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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.