5.2. REST Client (HTTP Client)

Caution

This version is already obsolete. Please check the latest guideline.

Index

5.2.1. Overview

This chapter explains how to call RESTful Web Service(REST API) by using org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate offered by Spring Framework.

5.2.1.1. What is RestTemplate

RestTemplate is a class which offers a method for calling REST API(Web API) and is a HTTP client offered by Spring Framework.

The method by which RestTemplate access REST API (Web API) is explained before explaining basic implementation method.

Constitution of RestTemplate
Sr. No. Component Description
(1)
Application
Call RestTemplate method and request to call REST API (Web API).
(2)
RestTemplate
By using HttpMessageConverter, convert Java object to message (JSON etc.) which is to be configured in the request body.
(3)

Fetch ClientHttpRequest from ClientHttpRequestFactory and request to send a message (JSON etc.).
(4)
ClientHttpRequest
Configure message (JSON etc) in the request body and carry out request in REST API (Web API) through HTTP.
(5)
RestTemplate
Determine errors and perform error handling for HTTP transmission using ResponseErrorHandler.
(6)
ResponseErrorHandler
Fetch response data from ClientHttpResponse, determine errors and perform error handling.
(7)
RestTemplate
By using HttpMessageConverter, convert message configured in response body (JSON etc) to Java object.
(8)

Return results (Java object) of calling REST API (Web API) to the application.

Note

Handling asynchronous processing

When response received from REST API is to be processed in another thread (asynchronous processing), org.springframework.web.client.AsyncRestTemplate should be used instead of RestTemplate. Refer Asynchronous request for implementation example of asynchronous processing.

5.2.1.1.1. HttpMessageConverter

org.springframework.http.converter.HttpMessageConverter is an interface which mutually converts Java object handled by application and message (JSON etc) for communicating with server.

When RestTemplate is used, implementation class of HttpMessageConverter below is registered by default.

HttpMessageConverter registered by default
Sr. No. Class name Description Support type
(1)
org.springframework.http.converter.
ByteArrayHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (text or binary data) ⇔ Byte array”.
It supports all media types (*/*) by default.
byte[]
(2)
org.springframework.http.converter.
StringHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (text) ⇔ String”.
It supports all text media types (text/*) by default.
String
(3)
org.springframework.http.converter.
ResourceHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (binary data) ⇔ Resource object of Spring”.
It supports all media types (*/*) by default.
Resource [1]
(4)
org.springframework.http.converter.xml.
SourceHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (XML) ⇔ XML source object”.
It supports media types for XML (text/xml,application/xml,application/*-xml) by default.
Source [2]
(5)
org.springframework.http.converter.support.
AllEncompassingFormHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body ⇔ MultiValueMap object”.
It is an extension class of FormHttpMessageConverter and supports conversion to XML and JSON as a multipart part data.
It supports media types for form data (application/x-www-form-urlencoded,multipart/form-data) by default.
  • When media type is application/x-www-form-urlencoded, the data is read / written as MultiValueMap<String, String>.
  • When media type is multipart/form-data, data is written as MultiValueMap<String, Object> and Object is converted by HttpMessageConveter configured separately in AllEncompassingFormHttpMessageConverter. (Caution: Refer Note)
Refer AllEncompassingFormHttpMessageConverter and FormHttpMessageConverter source for HttpMessageConveter used for conversion of part data which is registered by default. Note that, it is also possible to register an arbitrary HttpMessageConverter.
MultiValueMap [3]

Note

When media type of AllEncompassingFormHttpMessageConverter is multipart/form-data

When media type is multipart/form-data, conversion of “HTTP body from MultiValueMap object” can be done, however, conversion “from HTTP body to MultiValueMap object” is currently not supported. Hence, an independent implementation is required if conversion “from HTTP body to MultiValueMap object” is to be carried out.

