Spring Boot Performance Tips: How We Optimize Enterprise Apps

Streamlined frameworks like Spring Boot make it easier to build enterprise Java applications, but getting them to perform well under real-world loads takes more than just plugging things in. At Keyhole Software, we’ve seen how even small performance hiccups can slow down big applications. That’s why we’re sharing these practical Spring Boot performance tips to help your app run faster and more reliably, no matter how complex your environment becomes.

Why Metrics Matter for Performance

Start with Real Metrics

The first step in improving Spring Boot performance is gathering accurate data. We rely on real-world metrics to pinpoint where your application’s bottlenecks are. Metrics like CPU usage, memory pressure, request latency, throughput, and garbage collection pauses give us a clear picture of what’s slowing things down.

Tools like Micrometer, Prometheus, and New Relic help us collect this data. They show us exactly which parts of the app are under pressure, so we’re not guessing. We’re targeting the actual issues.

Boosting Speed with Database Optimization

Fix Common Database Bottlenecks

In enterprise applications, the database often holds the key to faster performance. Here’s how we address this at Keyhole Software:

• Eliminate N+1 Query Problems: We use JPA fetch joins or custom DTO projections to avoid repeated database calls that slow down response times.
• Improve Query Performance: Query caching and index tuning help speed up frequent database operations.
• Connection Pooling: Spring Boot uses HikariCP by default. We fine-tune the max pool size and other settings to keep connections flowing smoothly.

Even a single slow query can affect the entire application’s performance. By focusing here, we can make a big difference.

Managing Threads for Smoother Load Handling

Thread Management and Tuning

Enterprise applications often experience sudden spikes in traffic, and thread management is crucial for handling these demands. We take several steps:

• Tune Server Thread Pools: For servlet-based applications, we adjust Tomcat or Jetty thread pools to help them manage traffic spikes more effectively.
• Custom Task Executors: For asynchronous tasks, we set up task executors to prevent thread starvation and improve reliability.
• Garbage Collection: On the JVM side, we often move to G1GC or ZGC to reduce garbage collection pauses and create a more stable environment.

These changes help your app stay responsive and reliable, even during peak usage.

Keeping Things Lean by Removing What’s Not Needed

Removing Unused Starters and Dependencies

Spring Boot’s flexibility makes it easy to include many features, but not all are necessary for your application. We carefully review each project’s classpath to remove any starters and dependencies that aren’t needed.

We also disable auto-configurations that don’t serve the app’s purpose. This trimming process leads to:

• Faster startup times
• Lower memory usage
• Fewer runtime surprises

Making Performance Tuning a Continuous Practice

Performance Tuning as a Lifecycle

Performance tuning doesn’t stop once your app is launched. We set up continuous monitoring and alerting for key metrics. We recommend checking these regularly, especially after major code or traffic changes.

At Keyhole Software, we encourage treating performance tuning as an ongoing part of your app’s lifecycle. This proactive approach helps you spot and fix small problems before they become major issues.

Let’s Make Your Spring Boot App Faster

Spring Boot makes it easy to build powerful Java applications quickly, but getting them to handle enterprise-level performance requires focused tuning. At Keyhole Software, we’ve helped teams across banking, healthcare, and logistics transform their Spring Boot applications with these proven Spring Boot performance tips.

If you’re experiencing latency, scaling challenges, or just want a fresh set of eyes on your backend performance, let’s connect. We’ll work with you to identify the right changes and ensure your Spring Boot app is running at its full potential.

Ready to optimize your enterprise app? Contact Keyhole Software today.