How to Check Spring Framework Version?

Spring Framework is a widely-used Java framework for building enterprise-grade applications. With its comprehensive programming and configuration model, it supports a range of application types. Knowing the version of Spring used in your project is essential for compatibility, leveraging the latest features, and ensuring security updates. This guide provides detailed methods to check the Spring Framework version in various environments.

Why Check the Spring Version?

1. Compatibility: Ensure your project dependencies, such as Spring Boot or other Spring modules, are compatible with the framework version.
2. Security: Identifying your version helps ensure your application is free from vulnerabilities present in older releases.
3. New Features: Stay up-to-date with the latest enhancements and features introduced in newer versions.
4. Troubleshooting: Knowing the version can assist in debugging issues and consulting relevant documentation.

Methods to Check the Spring Framework Version

Below are different ways to check the Spring Framework version based on your setup.

1. Checking the Dependency File

For Maven Projects:

1. Open the pom.xml file in your project.

2. Look for the Spring Framework dependency. The version number is specified in the <version> tag. For example:
<dependency>
<groupId>org.springframework</groupId>
<artifactId>spring-core</artifactId>
<version>5.3.22</version>
</dependency>

Here, the version is 5.3.22.

For Gradle Projects:

1. Open the build.gradle file.
2. Look for the Spring dependency. The version is defined in the implementation or api block. For example:

implementation ‘org.springframework:spring-core:5.3.22’

2. Using Spring Boot Actuator

If your project uses Spring Boot and has the Actuator dependency, you can check the Spring version through its endpoints.

Steps:
Add the Spring Boot Actuator dependency to your pom.xml or build.gradle file if not already included:
<dependency>
<groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
<artifactId>spring-boot-starter-actuator</artifactId>
</dependency>

Run your application.

Access the /actuator/info endpoint in your browser or API client (e.g., Postman):

http://localhost:8080/actuator/info

The response will include the Spring version, such as:
{
“spring”: {
“version”: “5.3.22”
}
}

3. Checking Logs

When the Spring application starts, it logs the version of the framework.

Steps:

1. Run your Spring application.

2. Review the console logs during startup. Look for entries that display the Spring Framework version, such as:
yaml

Spring Framework version: 5.3.22

If you’re using Spring Boot, the logs will also indicate the Spring Boot version.

4. Using Java Code

You can write a small Java program to check the version of the Spring Framework programmatically.

Example:

java
Copy code
import org.springframework.core.SpringVersion;

public class SpringVersionCheck {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Spring Framework Version: ” + SpringVersion.getVersion());
}
}

Steps:

1. Add the Spring Core dependency to your project.
2. Compile and run the program.
3. The output will display the Spring version:

Spring Framework Version: 5.3.22

5. Checking JAR Files

If you have access to the Spring JAR files in your project, you can check the version directly from the file.

Steps:

1. Locate the Spring JAR files, such as spring-core-<version>.jar.
2. The version is part of the filename. For example:

spring-core-5.3.22.jar

6. Using Dependency Management Tools

Dependency management tools like Maven and Gradle provide commands to list all dependencies and their versions.

For Maven:

Run the following command in the terminal:

mvn dependency:tree

Look for the Spring Framework dependencies in the output.

For Gradle:

Run this command:

gradle dependencies

Search for the Spring dependencies in the generated dependency tree.

Updating Spring Framework

If you find that you’re using an outdated version, consider updating to the latest stable release. Update the version number in your pom.xml or build.gradle file and test your application to ensure compatibility.

Conclusion

Checking the Spring Framework version is a straightforward process using tools like Maven, Gradle, Actuator, or even Java code. Regularly verifying your version ensures compatibility, security, and access to the latest features. If you discover that your project is using an outdated version, take steps to update it and maintain the efficiency and security of your application