HttpMessageConverter that is registered when a dependent library exists on the class path
Sr. No. Class Name Description Support type
(6)
org.springframework.http.converter.feed.
AtomFeedHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (Atom) ⇔ Atom feed object”.
It supports media type for ATOM (application/atom+xml) by default.
(It is registered when ROME exists on the class path)
Feed [4]
(7)
org.springframework.http.converter.feed.
RssChannelHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (RSS) ⇔ Rss channel object”.
It supports media type for RSS (application/rss+xml) by default.
(It is registered when ROME exists on the class path)
Channel [5]
(8)
org.springframework.http.converter.json.
MappingJackson2HttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (JSON) ⇔ JavaBean”.
It supports media type for JSON (application/json,application/*+json) by default.
(It is registered when Jackson2 exists on the class path)
Object (JavaBean)
Map
(9)
org.springframework.http.converter.xml.
MappingJackson2XmlHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (XML) ⇔ JavaBean”.
It supports media type for XML (text/xml,application/xml,application/*-xml) by default.
(It is registered when Jackson-dataformat-xml exists on the class path)
Object (JavaBean)
Map
(10)
org.springframework.http.converter.xml.
Jaxb2RootElementHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (XML) ⇔ JavaBean”.
It supports media type for XML (text/xml,application/xml,application/*-xml) by default.
(It is registered when JAXB exists on the class path)
Object (JavaBean)
(11)
org.springframework.http.converter.json.
GsonHttpMessageConverter
A class for conversion of “HTTP body (JSON) ⇔ JavaBean”.
It supports media type for JSON (application/json,application/*+json) by default.
(It is registered when Gson exists on the class path)
Object (JavaBean)
Map

[1]org.springframework.core.io package class
[2]javax.xml.transform package class
[3]org.springframework.util package class
[4]com.rometools.rome.feed.atom package class
[5]com.rometools.rome.feed.rss package class

5.2.1.1.2. ClientHttpRequestFactory

RestTemplate delegates the process of communicating with the server to implementation class of three interfaces given below.

  • org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestFactory
  • org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequest
  • org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpResponse

Of the 3 interfaces, the developers are aware of ClientHttpRequestFactory interface. ClientHttpRequestFactory resolves a class (implementation class of ClientHttpRequest and ClientHttpResponse interface) which communicates with the server.

Note that, the main implementation class of ClientHttpRequestFactory offered by Spring Framework is as given below.

Main implementation class of ClientHttpRequestFactory offered by Spring Framework
Sr. No. Class Name Description
(1)
org.springframework.http.client.
SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory
An implementation class for communication (synchronous, asynchronous) by using HttpURLConnection API of Java SE standard. (Implementation class used as a default)
(2)
org.springframework.http.client.
Netty4ClientHttpRequestFactory
An implementation class for communication (synchronous, asynchronous) by using Netty 4 API.
(3)
org.springframework.http.client.
HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory
An implementation class for synchronous communication by using Apache HttpComponents HttpClient API. (HttpClient 4.3 and above versions are required)
(4)
org.springframework.http.client.
HttpComponentsAsyncClientHttpRequestFactory
An implementation class for asynchronous communication by using Apache HttpComponents HttpAsyncClient API. (HttpAsyncClient 4.0 and above version are required)
(5)
org.springframework.http.client.
OkHttpClientHttpRequestFactory
An implementation class for communication (synchronous, asynchronous) by using Square OkHttp API.

Note

Regarding implementation class of ClientHttpRequestFactory to be used

Default implementation used by RestTemplate is SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory and it can also act as an implementation example in this guideline while using SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory. If it does not meet requirements in HttpURLConnection of Java SE, using libraries like Netty, Apache Http Components can be explored.

5.2.1.1.3. ResponseErrorHandler

RestTemplate handles the errors during the communication with the server by delegating to org.springframework.web.client.ResponseErrorHandler interface.

