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Spring 6 • What's New & Migration Guide

Post Date: 16 Oct 2023
 
 

Overview

The Spring Framework’s legacy in the Java ecosystem is undeniable. Recognized for its powerful architecture, versatility, and constant growth, Spring remains at the forefront of Java development. The release of Spring Framework 6.x heralds a new era, with enhanced features and revisions that cater to the modern developer’s needs.

Pivotal Baseline Enhancements

Spring Framework 6.x sets a new standard by updating the prerequisites for various libraries, ensuring better compatibility and performance:

Core Container Makeover

The beating heart of the Spring Framework has undergone significant transformations:

Let’s break down the changes and provide examples to illustrate the transition from using java.net.URL constructors to a consistent URI-based resolution in JDK 20.

Traditional java.net.URL Constructors

Before JDK 20, developers often used java.net.URL constructors to create URLs. For example:

URL url = new URL("https://www.example.com");

If there was a need to resolve a relative path against a base URL, it could be done like this:

URL baseUrl = new URL("https://www.example.com/base/");
URL relativeUrl = new URL(baseUrl, "relativePath");

In this example, relativeUrl would translate to https://www.example.com/base/relativePath.

Aligned URI-based Resolution in JDK 20

In JDK 20, with the deprecation of java.net.URL constructors, the emphasis is on URI for resolution, which provides a more consistent approach, especially when handling relative paths.

To create a new URL, you can leverage URI and then convert it to a URL:

URI uri = new URI("https://www.example.com");
URL url = uri.toURL();

For relative path resolution:

URI baseUri = new URI("https://www.example.com/base/");
URI relativeUri = baseUri.resolve("relativePath");
URL relativeUrl = relativeUri.toURL();

Here, relativeUrl would again be https://www.example.com/base/relativePath.

Behavioral Changes for Uncommon Cases

Consider an uncommon scenario where a full URL is specified as a relative path:

With java.net.URL Constructors:

URL baseUrl = new URL("https://www.example.com/base/");
URL fullUrlAsRelative = new URL(baseUrl, "https://www.differentdomain.com/relativePath");

Previously, fullUrlAsRelative would resolve to https://www.differentdomain.com/relativePath.

With URI-based Resolution

URI baseUri = new URI("https://www.example.com/base/");
URI fullUriAsRelative = baseUri.resolve("https://www.differentdomain.com/relativePath");
URL fullUrlAsRelative = fullUriAsRelative.toURL();

With the URI-based resolution, fullUrlAsRelative would still resolve to https://www.differentdomain.com/relativePath, maintaining consistency in behavior.

In conclusion, the transition to URI-based resolution in JDK 20 provides a more consistent and reliable approach for URL creation and relative path resolution, even in uncommon cases.

The introduction of createBean(Class) method streamlines bean instantiation, catering to convention-based programming.

In Spring Framework 6.1, the method AutowireCapableBeanFactory.createBean(Class, int, boolean) is deprecated. It is recommended to use the simpler, convention-based method createBean(Class). This new method is consistently employed internally in version 6.1, especially in classes such as SpringBeanJobFactory for Quartz integration and SpringBeanContainer for Hibernate integration.

Here are the examples to illustrate this change:

Before (Using the Deprecated Method)

Suppose you want to create a bean of class MyBean:

AutowireCapableBeanFactory factory = applicationContext.getAutowireCapableBeanFactory();

// Using the deprecated createBean method
MyBean myBean = (MyBean) factory.createBean(MyBean.class, AutowireCapableBeanFactory.AUTOWIRE_BY_TYPE, true);

Here, the method createBean requires three arguments: the bean class, autowiring mode, and a boolean flag for dependency check.

With the new convention-based method, the process is more straightforward:

AutowireCapableBeanFactory factory = applicationContext.getAutowireCapableBeanFactory();

// Using the convention-based createBean method
MyBean myBean = factory.createBean(MyBean.class);

In this updated approach, the method infers the autowiring mode and dependency check based on conventions, leading to cleaner and more intuitive code.

