Can you explain the difference between @Component, @Repository, @Service, and @Controller annotations in Spring?

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Explaining the Difference between @Component, @Repository, @Service, and @Controller Annotations in Spring

Spring framework provides different annotations to help categorize and identify the purpose of classes within an application. Understanding the distinctions between @Component, @Repository, @Service, and @Controller annotations is crucial for effective Spring application development.

• @Component: The @Component annotation is a generic stereotype annotation used to designate a class as a Spring component. It serves as the base annotation for all other stereotypes in Spring.
• @Repository: The @Repository annotation is used to indicate that a class is responsible for encapsulating data access logic in a Spring application. It typically interacts with a database or external data source.
• @Service: The @Service annotation is used to mark a class as a service component in a Spring application. Service components are typically used to encapsulate business logic and perform specific tasks or operations.
• @Controller: The @Controller annotation is used to identify a class as a controller component in a Spring MVC application. Controllers handle incoming HTTP requests, process them, and return a response to the client.

Each of these annotations plays a unique role in defining the behavior and purpose of classes within a Spring application. By using the appropriate annotation, developers can maintain a clear and organized structure within their codebase.

For more detailed information on these annotations and their usage in Spring, consult the official Spring documentation or refer to the Spring framework's annotations guide.

Focus keyword: @Component, @Repository, @Service, @Controller annotations in Spring