  • A method to determine errors (hasError)
  • A method to handle errors (handleError)

are defined in ResponseErrorHandler. Spring Framework offers org.springframework.web.client.DefaultResponseErrorHandler as a default implementation.

DefaultResponseErrorHandler carries out error handling as below according to values of HTTP status codes which have been sent as a response from the server.

  • When response code is standard (2xx), error handling is not carried out.
  • When response code is from client error system (4xx), org.springframework.web.client.HttpClientErrorException is generated.
  • When response code is from server error system (5xx), org.springframework.web.client.HttpServerErrorException is generated.
  • When response code is undefined (user defined custom code), org.springframework.web.client.UnknownHttpStatusCodeException is generated.

Note

How to fetch response data at the time of error

Response data at the time of error (HTTP status code, response header, response body etc) can be fetched by calling getter method of exception class.

5.2.1.1.4. ClientHttpRequestInterceptor

org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestInterceptor is an interface for implementing a common process before and after communicating with the server.

If ClientHttpRequestInterceptor is used, the common processes like

  • Communication log with server
  • Configuration of authentication header

can be applied in RestTemplate.

Note

Action specifications for ClientHttpRequestInterceptor

ClientHttpRequestInterceptor can be used for multiple times and is executed as a chain in a specified sequence. This operation is similar to working of a servlet filter and the HTTP communication process by ClientHttpRequest is registered as a chain destination executed at the end. For example, when you want to cancel communication with the server once it fulfils a certain condition, a chain destination need not be called.

When this system is used, processes like

  • Blocking communication with server
  • Retrying communication process

can also be applied.

5.2.2. How to use

This chapter explains how to implement a client process which uses RestTemplate.

Note

Regarding HTTP method supported by RestTemplate

In this guideline, only the implementation example of client process which use GET method and POST method is introduced, however, RestTemplate supports other HTTP methods (PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS etc) as well and can be used in the similar way. Refer Javadoc of RestTemplate for details.

5.2.2.1. RestTemplate Setup

When RestTemplate is used, RestTemplate is registered in DI container and injected in the component which uses RestTemplate.

5.2.2.1.1. Dependent library setup

spring-web library of Spring Framework is added to pom.xml for using RestTemplate.
In case of multi-project configuration, it is added to pom.xml of domain project.
It is not necessary to specify version here since it is managed in Spring Framework.
<dependencies>

    <!-- (1) -->
    <dependency>
        <groupId>org.springframework</groupId>
        <artifactId>spring-web</artifactId>
    </dependency>

</dependencies>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Add spring-web library of Spring Framework to dependencies.

5.2.2.1.2. Bean definition of RestTemplate

Define bean for RestTemplate and register in DI container.

Definition example of bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate" /> <!-- (1) -->
Sr. No. Description
(1)
When RestTemplate is used similar to default configuration, register a bean by using default constructor.

Note

How to customise RestTemplate

When HTTP communication process is to be customised, define a bean as below.

<bean id="clientHttpRequestFactory"
      class="org.springframework.http.client.SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory"> <!-- (1) -->
    <!-- Set properties for customize a http communication (omit on this sample) -->
</bean>

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <constructor-arg ref="clientHttpRequestFactory" /> <!-- (2) -->
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define a bean for ClientHttpRequestFactory.
A method to customise timeout configuration is introduced in this guideline. Refer Setting communication timeout for details.
(2)
Register a bean by using a constructor which specifies ClientHttpRequestFactory in the argument.

Also, refer

for how to customise HttpMessageConverter, ResponseErrorHandler and ClientHttpRequestInterceptor.

5.2.2.1.3. Using RestTemplate

When RestTemplate is used, RestTemplate registered in DI container is injected.

Injection example for RestTemplate

@Service
public class AccountServiceImpl implements AccountService {

    @Inject
    RestTemplate restTemplate;

    // ...

}

5.2.2.2. Sending GET request

RestTemplate offers multiple methods to send a GET request.

