Challenge your understanding of backend development by exploring Spring Boot fundamentals, basic AI integration, and microservices architecture concepts. This quiz is designed to solidify your knowledge of key principles, common practices, and use-case scenarios within modern backend applications using Spring Boot, artificial intelligence, and microservices frameworks.
Which option best describes a Spring Boot starter in backend development?
Explanation: A Spring Boot starter provides a ready-made set of dependencies and settings to speed up development for specific functionalities, like web or data access. It is not related to front-end rendering, which is handled separately. Editing database records directly is outside the purpose of starters. Starters do not function specifically as security configurations, although there are starters for that purpose.
In a typical microservices setup, which method is commonly used for communication between services?
Explanation: RESTful APIs over HTTP are widely used for communication between microservices because of their statelessness and platform independence. Direct socket manipulation is low-level and rarely practical in most business applications. Shared memory access is not feasible with distributed systems due to network boundaries. Keyboard events are unrelated to service communication.
When you create a new Spring Boot application, what does 'auto-configuration' primarily do?
Explanation: Spring Boot's auto-configuration feature scans the classpath and application settings to set up beans and components automatically, reducing manual setup. It does not generate passwords, schedule backups, or involve front-end interface creation. Those tasks require other tools or manual code.
Which of the following is a simplest example of artificial intelligence in backend development?
Explanation: Automated language translation uses machine learning models and is an example of AI in backend systems. Sorting lists and copying files are basic programming operations with no intelligence involved. A static welcome page also lacks any AI component.
Why are microservices considered more scalable than monolithic architectures?
Explanation: Microservices allow each service to be scaled as needed, which means resources can be allocated more efficiently. Using less memory is not guaranteed; it depends on implementation. Microservices may require more servers, not fewer. The concept of having one deployment file relates to monolithic structures, not microservices.
In Spring Boot, which file is commonly used to store configuration settings such as port number or database URL?
Explanation: The application.properties file is the standard location for configuring many aspects of a Spring Boot application. Files like user.settings and deploy.json are not standard for Spring Boot configuration. Although config.yml is similar, Spring Boot prefers application.yml or application.properties over generic names.
What is required before an AI model can make predictions on real data?
Explanation: Training data is essential for an AI model to learn patterns and make reliable predictions. Publishing code or adding encryption does not teach the AI anything. Debug mode is for troubleshooting, not training the AI model.
What does Spring Boot’s use of an embedded server allow you to do?
Explanation: An embedded server, such as Tomcat or Jetty, enables Spring Boot apps to run out-of-the-box without setting up a separate web server. This has nothing to do with storing files on desktops, modifying the protocol to only UDP, or removing Java dependencies.
Why is loose coupling important when designing microservices?
Explanation: Loose coupling means services are independent, making the system more flexible and easier to maintain. Sharing database tables increases coupling, which is undesirable. Sequence-only operation restricts independence, and class count is not directly related to coupling.
How does Spring Boot manage dependencies between different parts of your application?
Explanation: Spring Boot leverages dependency injection to connect components at runtime, promoting modularity. Method execution order is irrelevant to dependency management. The framework does not create multiple class copies or manage import statements in this context.
What does it mean when a microservice is described as 'stateless'?
Explanation: A stateless service treats every request in isolation and does not retain session information, enabling better scalability. Processing single requests or ignoring network traffic are limitations, not features. Storing all data in plain text is unrelated to statelessness and could pose security problems.
What is the main responsibility of a REST controller in a Spring Boot application?
Explanation: REST controllers manage inbound HTTP requests and craft appropriate responses in web applications. They are not involved in compilation, encryption of logs, or operating system maintenance. Their primary role is facilitating web communication.
Which function does an API Gateway typically perform in a microservices architecture?
Explanation: An API Gateway routes client requests to appropriate microservices and often handles cross-cutting concerns. Encryption of database records is a separate security function. Network routing is managed by hardware, and increasing RAM is a hardware or infrastructure concern.
If a backend service receives customer reviews and uses AI to assign positive or negative labels, what is this scenario an example of?
Explanation: Assigning polarity to reviews using AI is a classic example of text classification. Table indexing organizes data storage, data shuffling randomizes records, and URL parsing breaks down website addresses; none capture the essence of classifying text.
What is the purpose of enabling the actuator endpoints in a Spring Boot application?
Explanation: Actuator endpoints provide valuable insights into an application’s health and other operational metrics. They are not meant for storing media files, handling language translation, or blocking all HTTP requests. Their focus is on monitoring.
How do microservices benefit large development teams compared to a monolithic architecture?
Explanation: Microservices enable autonomy, allowing teams to work independently on isolated components, improving flexibility and reducing inter-team dependencies. Forcing all code into one repository or database schema resembles monolithic development. Testing is still a shared responsibility.