Spring Framework Tutorial

Software Setup and Configuration (STS/Eclipse/IntelliJ)

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How to Download and Install Spring Tool Suite (Eclipse) IDE?

Spring Tool Suite (STS) is a version of the Eclipse IDE tailored for developing Spring applications. STS provides features like validation, content-assist, and quick fixes for Spring-specific entities, along with Boot Dashboard for managing Spring Boot applications.

Here's a step-by-step guide to downloading and installing STS:

  1. Download STS:

    • Go to the official Spring Tools download page: https://spring.io/tools.
    • Find the version of STS that is suitable for your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) and download it.
  2. Extract the Downloaded File:

    • Once the download completes, you will get a compressed (.zip or .tar.gz) file.
    • Extract this file to a location of your choice. It will extract the STS distribution which is essentially a self-contained IDE ready for use.
  3. Launch STS:

    • Navigate to the directory where you extracted STS.
    • Find the STS executable:
      • On Windows, it will be STS.exe.
      • On macOS, it's the STS.app application bundle.
      • On Linux, it's the STS executable.
    • Run the executable to start STS.
  4. Initial Setup:

    • The first time you run STS, you'll be asked to select a workspace. The workspace is the directory where your projects and local settings will be stored.
    • Choose a directory that's convenient for you or go with the default. You can change the workspace later if needed.
  5. Eclipse Marketplace:

    • Although STS comes pre-packaged with tools optimized for Spring development, you can still access the Eclipse Marketplace to install additional plugins if needed.
    • To do this, navigate to Help > Eclipse Marketplace... from within STS.
  6. Update STS:

    • Just like other IDEs, STS regularly receives updates. It's a good idea to check for updates every once in a while.
    • To do this, navigate to Help > Check for Updates.

Once STS is up and running, you can start creating your Spring projects. STS provides various templates and wizards to facilitate the creation of Spring Boot and other Spring-based projects, enhancing the developer's experience.