  • Usually, getForObject method or getForEntity method are used.
  • When a detailed setting such as setting a header is to be carried out, org.springframework.http.RequestEntity and exchange methods are used.

5.2.2.2.1. Implementation by using getForObject method

When only the response body is required to be fetched, getForObject method is used.

How to use getForObject method

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.url:http://localhost:8080/api}")
URI uri;

Internal method

User user = restTemplate.getForObject(uri, User.class); // (1)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
When getForObject method is used, the response body value is sent as a return value.
Response body data is returned after it has been converted to Java class specified in the second argument, by using HttpMessageConverter.

5.2.2.2.2. Implementation by using getForEntity method

When HTTP status code, response header and response body must be fetched, getForEntity method is used.

How to use getForEntity method

ResponseEntity<User> responseEntity =
        restTemplate.getForEntity(uri, User.class); // (1)
HttpStatus statusCode = responseEntity.getStatusCode(); // (2)
HttpHeaders header = responseEntity.getHeaders(); // (3)
User user = responseEntity.getBody(); // (4)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
When getForEntity method is used, org.springframework.http.ResponseEntity is sent as a return value.
(2)
Fetch HTTP status code by using getStatusCode method.
(3)
Fetch response header by using getHeaders method.
(4)
Fetch response body by using getBody method.

Note

ResponseEntity

ResponseEntity is a class which shows HTTP response and can fetch HTTP status code, response header and response body information. Refer Javadoc of ResponseEntity for details.

5.2.2.2.3. Implementation by using exchange method

When a request header must be specified, org.springframework.http.RequestEntity is generated and exchange method is used.

How to use exchange method

import part

import org.springframework.http.RequestEntity;
import org.springframework.http.ResponseEntity;

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.url:http://localhost:8080/api}")
URI uri;

Internal method

RequestEntity requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .get(uri)//(1)
        .build();//(2)

ResponseEntity<User> responseEntity =
        restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, User.class);//(3)

User user = responseEntity.getBody();//(4)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use get method of RequestEntity and generate request builder for GET request.
Specify URI in the parameter.
(2)
Use build method of RequestEntity.HeadersBuilder and create RequestEntity object.
(3)
Use exchange method and send request. Specify response data type in the second argument.
ResponseEntity<T> is sent as a response. Specify response data type in Type parameter.
(4)
Use getBody method and fetch response body data.

Note

RequestEntity

RequestEntity is a class which shows HTTP request and can set connection URI, HTTP method, request header and request body. Refer Javadoc of RequestEntity for details.

Also, refer Configuration of request header for how to configure a request header.

5.2.2.3. Sending POST request

RestTemplate offers multiple methods for carrying out POST request.

  • Usually, postForObject and postForEntity are used.
  • When a detailed setting like setting any header is to be carried out, RequestEntity and exchange methods are used.

5.2.2.3.1. Implementation by using postForObject method

When only response body is required to be fetched as POST results, postForObject method is used.

How to use postForObject method

User user = new User();

//...

User user = restTemplate.postForObject(uri, user, User.class); // (1)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
postForObject method can easily implement a POST request.
Specify Java object in the second argument which is converted to request body by using HttpMessageConverter.
When postForObject method is used, response body value is sent as a return value.

5.2.2.3.2. Implementation using postForEntity method

When HTTP status code, response header and response body are to be fetched as POST results, postForEntity method is used.

How to use postForEntity method

User user = new User();

//...

ResponseEntity<User> responseEntity =
        restTemplate.postForEntity(uri, user, User.class); // (1)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
postForEntity method can implement a POST request easily similar to getForObject method.
When postForEntity method is used, ResponseEntity is sent as a return value.
Fetch response body value from ResponseEntity.

5.2.2.3.3. Implementation using exchange method

When a request header is to be specified, RequestEntity is generated and exchange method is used.

