50 Java Spring Boot Interview

Questions: Concept Differences

Explained

Your Guide to Acing Java Spring Boot Interviews

Compiled by Puneet Joshi for Software Developers Preparing for Technical Interviews

May 27, 2025

Contents
1 Introduction 3

2 Questions and Answers 3

2.1 @RestController vs. @Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Spring MVC vs. Spring Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 @Bean vs. @Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.4 Singleton vs. Prototype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.5 JPA vs. Hibernate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.6 @Autowired vs. @Inject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.7 REST vs. SOAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.8 @GetMapping vs. @PostMapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.9 @RequestParam vs. @PathVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.10 Spring Security vs. Shiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.11 @ComponentScan vs. @EnableAutoConfiguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.12 @Transactional vs. @TransactionManagementConfigurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.13 ApplicationContext vs. BeanFactory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.14 @Configuration vs. @Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.15 @Service vs. @Repository . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.16 @EnableWebMvc vs. @SpringBootApplication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.17 @Qualifier vs. @Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.18 @RequestMapping vs. @GetMapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.19 Spring Boot Starter vs. Actuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.20 @Profile vs. @Conditional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.21 @Async vs. @Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.22 @Entity vs. @Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.23 @Column vs. @Transient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.24 @Lazy vs. @Eager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.25 @Scope vs. @Bean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.26 Spring AOP vs. AspectJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.27 @RequestBody vs. @ResponseBody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.28 @Valid vs. @Validated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.29 @PropertySource vs. @Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.30 Spring Data JPA vs. Spring JDBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.31 @RestControllerAdvice vs. @ControllerAdvice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.32 @EnableCaching vs. @Cacheable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.33 @ModelAttribute vs. @RequestBody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.34 @SessionAttributes vs. @SessionAttribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.35 @EnableJpaRepositories vs. @EnableTransactionManagement . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.36 @NamedQuery vs. @Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.37 @Embeddable vs. @Embedded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.38 @OneToMany vs. @ManyToOne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.39 @MappedSuperclass vs. @Inheritance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.40 @EnableScheduling vs. @Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.41 @ResponseStatus vs. @ExceptionHandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.42 @EnableWebSecurity vs. @EnableGlobalMethodSecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.43 @DataJpaTest vs. @SpringBootTest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.44 @MockBean vs. @SpyBean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.45 @ConditionalOnProperty vs. @ConditionalOnClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.46 @SpringBootConfiguration vs. @Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.47 @ActiveProfiles vs. @Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.48 @Import vs. @ImportResource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.49 @EnableAspectJAutoProxy vs. @EnableTransactionManagement . . . . . . . . . 8
2.50 @PersistenceContext vs. @Autowired for EntityManager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Created by Puneet Joshi

1 Introduction
This document provides detailed answers to 50 Java Spring Boot interview questions, each
focusing on the differences between key concepts. These questions are designed to help you
articulate your understanding clearly and confidently in interviews. Each answer explains the
concepts, their differences, and practical implications.

2 Questions and Answers

2.1 @RestController vs. @Controller
@Controller is a Spring MVC annotation for creating controllers that handle HTTP requests
and return views (e.g., JSP, Thymeleaf). @RestController combines @Controller and @Re-
sponseBody, designed for RESTful APIs, returning data (e.g., JSON, XML) directly. Difference:
@RestController eliminates the need for @ResponseBody on methods, simplifying REST API
development.

2.2 Spring MVC vs. Spring Boot

Spring MVC is a framework for building web applications with a Model-View-Controller pat-
tern, requiring manual configuration for dependencies and servers. Spring Boot is a Spring
module that simplifies setup with auto-configuration, embedded servers, and starters. Differ-
ence: Spring Boot reduces boilerplate, enabling faster development compared to Spring MVCs
manual setup.

2.3 @Bean vs. @Component

@Component is a class-level annotation marking a class as a Spring-managed bean, auto-
detected via component scanning. @Bean is a method-level annotation in a @Configuration
class, explicitly defining a bean. Difference: @Component is for auto-detected classes; @Bean
allows programmatic bean creation with custom logic.

