Setup your system for java application development

When you start your journey as a developer to create any project or application, you need a set of essential tools to assist you in the development process. These tools include programming languages, compilers, integrated development environments (IDEs), and version control systems, among others. Simply installing them is not enough; you must also configure them properly to ensure seamless operation and efficiency. Proper setup not only enhances your workflow but also helps you avoid common errors and compatibility issues, allowing you to focus on writing high-quality code and building robust applications.

Setting up a Java development environment involves installing essential tools, configuring the workspace, and ensuring everything is optimized for development. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Java microservice development with Spring Boot.

1. Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

Since you are working with Java 8 (per your Spring Boot requirement), install JDK 8:

• Windows/macOS/Linux: Download from Oracle JDK or use an OpenJDK version:
  • Windows: Install via Adoptium
  • Linux:
    sh

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    sudo apt update && sudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk -y # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo yum install java-1.8.0-openjdk-devel -y # RHEL/CentOS

• Verify installation:
  sh

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  java -version
javac -version

• Set Environment Variables:
  • Windows: Add JAVA_HOME to System Variables (C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_xx)
  • macOS/Linux:
    sh

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    export JAVA_HOME=$(dirname $(dirname $(readlink -f $(which java))))
export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH


2. Install Build Tools

Since you use Maven, install it:

• Windows/macOS/Linux:
  • Download from Apache Maven
  • Or install via package manager:
    sh

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    sudo apt install maven -y # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo yum install maven -y # RHEL/CentOS
brew install maven # macOS

• Verify installation:
  sh

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  mvn -version


3. Install IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

Since you’re working with Spring Boot, the best choices are:

• IntelliJ IDEA (Recommended): Download from JetBrains
• Eclipse IDE: Download from Eclipse

4. Install Database (Optional, but useful)

Depending on your project needs, install:

• PostgreSQL:
  • Install: PostgreSQL Official
  • Start Service:
    sh

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    sudo systemctl start postgresql
sudo systemctl enable postgresql

• MySQL:
  sh

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  sudo apt install mysql-server -y # Ubuntu
sudo yum install mysql-server -y # RHEL

  • Start Service:
    sh

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    sudo systemctl start mysql


5. Install Docker (For Microservices & DevOps)

Since you work with DevOps, Docker is useful for containerizing applications.

• Install Docker:
  sh

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  sudo apt install docker.io -y # Ubuntu
sudo yum install docker -y # RHEL
brew install --cask docker # macOS

• Verify Docker:
  sh

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  docker --version

• Enable Docker to start on boot:
  sh

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  sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

• Run a test container:
  sh

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  docker run hello-world


6. Install Postman (For API Testing)

Download from Postman to test your Dubai South Gate Pass API.

7. Setup Git for Version Control

• Install Git:
  sh

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  sudo apt install git -y # Ubuntu
sudo yum install git -y # RHEL
brew install git # macOS

• Configure Git:
  sh

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  git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

• Test Git:
  sh

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  git --version


8. Install Spring Boot CLI (Optional)

If you prefer using Spring Boot CLI for faster development:

• Install via SDKMAN:
  sh

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  curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
sdk install springboot

• Verify Spring Boot:
  sh

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  spring --version


9. Install Kubernetes (For Microservices Deployment)

If you plan to deploy microservices using Kubernetes:

• Install Minikube (Local Kubernetes Cluster):
  sh

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  curl -LO https://storage.googleapis.com/minikube/releases/latest/minikube-linux-amd64
sudo install minikube-linux-amd64 /usr/local/bin/minikube
minikube start

• Verify Kubernetes Installation:
  sh

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  kubectl version --client
minikube status


10. Setup SSL Keystore for Secure APIs

Since your Dubai South Gate Pass API requires PKCS12 keystore, generate a keystore:

11. (Optional) Install Redis (For Caching in Microservices)

If you need Redis for caching, install it:

• Ubuntu/Debian:
  sh

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  sudo apt install redis -y

• macOS:
  sh

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  brew install redis

• Start Redis:
  sh

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  sudo systemctl start redis
redis-cli ping


12. Create Your First Spring Boot App

Now that your environment is set up, create a Spring Boot application:

Using Spring Initializr

Visit Spring Initializr and select:

• Project: Maven
• Language: Java
• Spring Boot Version: 2.7.x (Compatible with Java 8)
• Dependencies:
  • Spring Web
  • Spring Boot Security
  • Spring Data JPA
  • Lombok
  • MySQL Driver (or PostgreSQL)

Download the generated project and import it into IntelliJ or Eclipse.

Or Create Manually with Maven

13. Run a Simple Spring Boot App

• Open src/main/java/com/example/myapp/Application.java
• Modify it:
  java

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  package com.example.myapp;import org.springframework.boot.SpringApplication;
  import org.springframework.boot.autoconfigure.SpringBootApplication;

  @SpringBootApplication
  public class Application {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
  SpringApplication.run(Application.class, args);
  }
  }

• Run the Application:
  sh

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  mvn spring-boot:run


Final Checklist

✅ JDK 8 Installed
✅ Maven Installed
✅ IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse Set Up
✅ Docker Installed
✅ Postman Installed
✅ Git Configured
✅ Database Ready (MySQL/PostgreSQL)
✅ Spring Boot App Running