How to use exchange method

import part

import org.springframework.http.RequestEntity;
import org.springframework.http.ResponseEntity;

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.url:http://localhost:8080/api}")
URI uri;

Internal method

User user = new User();

//...

RequestEntity<User> requestEntity = RequestEntity//(1)
        .post(uri)//(2)
        .body(user);//(3)

ResponseEntity<User> responseEntity =
        restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, User.class);//(4)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use RequestEntity and generate a request. Specify type of the data specified in the request body, in Type parameter.
(2)
Use post method and generate a request builder for POST request. Specify URI in the parameter.
(3)
Use body method of RequestEntity.BodyBuilder and create RequestEntity object.
Specify Java object that has been converted to request body, in the parameter.
(4)
Use exchange method and send a request.

Note

How to configure a request header

Refer Configuration of request header for how to configure a request header.

5.2.2.4. Fetch data in collection format

When the message of response body received from server as a response is in collection format, the implementation is as below.

How to fetch data in collection format

ResponseEntity<List<User>> responseEntity = //(1)
    restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, new ParameterizedTypeReference<List<User>>(){}); //(2)

List<User> userList = responseEntity.getBody();//(3)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Specify List<Response data type> in ResponseEntity Type parameter.
(2)
Specify instance of org.springframework.core.ParameterizedTypeReference in the second argument of exchange method, and specify List<Response data type> in Type parameter.
(2)
Fetch response body data by getBody method.

5.2.2.5. Configuration of request header

If RequestEntity and exchange methods are used, a specific header or any other header can be set by using RequestEntity method. Refer Javadoc of RequestEntity for details.

This guideline explains about

5.2.2.5.1. Configuration of Content-Type header

While sending data to server, a usual Content-Type header must be specified.

How to configure Content-Type header

User user = new User();

//...

RequestEntity<User> requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .post(uri)
        .contentType(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON) // (1)
        .body(user);
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use contentType method of RequestEntity.BodyBuilder and specify value of Context-Type header.
In the implementation example above, “application/json” is specified which indicates that the data format is JSON.

5.2.2.5.2. Configuration of Accept header

When the format of data to be fetched from server is specified, Accept header must be specified. When the server does not support multiple data format responses, Accept header may not be specified explicitly.

Configuration example of Accept header

User user = new User();

//...

RequestEntity<User> requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .post(uri)
        .accept(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON) // (1)
        .body(user);
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use accept method of RequestEntity.HeadersBuilder and specify value of Accept header.
In the implementation example above, “application/json” is specified which indicates that format of the data that can be fetched is JSON format.

5.2.2.5.3. Configuration of an arbitrary request header

A request header must be specified to access server.

Configuration example for an arbitrary header

User user = new User();

//...

RequestEntity<User> requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .post(uri)
        .header("Authorization", "Basic " + base64Credentials) // (1)
        .body(user);
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use header method of RequestEntity.HeadersBuilder and specify name and value of request header.
In the implementation example above, credentials information necessary for Basic authentication is specified in Authorization header.

5.2.2.6. Error Handling

5.2.2.6.1. Exception Handling (Default Behaviour)

Exceptions like

  • HttpClientErrorException when response code is of client error system (4xx)
  • HttpServerErrorException when response code is of server error system (5xx)
  • UnknownHttpStatusCodeException when response code is a undefined code (user defined custom code)

occur in default implementation (DefaultResponseErrorHandler) of RestTemplate, these exceptions must be handled as and when necessary.

Implementation example of exception handling

Note

An example of exception handling when a server error has occurred is shown below as an implementation example.

Appropriate exception handling must be carried out as per requirements of an application.