2.4 Singleton vs. Prototype

Singleton scope (default) creates one bean instance per Spring container. Prototype scope
creates a new instance each time the bean is requested. Difference: Singleton is shared across
the application; Prototype provides unique instances, useful for stateful objects.

2.5 JPA vs. Hibernate

JPA (Java Persistence API) is a specification for ORM, defining standards for data persistence.
Hibernate is an implementation of JPA, providing additional features like caching. Difference:
JPA is an interface; Hibernate is a concrete ORM framework with extended functionality.

2.6 @Autowired vs. @Inject

@Autowired is a Spring-specific annotation for dependency injection, supporting @Qualifier
for disambiguation. @Inject is a Java CDI annotation, more generic and JSR-330 compli-
ant. Difference: @Autowired is Spring-only with advanced features; @Inject is portable across
frameworks.

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.7 REST vs. SOAP
REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style using HTTP methods, state-
less, and lightweight (e.g., JSON). SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a protocol with
strict standards, XML-based, and supports stateful operations. Difference: REST is simpler
and web-friendly; SOAP is rigid and secure for enterprise use.

2.8 @GetMapping vs. @PostMapping

@GetMapping handles HTTP GET requests, typically for retrieving data. @PostMapping
handles HTTP POST requests, used for creating or submitting data. Difference: @GetMapping
is read-only; @PostMapping modifies server state.

2.9 @RequestParam vs. @PathVariable

@RequestParam extracts query parameters from the URL (e.g., ?id=1). @PathVariable
extracts values from the URL path (e.g., /users/id). Difference: @RequestParam uses query
strings; @PathVariable uses URL segments.

2.10 Spring Security vs. Shiro

Spring Security is a comprehensive security framework for Spring applications, supporting
authentication, authorization, and more. Shiro is a lightweight security framework, simpler but
less integrated with Spring. Difference: Spring Security is feature-rich for Spring ecosystems;
Shiro is easier for smaller projects.

2.11 @ComponentScan vs. @EnableAutoConfiguration

@ComponentScan enables scanning for Spring components (e.g., @Component, @Service).
@EnableAutoConfiguration auto-configures Spring Boot based on dependencies. Difference:
@ComponentScan finds beans; @EnableAutoConfiguration sets up the application context.

2.12 @Transactional vs. @TransactionManagementConfigurer

@Transactional marks a method or class for transaction management. @TransactionMan-
agementConfigurer customizes the transaction manager. Difference: @Transactional applies
transactions; @TransactionManagementConfigurer configures transaction behavior.

2.13 ApplicationContext vs. BeanFactory

BeanFactory is a basic Spring container managing beans. ApplicationContext extends
BeanFactory, adding features like event publishing and internationalization. Difference: Appli-
cationContext is more feature-rich for enterprise applications.

2.14 @Configuration vs. @Component

@Configuration marks a class for defining beans via @Bean methods. @Component marks
a class as a general Spring-managed bean. Difference: @Configuration is for bean configuration;
@Component is for general components.

2.15 @Service vs. @Repository

@Service marks a class for business logic. @Repository marks a class for data access, with
exception translation. Difference: @Repository handles persistence exceptions; @Service is for
service-layer logic.

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.16 @EnableWebMvc vs. @SpringBootApplication
@EnableWebMvc enables Spring MVC configuration, requiring manual setup. @Spring-
BootApplication includes auto-configuration for Spring Boot, including MVC. Difference:
@SpringBootApplication simplifies setup; @EnableWebMvc is for custom MVC.

2.17 @Qualifier vs. @Primary

@Qualifier specifies a bean when multiple candidates exist. @Primary sets a default bean
among multiple candidates. Difference: @Qualifier is explicit; @Primary is implicit.

