer, Spring Data JPA

  • Spring Boot 2.4 added support for Config Data API

Interview Notes:

  • What is Micrometer? How do you monitor a Spring Boot app?

  • Be ready to explain WebFlux vs Spring MVC


๐Ÿ”น Spring Boot 3.x (Nov 2022 – Present)

Spring Boot 3.0 released in Nov 2022

Key Features:

  • Based on Spring Framework 6

  • Java 17+ required

  • Support for GraalVM native image compilation

  • Migration to Jakarta EE 9 (javax.*jakarta.*)

  • More efficient startup & memory for cloud-native and microservices

  • Native support for modern testing, observability, and tracing

Interview Notes:

  • Why the shift to Jakarta EE?

  • What’s the role of GraalVM native images?

  • You may be asked: How do you migrate a Spring Boot 2.x app to 3.x?


๐Ÿ“Š Key Differences Table

FeatureSpring Boot 1.xSpring Boot 2.xSpring Boot 3.x
Spring Framework4.x5.x6.x
Java Version SupportJava 6/7/8Java 8 to Java 17Java 17+
Reactive Programming✅ WebFlux✅ Improved
Jakarta EE Migration✅ Required
GraalVM Native SupportLimited✅ First-class support
Actuator / MetricsBasicExtended + MicrometerEnhanced with Observability
Embedded Web Servers

๐Ÿง  Interview Questions to Expect

  1. What is the difference between Spring and Spring Boot?

  2. How does Spring Boot auto-configuration work?

  3. Explain how Actuator helps in production readiness.

  4. What are Starters in Spring Boot?

  5. How do you monitor and trace microservices in Spring Boot?

  6. Differences between Spring Boot 2.x and 3.x?

  7. How to migrate Spring Boot apps to Jakarta EE 9 (3.x)?

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