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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpring Framework is the broad foundation, Spring MVC is its Servlet-based web framework, and Spring Boot is a separate project that simplifies setting up Spring applications. They are not three alternatives at the same layer: a conventional web application commonly uses Spring Boot together with Spring MVC.
What does “Spring” mean?
“Spring” can refer specifically to the Spring Framework or, more casually, to the wider family of Spring projects. Here, Spring means the Framework unless stated otherwise. The Framework is modular: its core container provides configuration and dependency-injection capabilities, while other modules support concerns such as data access and web applications. Spring Framework Overview
How Spring Framework, Spring MVC, and Spring Boot differ
| Technology | What it is | Main role | Relationship to the others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Framework | A modular application framework and foundation | Provides the core container and broader application infrastructure | Contains Spring MVC as one of its web frameworks |
| Spring MVC | A web framework within Spring Framework | Handles web applications on the Servlet stack | Uses Spring’s MVC infrastructure and is built on the Servlet API |
| Spring Boot | A separate project built on Spring Framework | Offers an opinionated, convention-based way to create and run Spring applications | Can set up web applications using Spring MVC; it does not replace MVC or the Framework |
What Spring MVC does
Spring MVC, formally called Spring Web MVC, is Spring Framework’s original web framework. It is built on the Java Servlet API and provides the MVC infrastructure for handling requests in Servlet-based web applications. It is the relevant web framework when an application needs the conventional Servlet stack. Spring Web MVC documentation
What Spring Boot adds
Spring Boot is a separate Spring project based on Spring Framework. Spring describes it as a quick, opinionated path to creating production-ready Spring applications, with convention over configuration. Its documentation includes Servlet web applications, Spring MVC, and embedded Servlet containers. In practice, Boot helps with application setup and running; the web framework for a conventional Servlet-based application can still be Spring MVC. Spring Boot documentation
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Are Spring MVC and Spring Boot competitors?
No. The comparison is between different layers: Spring MVC is a web framework, while Spring Boot is an application setup project built on Spring Framework. A Boot application can use Spring MVC, so the choice is often not “Boot or MVC” but whether to use Boot’s conventions and setup features around an MVC web application.
Where Spring WebFlux fits
Spring WebFlux is Spring Framework’s reactive-stack web framework. It is a distinct web-stack choice, parallel to Spring MVC; MVC is Servlet-based, while WebFlux serves reactive-stack applications. Consider WebFlux when a reactive web stack is a requirement, rather than treating it as another name for MVC. Spring Framework Overview
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which should you use?
- Need the overall Spring platform? Start with Spring Framework: it is the foundation and includes modules such as Spring MVC.
- Building a conventional Servlet-based web application? Spring MVC is the relevant Spring web framework.
- Want convention-based setup for a Spring application? Use Spring Boot alongside the Framework; it can support an MVC web application.
- Need a reactive web stack? Evaluate Spring WebFlux as a separate choice from Spring MVC.
There is no universally best option without application requirements. Exact Java, Framework, Boot, and Servlet-container version compatibility depends on the versions selected; consult the official supported-version documentation for a specific project before settling on a combination.
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