API documentation is a crucial aspect of software development, especially when working with Spring Boot. The springdoc-openapi library offers a seamless way to automate the generation of API documentation for your Spring Boot applications. In this guide, we will explore how to get started with springdoc-openapi, integrate it into your project, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise along the way.

Introduction

The springdoc-openapi library infers API semantics during runtime by examining your Spring Boot application’s configurations and class structures. It can generate documentation in multiple formats, including JSON, YAML, and HTML, and it supports various features such as OpenAPI 3, Swagger UI, and OAuth 2.

Getting Started

• Library for springdoc-openapi integration with Spring Boot and Swagger UI

  To integrate springdoc-openapi into your project, follow these steps:

  • Add the following dependency to your build file:

  <dependency>
      <groupId>org.springdoc</groupId>
      <artifactId>springdoc-openapi-starter-webmvc-ui</artifactId>
      <version>last-release-version</version>
  </dependency>

  • Once you add the dependency, the Swagger UI will automatically deploy to your Spring Boot application. You can find the documentation at: http://server:port/context-path/swagger-ui.html.
  • For JSON format, the OpenAPI documentation will be available at: http://server:port/context-path/v3/api-docs.

• Demo Applications

  Check out the following demo applications to understand the integration better:

  • Demo Spring Boot 3 Web MVC with OpenAPI 3
  • Demo Spring Boot 3 WebFlux with OpenAPI 3
  • Demo Spring Boot 3 WebFlux with Functional endpoints OpenAPI 3

Integrating the Library without Swagger UI

For those who wish to integrate springdoc-openapi without using Swagger UI, follow these steps:

• Add the following dependency to your project:

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.springdoc</groupId>
    <artifactId>springdoc-openapi-starter-webmvc-api</artifactId>
    <version>last-release-version</version>
</dependency>

• Documentation will still be available at: http://server:port/context-path/v3/api-docs.
• If you want to customize the paths, you can add properties to your Spring Boot configuration file.

Error Handling and API Documentation

To enhance your API documentation, remember to declare HTTP response codes using the @ResponseStatus annotation. This is crucial for generating clear and useful API documentation.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during integration, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure that you’ve included the correct dependencies in your build file.
• Check your server’s configuration settings, including the port and context paths.
• Make sure that any required annotations in your Spring beans (like @OpenAPIDefinition) are correctly used.
• If documentation is not being generated, verify that your API methods are properly annotated, especially with @ResponseStatus.
• For unique configurations or advanced usage scenarios, consult the [full documentation](https://springdoc.org) and community resources.
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Conclusion

By integrating springdoc-openapi with your Spring Boot application, you can automate and enhance your API documentation process, making it easier for developers and users alike to understand and utilize your APIs effectively. Happy coding!