Learn how to use DTOs in Spring Boot with Java record. Implement CRUD operations in the service, repository, and controller layers. Handle exceptions and use MapStruct for efficient mapping.

Ramesh Fadatare

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Mar 2, 2025

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🚀 Introduction to DTOs in Spring Boot

When developing REST APIs in Spring Boot, returning entities directly can expose sensitive data and tightly couple the API response with the database structure.

✅ Solution? Use DTOs (Data Transfer Objects).

A DTO (Data Transfer Object) is a plain Java object used to carry data between layers. In Spring Boot, DTOs prevent over-exposing database entities and help maintain clean architecture.

📌 Why Use DTOs Instead of Entities?

1️⃣ What is a Java record and Why Use It for DTOs?

Java record was introduced in Java 14 and became a stable feature in Java 16. A Java record is a special class used to store immutable data.

✅ Why Use record for DTOs?
✔ Immutability – Prevents unintentional modifications.
✔ Compact Code – No need for boilerplate (constructor, getters, toString(), equals(), and hashCode().).
✔ Better Readability – Clean structure for API responses.

📌 Example: Traditional DTO vs Java record DTO

Before (Using Class)

public class ProductDTO {
    private Long id;
    private String name;
    private String description;
    private double price;

    public ProductDTO(Long id, String name, String description, double price) {
        this.id = id;
        this.name = name;
        this.description = description;
        this.price = price;
    }

    public Long getId() { return id; }
    public String getName() { return name; }
    public String getDescription() { return description; }
    public double getPrice() { return price; }
}