2.18 @RequestMapping vs. @GetMapping

@RequestMapping maps HTTP requests with any method. @GetMapping is specific to
GET requests. Difference: @GetMapping is a shortcut for @RequestMapping(method = Re-
questMethod.GET).

2.19 Spring Boot Starter vs. Actuator

Spring Boot Starter provides pre-configured dependencies for specific functionalities. Actu-
ator provides monitoring and management endpoints. Difference: Starters simplify dependency
setup; Actuator enables application monitoring.

2.20 @Profile vs. @Conditional

@Profile activates beans based on the active profile (e.g., dev, prod). @Conditional activates
beans based on custom conditions. Difference: @Profile is profile-specific; @Conditional is more
flexible.

2.21 @Async vs. @Scheduled

@Async runs methods asynchronously. @Scheduled runs methods on a fixed schedule. Dif-
ference: @Async is for one-off async tasks; @Scheduled is for recurring tasks.

2.22 @Entity vs. @Table

@Entity marks a class as a JPA entity for persistence. @Table specifies the database table
for the entity. Difference: @Entity defines the entity; @Table customizes its table mapping.

2.23 @Column vs. @Transient

@Column maps a field to a database column. @Transient excludes a field from persistence.
Difference: @Column includes fields in the database; @Transient excludes them.

2.24 @Lazy vs. @Eager

@Lazy delays bean initialization until needed. @Eager initializes beans at startup. Difference:
@Lazy saves resources; @Eager ensures immediate availability.

2.25 @Scope vs. @Bean

@Scope sets the scope of a bean (e.g., singleton, prototype). @Bean defines a bean in a
@Configuration class. Difference: @Scope configures bean lifecycle; @Bean creates the bean.

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.26 Spring AOP vs. AspectJ
Spring AOP is a proxy-based AOP framework for Spring applications. AspectJ is a full-
fledged AOP framework using bytecode weaving. Difference: Spring AOP is simpler; AspectJ
is more powerful.

2.27 @RequestBody vs. @ResponseBody

@RequestBody binds HTTP request body to a method parameter. @ResponseBody serial-
izes the methods return value to the response body. Difference: @RequestBody handles input;
@ResponseBody handles output.

2.28 @Valid vs. @Validated

@Valid triggers validation on a method parameter (JSR-303). @Validated enables Spring-
specific validation on a class or method. Difference: @Validated supports group validation;
@Valid is standard.

2.29 @PropertySource vs. @Value

@PropertySource loads properties from a file. @Value injects property values into fields or
parameters. Difference: @PropertySource defines the source; @Value uses the values.

2.30 Spring Data JPA vs. Spring JDBC

Spring Data JPA simplifies JPA-based data access with repositories. Spring JDBC provides
direct JDBC access with templates. Difference: Spring Data JPA is higher-level; Spring JDBC
is lower-level.

2.31 @RestControllerAdvice vs. @ControllerAdvice

@ControllerAdvice handles exceptions and advice for controllers. @RestControllerAd-
vice combines @ControllerAdvice and @ResponseBody for REST APIs. Difference: @Rest-
ControllerAdvice returns JSON/XML responses.

2.32 @EnableCaching vs. @Cacheable

@EnableCaching enables caching support in Spring. @Cacheable caches a methods result.
Difference: @EnableCaching activates caching; @Cacheable applies it to methods.

2.33 @ModelAttribute vs. @RequestBody

@ModelAttribute binds form data or query parameters to an object. @RequestBody binds
the HTTP request body to an object. Difference: @ModelAttribute is for form data; @Request-
Body is for JSON/XML payloads.

2.34 @SessionAttributes vs. @SessionAttribute

@SessionAttributes stores model attributes in the session at the class level. @SessionAt-
tribute retrieves a session attribute in a method. Difference: @SessionAttributes manages
session storage; @SessionAttribute accesses it.

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.35 @EnableJpaRepositories vs. @EnableTransactionManagement
@EnableJpaRepositories enables JPA repository scanning. @EnableTransactionMan-
agement enables transaction support. Difference: @EnableJpaRepositories is for repositories;
@EnableTransactionManagement is for transactions.

