The Spring Framework offers excellent features to level up your Java code and build fast, responsive, and secure web applications. And within this framework lie Spring projects that make enterprise applications better by addressing a wide range of issues, from configuration to big data. They help developers polish their coding skills and be more productive with their time. 

Ever since its first iteration released in 2002, Spring has grown tremendously to become one of the most used Java frameworks across the world. This popularity boost has been made possible by its strengths as a practical application container and an intuitive administrator of architecture issues. 

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If you are still a beginner, using the Spring framework can be challenging. But you can refine your understanding by reading the source code of real-world projects. So, here are some open-source Spring project ideas to structure and simplify your learning journey.

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Top Spring Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners

1. Agile Express

This project will help you brush up your knowledge of Spring framework components and develop a clean code. 

Software development often requires the collaborative effort of cross-functional teams. And Agile methodologies provide a conducive environment for that. Express, an Agile project management tool, focuses on iteration tracking and backlog support. 

The iteration burndown chart shows the progress of each iteration, and a virtual wall displays the story tasks as they move through different stages (open, in process, test, done). As for the server-side component, it has a Spring-based Java EE application, which adds the much-needed scalability and reliability. 

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2. Project Sagan 

The Sagan application powers the Spring.io website and boasts of thousands of daily users globally. If you go through the repository, which is freely available on GitHub, you can familiarize yourself with the Spring framework ecosystem. The Spring.io website also has a live demo on it. Additionally, this project can nudge you to try your hand at Gradle, Elasticsearch, thymeleaf User Interface, etc. 

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3. PowerStone

It is one of the most popular open-source Spring Projects based on Spring and Hibernate. PowerStone is basically a Java Workflow Management System, and reading its source code can acquaint you with the inner workings of the Spring framework. The system is complete with an engine, a flow management console, a worklist, and an identity management module. 

4. Broadleaf Commerce

This Spring-based Java platform can educate you about the modern architecture of e-commerce solutions. The wide range of features and technologies in Broadleaf Commerce pave the path for deep customization and rapid development of applications. Some of them include Spring Framework, Modular Design, Task Scheduling, Email, Workflow Configuration, Configuration Merging, Admin Platform, Content Management, etc. 

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5. Spring PetClinic

PetClinic is a sample application that demonstrates the use of Spring Boot with MVC and Spring Data. If we go back to its origins, we find that it was created for the sole purpose of presenting what all you can do with Spring. So, cloning this Spring project can set you up for building simple database-oriented applications. 

6. Tudu Lists

It is a simple project management tool that can be easily accessed, edited, and shared online. The Tudu Lists application makes the process of organizing tasks and managing to-do lists less cumbersome. Therefore, it is among the top sample Spring projects. 

Read: 15 Must-Know Spring MVC Interview Questions

7. Plazma

With this project, you can pick up more information on integrated solutions for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Plazma’s code is written in Java based on the Spring framework, apprising you of its comprehensive programming. The application will also instruct you about Hibernate using Oracle, MySQL, Firebird, and HSQL databases. 

8. SpringSide

SpringSide is a good project option if you want to practice an enterprise application. It uses Spring, Hibernate, CXF, Struts, Jquery, Spring Security, and more. So, try your hand at this Pragmatic Enterprise Application KickStart to understand enterprise-wide solutions.

9. OpenERP

As the name suggests, OpenERP is an enterprise management software that offers a range of different IT tools to organizations. This project can assist you in keeping up with modern technologies, such as Spring, Hibernate, JSF, AJAX, Axis, Acegi, and Maven. 

10. Spring Rich Client

Developing an industry-ready client application is a challenging task for newcomers. With a Java Swing framework like Spring Rich Client, you can make sense of how to construct an impressive desktop application using Spring. 

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11. Java Small Business Platform

This platform is built on Spring and Spring RC, allowing you an in-depth look into pure java implementation. It is a preferred choice for assembling desktop and business applications for small and medium-sized organizations. Additionally, the software is light, modular, and easy to scale, plug, and configure. 

Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to MVC Architecture in Java

12. Luigi Open Search Engine

This site search tool comprises a Lucene-based search library leveraged on the Spring framework. Spring makes way for effortless configuration along with intrusion-free application code. If you decide to undertake this project, you can also learn how to create indexes from any POJO collection and incorporate event-triggered updates.