Internal Use

For the internal workings of Spring 6, classes such as SpringBeanJobFactory and SpringBeanContainer now use the createBean(Class) method for bean creation.

For instance:

In SpringBeanJobFactory for Quartz

Previously, when a job is triggered in Quartz, it might have used the longer createBean method to instantiate the required job beans. Now, it would utilize the createBean(Class) convention for this purpose.

In SpringBeanContainer for Hibernate

Similarly, when Hibernate needs to instantiate an entity listener or any other custom beans, the SpringBeanContainer would leverage the createBean(Class) method.

In essence, the adoption of the createBean(Class) method streamlines bean creation in Spring 6, both for developers and within the framework’s internal operations.

There’s a notable shift in array-to-collection conversion, now favoring a List output for a Collection target type

In Spring Framework 6, there’s a significant change regarding the conversion of arrays to collections. Previously, the exact type of collection resulting from such a conversion could vary. Now, when converting an array to a Collection target type, the framework consistently returns a List.

Before the Change

Suppose you have an array of strings:

String[] stringArray = {"apple", "banana", "cherry"};

And you want to convert it to a collection using Spring’s conversion service. The result might have been any implementer of the Collection interface based on internal conditions:

ConversionService conversionService = DefaultConversionService.getSharedInstance();
Collection<String> stringCollection = conversionService.convert(stringArray, Collection.class);

// The resultant stringCollection could be any type of Collection (e.g., Set, Queue, etc.)

After the Change

With the update in Spring Framework 6, converting the same array to a Collection will consistently return a List:

String[] stringArray = {"apple", "banana", "cherry"};

ConversionService conversionService = DefaultConversionService.getSharedInstance();
Collection<String> stringCollection = conversionService.convert(stringArray, Collection.class);

// The resultant stringCollection is now guaranteed to be of type List
if (stringCollection instanceof List) {
    System.out.println("The converted collection is a List!");
}

This change ensures that developers can expect a consistent type (List) when performing array-to-collection conversions, eliminating any uncertainty associated with the target collection type.

Improvements in ThreadPoolTaskExecutor and ThreadPoolTaskScheduler ensure seamless application context termination

In the updated Spring Framework, two components, ThreadPoolTaskExecutor and ThreadPoolTaskScheduler, have been enhanced to ensure a more seamless shutdown process when closing the application context. By default, these components will not accept any new task submissions during the shutdown phase. However, for situations where task submissions are still required during shutdown, there’s an option to adjust a flag, though it might lead to a prolonged shutdown phase.

Default Behavior

When the application context begins its closure process:

ApplicationContext context = new AnnotationConfigApplicationContext(MyAppConfig.class);
// ... your application logic here ...
context.close();

Both ThreadPoolTaskExecutor and ThreadPoolTaskScheduler will enter a graceful shutdown mode:

ThreadPoolTaskExecutor taskExecutor = context.getBean(ThreadPoolTaskExecutor.class);
// This will throw an exception as new tasks cannot be submitted during shutdown by default
taskExecutor.execute(() -> System.out.println("New Task!"));

Customized Behavior

If you need to allow task submissions during the context’s closure, adjust the acceptTasksAfterContextClose flag:

ThreadPoolTaskExecutor taskExecutor = new ThreadPoolTaskExecutor();
taskExecutor.setAcceptTasksAfterContextClose(true);

ThreadPoolTaskScheduler taskScheduler = new ThreadPoolTaskScheduler();
taskScheduler.setAcceptTasksAfterContextClose(true);

By setting the flag to true, the components can still accept new tasks even during the shutdown. But keep in mind, enabling this flag may prolong the time it takes for the application context to completely close.

ApplicationContext’s message resolution is now tightly linked to its active phase, enhancing consistency.

The ApplicationContext in the updated Spring Framework has seen improvements in its message resolution process. Now, attempts to retrieve messages from its internal MessageSource are restricted to when the context is actively running. If there are attempts to fetch messages after the context has been closed, an exception will be raised.

