Unable to Initialize Spring Boot App using Jetty:Run Goal? Here’s the Fix!

Are you struggling to get your Spring Boot application up and running using the Jetty:Run goal? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll dive into the common issues that might be causing the problem and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get your app running smoothly.

What is the Jetty:Run Goal?

The Jetty:Run goal is a Maven plugin that allows you to run your web application using the Jetty servlet container. It’s a popular choice among developers because it provides a lightweight and flexible way to deploy and test web applications.

Common Issues that Cause Initialization Failure

There are several reasons why you might be unable to initialize your Spring Boot app using the Jetty:Run goal. Here are some common issues to look out for:

• java.lang.NoClassDefFoundError: org/eclipse/jetty/webapp/WebAppContext
• java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: org/eclipse/jetty/server/Server.setStopTimeout(I)V
• Jetty:Run goal not configured correctly in the pom.xml file
• Incompatible versions of Jetty and Spring Boot
• Missing dependencies in the pom.xml file

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Let’s tackle each of these issues one by one and get your Spring Boot app up and running using the Jetty:Run goal.

Issue 1: java.lang.NoClassDefFoundError: org/eclipse/jetty/webapp/WebAppContext

This error usually occurs when the Jetty dependencies are not correctly configured in the pom.xml file. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open your pom.xml file and add the following dependencies:

<dependencies>
  <dependency>
    <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
    <artifactId>spring-boot-starter-web</artifactId>
  </dependency>
  <dependency>
    <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
    <artifactId>jetty-webapp</artifactId>
  </dependency>
  <dependency>
    <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
    <artifactId>jetty-plus</artifactId>
  </dependency>
</dependencies>

Make sure to update your Maven project after adding the dependencies.

Issue 2: java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: org/eclipse/jetty/server/Server.setStopTimeout(I)V

This error usually occurs when there’s a version conflict between Jetty and Spring Boot. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Check the versions of Jetty and Spring Boot in your pom.xml file.
2. Make sure you’re using compatible versions. For example, if you’re using Spring Boot 2.3.x, you should use Jetty 9.4.x.
3. Update your pom.xml file with the correct versions.

<dependency>
  <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
  <artifactId>spring-boot-starter-parent</artifactId>
  <version>2.3.4.RELEASE</version>
</dependency>
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
  <artifactId>jetty-webapp</artifactId>
  <version>9.4.31.v20200723</version>
</dependency>

Issue 3: Jetty:Run Goal Not Configured Correctly in the pom.xml File

This error usually occurs when the Jetty:Run goal is not correctly configured in the pom.xml file. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open your pom.xml file and add the following plugin:

<build>
  <plugins>
    <plugin>
      <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
      <artifactId>jetty-maven-plugin</artifactId>
      <version>9.4.31.v20200723</version>
      <configuration>
        <scanIntervalSeconds>10</scanIntervalSeconds>
        <stopPort>12345</stopPort>
        <stopKey>STOP</stopKey>
      </configuration>
    </plugin>
  </plugins>
</build>

Make sure to update your Maven project after adding the plugin.

Issue 4: Incompatible Versions of Jetty and Spring Boot

This error usually occurs when there’s a version conflict between Jetty and Spring Boot. Here’s how to fix it:

Refer to the previous solution for Issue 2.

Issue 5: Missing Dependencies in the pom.xml File

This error usually occurs when the pom.xml file is missing some essential dependencies. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open your pom.xml file and add the following dependencies:

<dependency>
  <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
  <artifactId>spring-boot-starter-web</artifactId>
</dependency>
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
  <artifactId>jetty-webapp</artifactId>
</dependency>
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.eclipse.jetty</groupId>
  <artifactId>jetty-plus</artifactId>
</dependency>

Make sure to update your Maven project after adding the dependencies.

Additional Tips and Tricks

To avoid issues with the Jetty:Run goal, follow these additional tips and tricks:

• Always use compatible versions of Jetty and Spring Boot.
• Make sure to update your Maven project after making changes to the pom.xml file.
• Use the correct dependencies and plugins in your pom.xml file.
• Check the Jetty documentation for the latest configuration options and best practices.

Conclusion

Initializing a Spring Boot app using the Jetty:Run goal can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and avoid common pitfalls. By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to identify and fix the issues preventing your app from running smoothly. Remember to keep your dependencies and plugins up to date, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.

Issue	Solution
java.lang.NoClassDefFoundError: org/eclipse/jetty/webapp/WebAppContext	Add correct dependencies to pom.xml file
java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: org/eclipse/jetty/server/Server.setStopTimeout(I)V	Use compatible versions of Jetty and Spring Boot
Jetty:Run goal not configured correctly in pom.xml file	Configure Jetty:Run goal correctly in pom.xml file
Incompatible versions of Jetty and Spring Boot	Use compatible versions of Jetty and Spring Boot
Missing dependencies in pom.xml file	Add correct dependencies to pom.xml file

Frequently Asked Question

Are you stuck with initializing your Spring Boot app using the Jetty:run goal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these FAQs to troubleshoot the issue.