13. JOSSO

The architecture of JOSSO is based on the Atricore IAM platform. It can not only configure and roll out services but can also reduce integration effort. Additionally, JOSSO is a flexible product that can realize SSO usage scenarios. So, you can delve into its code to know more about all these techniques.

14. jRecruiter

If you are interested in learning about the intricate wirings of a web-based job-posting service, jRecruiter is for you. It is a showcase application that sheds light on a wide range of Java technologies. The Atlanta Java Users Group is an active user of this solution, which has been implemented using Spring, Struts 2, and Hibernate, 

15. HSE

HSE is short for Hibernate, Spring, Echo2 – a multi-tier base application. Composed of a group and a user editor, it can cohesively integrate all three technologies to enable full-fledged solutions. This project will equip you in writing robust AJAX applications in Spring, Java, and Hibernate. 

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16. ZkSample2

The ZK framework is a go-to for those developers who do not have advanced Ajax and Javascript skills. It can leverage technologies like Spring and Java EE, facilitating rapid development. ZkSample2 is a sample application that comes with the following features:

• ZK framework
• Spring + Spring Security
• JasperReport
• Hibernate-Generic-DAO
• Model-View-Controller or MVC, and many more. 

17. HISPACTA

Suppose you want to actualize a simple intranet with user details and news publishing ability. You can begin by understanding and replicating the layered architecture of the HISPACTA web application. It consists of the following characteristics:

• Hibernate
• Spring (Integration and AOP)
• Acegi Security
• Tapestry (Graphical User Interface)
• JUnit (Testing)

18. Alfresco Content Management

It is an open-source content management repository created using the latest Java technologies. Its modular architecture includes capabilities of document management, records management, etc. So, you can conveniently refine your understanding of CMS with this project. 

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Top Reasons why learning Spring Boot is important

Java programming has never been quicker, simpler, or safer thanks to Spring. Spring Boot is the world’s most widely used Java framework because of its emphasis on productivity and speed. Here are some of the top reasons why Spring boot in Java is a skill that should be acquired – 

1. It is most widely used – Programmers across the world favor the dynamic libraries provided by Spring. Every day, Spring provides enchanting experiences to millions of end customers, whether it be through streaming television, online shopping, or a variety of other cutting-edge solutions. All the major players in the IT industry, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and others, have contributed to Spring. Spring boot in Java is one of the most widely used frameworks. 
2. It is highly flexible – With the versatile and extensive range of libraries provided by Spring, developers may create practically any kind of application you can think of. The Dependency Injection (DI) and  Inversion of Control (IoC) components of the Spring Framework serve as the basis for a broad range of features and capabilities. Even if you’re designing complicated streaming data flows for the business, Spring provides the tools to help.
3. It is quick – Compared to other competing paradigms, the Spring framework makes it much easier and less cumbersome for developers. Some Spring tools like LiveReload can help developers create apps faster than before. 
4. It is productive – Java spring framework drastically streamlines your experience and changes the way you approach Java programming chores. Microservice development is made simple with Spring by combining essentials like an application environment and an embedded web server that is automatically configured. You can deploy microservices-based designs into the cloud securely and quickly by combining Spring with Spring Cloud’s extensive collection of supporting libraries.
5. It is secure – Java spring framework has a past record of responding to security concerns promptly and responsibly. The Spring developers test and patch any disclosed flaws in conjunction with security experts. To keep your data and apps as secure as possible, third-party requirements are also constantly reviewed and released regularly. Additionally, Spring Security makes it simpler for you to provide dependable solutions that are safe by default and interact with industry-standard security frameworks.
6. It is supportive – The Spring community is large, multi-cultural, and varied, and it includes people of all ages and skill levels, from novices to seasoned experts. You can discover the materials and assistance you need to further your career, no matter how far along your journey is. The presence of community support can significantly help you obtain training and certification that makes you an expert. 

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Conclusion

The above Spring project ideas can prove immensely helpful for coders and software developers. So, use these references as your learning resources and play with them to improve your technical skills.

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