Successful Message Retrieval

When the ApplicationContext is active, retrieving messages works seamlessly:

ApplicationContext context = new AnnotationConfigApplicationContext(MyAppConfig.class);
String message = context.getMessage("welcome.message", null, Locale.US);
System.out.println(message);  // Outputs the corresponding welcome message

Unsuccessful Message Retrieval

However, if you try to access the message after the context has been closed, it will result in an exception:

ApplicationContext context = new AnnotationConfigApplicationContext(MyAppConfig.class);
context.close();

// This will throw an IllegalStateException since the context is no longer active
String message = context.getMessage("farewell.message", null, Locale.US);

In essence, the changes ensure that developers are only fetching messages when the context is in the right state, leading to more predictable and consistent behavior.

Verbose logging for pre-computed fields during native image construction has been disabled by default but can be re-enabled with the -Dspring.native.precompute.log=verbose compiler argument.

While creating a native image in Spring, the detailed logs concerning pre-computed fields are now off by default. However, if you want to view these logs, you can activate them using the -Dspring.native.precompute.log=verbose argument during the compilation process.

Without Verbose Logging

When you build a native image without any additional arguments, you won’t see the verbose logs related to pre-computed fields:

$ native-image -jar myApp.jar

With Verbose Logging

To get a detailed view of the pre-computed fields while building the native image, add the specific argument:

$ native-image -jar myApp.jar -Dspring.native.precompute.log=verbose

Upon executing this, the compiler will display the verbose logs related to pre-computed fields, offering more insights during the image construction process.

Progressive Data Access and Transaction Handling

Data operations and transactions get a boost with strategic enhancements:

Web Applications: Redefining Standards

Web development with Spring sees groundbreaking changes:

Spring MVC and WebFlux now incorporate method validation for controller inputs, elevating data integrity.

Spring MVC and WebFlux have introduced a more enhanced method validation for controller inputs, ensuring better data quality. This validation specifically targets controller method parameters using @Constraint annotations.

Before Method Validation

In previous setups, you might have had a controller like:

@RestController
@Validated
public class MyController {
    @PostMapping("/endpoint")
    public ResponseEntity<?> processData(@Valid MyRequestBody body) {
        // process data
    }
}

With this setup, validations were typically applied at the argument resolver level.

With Method Validation

Now, with the new method validation:

@RestController
public class MyController {
    @PostMapping("/endpoint")
    public ResponseEntity<?> processData(@Constraint(MyConstraint.class) String input, @Valid MyRequestBody body) {
        // process data
    }
}

In this example:

To fully utilize this, you should:

  1. Remove @Validated from the controller class.
  2. Ensure the validator beans (mvcValidator or webFluxValidator) use jakarta.validation.Validator, like LocalValidatorFactoryBean.
  3. Apply constraint annotations directly on method parameters.

Remember, this avoids the risk of double validation and centralizes the validation process for better consistency and clarity.

Amplifying Message-Driven Applications

The focus is clear: heightened security and superior functionality:

For Message-Driven Applications, there are significant enhancements in security and functionality. The RSocket interface client has changed its default timeout approach, relying more on the RSocket client’s settings. Also, to boost security, SpEL expressions evaluation from questionable sources has been disabled by default, especially in WebSocket messaging.

RSocket Interface Client

Previously, there might have been a 5-second default timeout on certain methods. This has been altered:

// Older Approach: The RSocket interface client had its own default timeout.
RSocketRequester requester = ...;
String response = requester.route("some.route").data("request").retrieveMono(String.class).block();

// New Approach: The timeout now depends on the configuration of the RSocket client and its transport.
RSocketRequester.Builder builder = ...;
RSocketRequester requester = builder.connectTcp("localhost", 7000).block();

The change provides more flexibility, as the timeout behavior is primarily dictated by the RSocket client and its transport settings. See reference issue #30248.