2.36 @NamedQuery vs. @Query

@NamedQuery defines a static JPQL query in the entity class. @Query defines a query
directly in the repository method. Difference: @NamedQuery is reusable; @Query is method-
specific.

2.37 @Embeddable vs. @Embedded

@Embeddable marks a class as a reusable component for entities. @Embedded includes an
@Embeddable object in an entity. Difference: @Embeddable defines the component; @Embed-
ded uses it.

2.38 @OneToMany vs. @ManyToOne

@OneToMany maps one entity to many related entities. @ManyToOne maps many entities
to one related entity. Difference: @OneToMany is the owning side; @ManyToOne is the inverse.

2.39 @MappedSuperclass vs. @Inheritance

@MappedSuperclass shares common mappings with subclasses without a table. @Inher-
itance defines a table-per-class strategy for entities. Difference: @MappedSuperclass is for
non-entity inheritance; @Inheritance is for entities.

2.40 @EnableScheduling vs. @Scheduled

@EnableScheduling enables scheduling in Spring. @Scheduled marks a method to run on
a schedule. Difference: @EnableScheduling activates scheduling; @Scheduled defines tasks.

2.41 @ResponseStatus vs. @ExceptionHandler

@ResponseStatus sets the HTTP status for a response or exception. @ExceptionHandler
handles specific exceptions in a controller. Difference: @ResponseStatus sets status; @Excep-
tionHandler customizes exception handling.

2.42 @EnableWebSecurity vs. @EnableGlobalMethodSecurity

@EnableWebSecurity enables Spring Security configuration. @EnableGlobalMethodSe-
curity enables method-level security (e.g., @PreAuthorize). Difference: @EnableWebSecurity
is for global security; @EnableGlobalMethodSecurity is for method security.

2.43 @DataJpaTest vs. @SpringBootTest

@DataJpaTest tests JPA components with an in-memory database. @SpringBootTest tests
the full application context. Difference: @DataJpaTest is lightweight for JPA; @SpringBootTest
is comprehensive.

Created by Puneet Joshi

2.44 @MockBean vs. @SpyBean
@MockBean creates a mock for a bean in tests. @SpyBean wraps a real bean, allowing
partial mocking. Difference: @MockBean replaces the bean; @SpyBean augments it.

2.45 @ConditionalOnProperty vs. @ConditionalOnClass

@ConditionalOnProperty enables a bean based on a property value. @ConditionalOn-
Class enables a bean if a class is present. Difference: @ConditionalOnProperty checks proper-
ties; @ConditionalOnClass checks classpath.

2.46 @SpringBootConfiguration vs. @Configuration

@SpringBootConfiguration is a specialized @Configuration for Spring Boot. @Configura-
tion defines beans in any Spring application. Difference: @SpringBootConfiguration is Spring
Boot-specific.

2.47 @ActiveProfiles vs. @Profile

@ActiveProfiles sets active profiles in tests. @Profile restricts a bean to specific profiles.
Difference: @ActiveProfiles is for testing; @Profile is for bean activation.

2.48 @Import vs. @ImportResource

@Import imports @Configuration classes. @ImportResource imports XML configuration
files. Difference: @Import is for Java config; @ImportResource is for XML.

2.49 @EnableAspectJAutoProxy vs. @EnableTransactionManagement

@EnableAspectJAutoProxy enables AOP proxying. @EnableTransactionManagement
enables transaction management. Difference: @EnableAspectJAutoProxy is for AOP; @En-
ableTransactionManagement is for transactions.

2.50 @PersistenceContext vs. @Autowired for EntityManager

@PersistenceContext injects an EntityManager with JPA-specific handling. @Autowired
injects an EntityManager as a regular bean. Difference: @PersistenceContext ensures proper
JPA lifecycle management.

Created by Puneet Joshi