Spring Boot changes how developers build powerful Java applications, providing a streamlined process that's hard to match. However, even in this optimized environment, there's always room for improvement. Below are some tips I found useful over the years:

1. Maximize Spring Boot DevTools: Consider Spring Boot DevTools an indispensable ally during development. It introduces hot reloading, removing the need to restart your application after every change. Simply update your code, save, and instantly see the results in your browser, significantly speeding up the development cycle.

2. Utilize Code Generation: Skip the tedium of crafting boilerplate code. With Spring Initializr (https://start.spring.io/), you can effortlessly generate a project structure complete with the necessary dependencies tailored to your project's requirements, allowing you to concentrate on developing the unique aspects of your application.

3. Prioritize Testing: Ensuring your code's stability and reliability through thorough testing is non-negotiable. Spring Boot excels in providing comprehensive testing support, including features like @SpringBootTest and @DataJpaTest, for both unit and integration tests.

4. Choose a Comprehensive IDE: The right IDE acts as a powerful ally in your development journey. Opt for one that offers extensive Spring Boot support, including features like code completion, sophisticated debugging tools, and Spring-specific navigation aids, to streamline your workflow and minimize errors.

5. Standardize Code Formatting: A uniform code format enhances both readability and maintainability. Employ code formatting tools such as the built-in Spring Boot formatter or the Eclipse Formatter to maintain a clean and uniform codebase.

6. Embrace Version Control: A robust version control system like Git is crucial for effective change tracking, collaboration, and recovery from potential mishaps. Employ Git to adeptly manage your project, ensuring you can always revert to a stable version if necessary.

7. Implement Professional Logging: Logging is key for both debugging and monitoring your application. Adopt a comprehensive logging framework such as Logback to capture detailed logs, simplifying the process of identifying and resolving issues.

8. Automate Whenever Possible: Manual tasks can be a significant time sink. Leverage tools like Maven profiles or shell scripts to automate routine processes such as build, test, and deployment, freeing up more time for development.

9. Keep Abreast of Updates: The Spring ecosystem is dynamic, with frequent updates and enhancements. Stay informed about the latest developments in Spring Boot, including new features, libraries, and best practices, to ensure you're making the most of what the framework has to offer.

10. Engage with the Community: The Spring community is extensive and exceptionally supportive. For any development challenges you face, don't hesitate to seek advice or share your experiences on forums or platforms like Stack Overflow, where a wealth of knowledge and support is readily available.

More Tips?

Do you have some good tips that work for you but aren't on this list? Please don't hesitate to share them in the comments.