SpEL Expressions in WebSocket Messaging

To improve security, SpEL expressions evaluation from untrusted sources is turned off by default in WebSocket messaging. If you need the SpEL-based selector header support, it needs to be explicitly enabled:

@Configuration
@EnableWebSocketMessageBroker
public class WebSocketConfig implements WebSocketMessageBrokerConfigurer {
    @Override
    public void configureMessageBroker(MessageBrokerRegistry registry) {
        // Explicitly enabling the selector header
        registry.enableSimpleBroker().setSelectorHeaderName("selector");
    }
}

This means that by default, applications won’t evaluate potentially harmful SpEL expressions, especially in WebSocket scenarios. If needed, developers can opt-in with the above configuration. See reference issue #30550

Seamless Migration from Prior Versions

Transitioning from Spring Framework 5.x to 6.x? Here’s a concise migration guide:

Annotations Transition to Jakarta Packages in Spring

In recent changes to the Spring framework, specific annotations have undergone a transition to new namespaces, reflecting broader shifts in the Java ecosystem. These transitions are fundamental and crucial for developers to comprehend and adapt to, ensuring the smooth operation of their applications.

Migration to jakarta.inject and jakarta.annotation

In response to the modifications in JSR-330 and JSR-250 standards, the annotations, including @Inject, have been moved to the jakarta.inject namespace. Similarly, other prominent annotations like @PostConstruct and @PreDestroy have been transitioned to jakarta.annotation.

Consider a previous implementation:

import javax.inject.Inject;
import javax.annotation.PostConstruct;

public class SampleService {
    @Inject
    private SomeDependency someDependency;

    @PostConstruct
    public void init() {
        // Initialization logic
    }
}

In the updated scenario, the imports would shift to:

import jakarta.inject.Inject;
import jakarta.annotation.PostConstruct;

It’s worth noting that, for the time being, Spring will continue detecting the old javax equivalents, which is beneficial for those applications relying on pre-compiled binaries.

Bean Property Identification Changes in Spring’s Core Container

The core container of Spring has undergone a significant shift in how it identifies bean properties. Traditionally, it relied on the default java.beans.Introspector. However, recent updates showcase a deviation from this norm.

Transition from java.beans.Introspector

Spring’s core container now determines basic bean properties without resorting to the default java.beans.Introspector. This change aims to enhance efficiency but can lead to disparities for those accustomed to the 5.3.x version and its intricate JavaBeans usage.

For those who wish to maintain full compatibility with the 5.3.x version, there’s a provision to revert to the older style. By specifying the content org.springframework.beans.BeanInfoFactory=org.springframework.beans.ExtendedBeanInfoFactory in a META-INF/spring.factories file, users can enable the full utilization of java.beans.Introspector as was the case in version 5.3.

On the flip side, users who are still on 5.3.x but wish to experience the improved introspection performance of the 6.0-style property determination can do so. This can be achieved by inserting org.springframework.beans.BeanInfoFactory=org.springframework.beans.SimpleBeanInfoFactory in a custom META-INF/spring.factories file.

Other Notable Changes

In summary, these transformations reflect Spring’s continuous efforts to optimize its core container, ensuring it remains robust and efficient for developers.

Migrating from ListenableFuture to CompletableFuture: Enhancing Concurrent Task Handling

The evolution of concurrent task handling in software applications has seen a pivotal shift. One of the significant changes in recent times is the migration from ListenableFuture to CompletableFuture. This transition isn’t just a mere replacement of one library for another. Instead, it epitomizes an effort to embrace modern capabilities and ensure efficiency in concurrent operations.

Background Context

Historically, the Spring framework has employed ListenableFuture for managing asynchronous computation tasks. This approach provided a mechanism to register callbacks that would execute once the asynchronous task was completed. While useful, the capabilities of ListenableFuture were limited compared to the more contemporary CompletableFuture.

Why CompletableFuture?

CompletableFuture offers a more robust and flexible API for asynchronous programming. It doesn’t just allow the registration of callbacks but also supports combining multiple asynchronous computations, thus enabling developers to chain tasks seamlessly. Its non-blocking nature further ensures that resources are used optimally, reducing the overhead and potential for bottlenecks.

