Property File Editor - Spring Boot Application
Overview:
The Property File Editor is a web-based application built using Spring Boot that allows users to manage configuration properties stored in a local .properties file. It provides a user-friendly interface to load, view, and update property key-value pairs dynamically, with real-time feedback on successful updates.
Key Features:
Dynamic File Selection:
Users can specify the full path to a .properties file on the local file system via an initial file selection page.
The application creates the file if it doesn’t exist, ensuring seamless operation.
Property Management Interface:
Displays all properties from the selected file in a tabular format with columns for Key, Value, Action, and Status.
Values are presented in editable input fields that become active on click, maintaining a clean and intuitive UI.
Real-Time Updates:
An "Update" button in the Action column allows users to modify property values.
Upon clicking, the updated value is saved to the properties file, and a "Success" message appears in the Status column for the modified row.
Feedback Mechanism:
Successful updates are visually confirmed with a green "Success" message in the Status column, providing immediate user feedback.
The status is temporary, clearing on page refresh or subsequent updates for a streamlined experience.
Technical Details:
Framework: Spring Boot 3.2.4 with Thymeleaf for server-side rendering.
Dependencies: Spring Web for RESTful endpoints, Thymeleaf for templating, and Maven for build management.
Frontend: HTML with embedded JavaScript for dynamic form handling and CSS for styling.
Backend: Java-based service layer to read from and write to the properties file using the Properties class.
Architecture:
Controller: Handles file selection, property loading, and updates, passing data to the view layer.
Service: Manages file I/O operations and property manipulation.
Views: Two templates—file-selection.html for file input and index.html for property management.
Usage:
Launch the application via mvn spring-boot:run.
Access it at http://localhost:8080.
Enter the path to a .properties file (e.g., C:/temp/config.properties).
View and edit properties in the table, with updates reflected in the file instantly.
Potential Enhancements:
Add error handling for file access issues or invalid inputs.
Implement persistent status messages or a history of updates.
Enhance security with authentication and CSRF protection for production use.
Improve UX with loading indicators or advanced styling.
Purpose: Designed as a lightweight tool for developers and administrators to manage configuration files without manual editing, this application combines simplicity with functionality, making property management efficient and accessible through a web interface.