Migration Implications

For those still reliant on ListenableFuture, it’s crucial to understand its deprecation. The recommendation is to transition to CompletableFuture to leverage its advanced capabilities. This shift has been highlighted in notable Spring updates, such as reference issue #27780

In Conclusion

As we stand on the precipice of technological evolution in the Java ecosystem, Spring Framework 6.x shines as a beacon of innovation, setting new standards in software development. It’s more than just an upgrade; it encapsulates Spring’s vision of continuous innovation, enhanced security, and equipping developers with futuristic tools. With each iteration, the framework has consistently demonstrated an unyielding commitment to enhancing the developer experience, streamlining integrations, fortifying security, and fostering a vibrant development environment. Recognizing the changes and their implications is crucial for smooth integration. Let’s summarize the monumental strides this latest release takes and how it paves the way for the future, urging developers to harness these novelties and architect state-of-the-art applications.

The Dawn of New Standards

Harnessing the Power of Baseline Upgrades

Dovetailing with modern technologies ensures the framework remains contemporary and pertinent. The upgrades to essential libraries like SnakeYAML, Jackson, and Kotlin (both Coroutines and Serialization) are not mere incremental changes but strategic decisions to keep the ecosystem vibrant, efficient, and forward-compatible.

Reimagining the Core Container

The meticulous refinements in the core container showcase Spring’s dedication to adaptability. From a more seamless URL resolution mechanism aligning with JDK 20’s developments to the modern createBean(Class) method for intuitive bean creation, Spring Framework 6.x demonstrates an unwavering focus on improving the foundational components.

Elevating Data Access & Transaction Management

By addressing and enhancing user experience subtleties, like clearer error messaging in JPA bootstrapping and a more intuitive exception handling mechanism, the framework strengthens its commitment to seamless data access and robust transactional integrity.

Web Development’s Paradigm Shift

With groundbreaking enhancements to both Spring MVC and WebFlux, Spring Framework 6.x is shaping the future of web development. The thoughtful refinements, ranging from enhanced validation for controller parameters to the rejuvenation of HTTP client-server interfaces, underscore a vision for a web that’s more responsive, secure, and developer-friendly.

A Commitment to Secure Messaging

In an age where security is paramount, Spring’s strategic decisions to fortify its messaging applications — like the recalibration of the RSocket interface client and the pro-security move to disable certain SpEL expressions by default — resonate with the needs of contemporary applications.

The Path Forward: Transitioning with Foresight

Migration to Spring Framework 6.x, though promising, necessitates an understanding of its nuances. It’s pivotal to recognize the relocations of pivotal annotations and the shift in mechanisms like bean property determination. The subtle nudge towards CompletableFuture from ListenableFuture further epitomizes Spring’s vision of embracing modernity.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Spring Framework 6.x’s Pioneering Spirit

In essence, Spring Framework 6.x isn’t merely an upgrade — it’s a testament to the framework’s evolutionary spirit, consistently pushing the envelope in the realms of innovation, security, and efficiency. It heralds a new era for Java developers, offering a suite of tools and enhancements tailored for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Embracing this release is not just about leveraging its features but about aligning with a vision of progressive, secure, and efficient software development. As developers and technology enthusiasts, the call is clear: to welcome, understand, and harness the power of Spring Framework 6.x to shape the future of robust, scalable, and innovative applications.

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Spring Framework Annotations
Post Date: 01 Oct 2023
Spring Framework has solidified its place in the realm of Java-based enterprise applications. Its annotations simplify the coding process, enabling developers to focus on the business logic. This article delves into the core annotations in the Spring Framework, shedding light on their purposes and usage. Through this comprehensive guide, we aim to provide clarity and depth on these annotations.
Spring Controller vs RestController
Post Date: 01 Oct 2023
The Spring MVC framework stands out as one of the most robust and versatile frameworks in the realm of Java web development. At the heart of its dynamism are two key annotations: @Controller and @RestController. These annotations not only define the structure but also dictate the behavior of web applications. This exploration aims to provide a deeper understanding of these annotations, their respective functionalities, and when to optimally use them.
Spring Boot Conditional Annotations
Post Date: 01 Oct 2023
The world of Java programming, notably within the Spring Framework, constantly evolves, offering developers powerful tools and techniques to streamline application building. One such tool that stands out is the @Conditional annotation. This robust tool in Spring Boot is an absolute game-changer, offering a range of built-in annotations that allow developers to control configurations based on multiple criteria.
Spring Bean Manipulation and the BeanWrapper
Post Date: 01 Oct 2023
In the realm of Java-based applications, the Spring Framework is renowned for providing powerful tools to manipulate and manage bean objects. Central to this process is the BeanWrapper. This article delves into the essence of Bean Manipulation, shedding light on the BeanWrapper, and the various tools provided by the Spring Framework and java.beans package.
Managing AWS CloudFront Using Spring Shell
Post Date: 26 May 2023
This article explores an efficient approach to deploying static pages in CloudFront while leveraging the content delivery capabilities of AWS S3 and the convenience of Spring Shell Command-Line Interface (CLI) using the AWS SDK for Java.
Spring Framework Events
Post Date: 17 May 2023
Spring Framework provides a powerful event handling mechanism that allows components within an application context to communicate and respond to events. This mechanism is based on the Observer design pattern and is implemented using the ApplicationEvent class and the ApplicationListener interface.
Spring Bean Scopes
Post Date: 16 May 2023
Understanding and Utilizing Bean Scopes in the Spring Framework In this article, we will delve into the concept of bean scopes in Spring Framework. Understanding and effectively utilizing bean scopes is essential for controlling the lifecycle and behavior of your beans, allowing you to enhance the flexibility and power of your Spring applications.
Spring 6 Error Handling Best Practices
Post Date: 15 May 2023
Error handling and exception design are integral components of developing Spring RESTful APIs, ensuring the application’s reliability, stability, and user experience. These practices enable developers to effectively address unexpected scenarios, such as invalid requests, database errors, or service failures, by providing graceful error responses.
Spring Boot, Jackson, and Lombok Best Practices
Post Date: 12 Apr 2023
This article discusses the recommended practices for using Jackson and Lombok in conjunction with Spring Boot, a popular framework for building enterprise-level Java applications.
Encrypting Properties File Values with Jasypt
Post Date: 28 Mar 2023
Property files are text resources in your standard web application that contains key-value information. There may come a time when information should not be stored in plain sight. This article will demonstrate how to encrypt properties file values using Jasypt encryption module. Jasypt is freely available and comes with Spring Framework integration.
Spring Boot • Serialize Immutable Objects
Post Date: 03 Nov 2021
This article illustrates how to serialize and write tests for immutable objects using Jackson and Lombok in Spring Boot.
Spring Boot Profiles & AWS Lambda: Deployment Guide
Post Date: 20 Oct 2019
In this article, we will explore how to leverage the Spring Boot Profiles feature in an AWS Lambda Compute environment to configure and activate specific settings for each environment, such as development, testing, integration, and production.
AWS Lambda with Spring Boot: A Comprehensive Guide
Post Date: 28 Apr 2019
This article explores the benefits of using Spring Boot with AWS Lambda, a powerful serverless compute service that enables developers to run code without worrying about server management. By integrating with the AWS cloud, AWS Lambda can respond to a variety of AWS events, such as S3, Messaging Gateways, API Gateway, and other generic AWS Resource events, providing an efficient and scalable solution for your application needs.
Secure SMTP with Spring JavaMailSender
Post Date: 15 May 2016
This article discusses the use of Java Mail in the context of migrating email services to Google Apps For Your Domain. The author shares their experience with using the free service and encountered a problem with using the secure SMTP protocol to send emails programmatically through their old email account with the Spring JavaMailSender.