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.retry.maxCount}")
int retryMaxCount;

@Value("${api.retry.retryWaitTimeCoefficient}")
int retryWaitTimeCoefficient;

Internal method

int retryCount = 0;
while (true) {
    try {

        responseEntity = restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, String.class);

        if (log.isInfoEnabled()) {
            log.info("Success({}) ", responseEntity.getStatusCode());
        }

        break;

    } catch (HttpServerErrorException e) { // (1)

        if (retryCount == retryMaxCount) {
            throw e;
        }

        retryCount++;

        if (log.isWarnEnabled()) {
            log.warn("An error ({}) occurred on the server. (The number of retries:{} Times)", e.getStatusCode(),
                retryCount);
        }

        try {
            Thread.sleep(retryWaitTimeCoefficient * retryCount);
        } catch (InterruptedException ie) {
            Thread.currentThread().interrupt();
        }

        //...
    }

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Catch exception and perform error handling. In case of a server error (500 system), catch HttpServerErrorException.

5.2.2.6.2. Returning ResponseEntity (Error handler extension)

By setting implementation class of org.springframework.web.client.ResponseErrorHandler interface in RestTemplate, an independent error handling process can be carried out.

In the example below, the error handler is extended so as to return ResponseEntity even when a server error and a client error has occurred.

How to create an implementation class of error handler

import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpResponse;
import org.springframework.web.client.DefaultResponseErrorHandler;

public class CustomErrorHandler extends DefaultResponseErrorHandler { // (1)

    @Override
    public void handleError(ClientHttpResponse response) throws IOException {
        //Don't throw Exception.
    }

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Create implementation class of ResponseErrorHandler interface.
In the implementation example above, DefaultResponseErrorHandler - an implementation class of default error handler is extended
and ResponseEntity is returned without generating an exception when a server error and client error has occurred.

Implementation example of bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<bean id="customErrorHandler" class="com.example.restclient.CustomErrorHandler" /> <!-- (1) -->

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <property name="errorHandler" ref="customErrorHandler" /><!-- (2) -->
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define bean for implementation class of ResponseErrorHandler.
(2)
Inject ResponseErrorHandler bean in errorHandler property.

Implementation example of client process

int retryCount = 0;
while (true) {

    responseEntity = restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, User.class);

    if (responseEntity.getStatusCode() == HttpStatus.OK) { // (1)

        break;

    } else if (responseEntity.getStatusCode() == HttpStatus.SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE) { // (2)

        if (retryCount == retryMaxCount) {
            break;
        }

        retryCount++;

        if (log.isWarnEnabled()) {
            log.warn("An error ({}) occurred on the server. (The number of retries:{} Times)",
                responseEntity.getStatusCode(), retryCount);
        }

        try {
            Thread.sleep(retryWaitTimeCoefficient * retryCount);
        } catch (InterruptedException ie) {
            Thread.currentThread().interrupt();
        }

        //...
    }
}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
In the implementation example above, since error handler is extended so as to return ResponseEntity even at the time of error, it is necessary to check whether process results are normal after fetching HTTP status code from ResponseEntity thus returned.
(2)
HTTP status code can be fetched from returned ResponseEntity even at the time of error and process can be controlled corresponding to that value.

5.2.2.7. Setting communication timeout

When a timeout period is to be specified for communicating with server, define a bean as given below.

Implementation example of bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<bean id="clientHttpRequestFactory"
      class="org.springframework.http.client.SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory">
    <property name="connectTimeout" value="${api.connectTimeout: 2000}" /><!-- (1) -->
    <property name="readTimeout" value="${api.readTimeout: 2000}" /><!-- (2) -->
</bean>

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <constructor-arg ref="clientHttpRequestFactory" />
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Specify connection timeout (milliseconds) with server in connectTimeout property.
When timeout occurs, org.springframework.web.client.ResourceAccessException is generated.
(2)
Specify response data read timeout (milliseconds) in readTimeout property.
When timeout occurs, ResourceAccessException is generated.

Note

Cause Exception during Timeout Occurrence

ResourceAccessException wraps the cause exception. Cause exception during connection timeout and read timeout occurrence is java.net.SocketTimeoutException for both. When default implementation (SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory) is used, it must be added that type of timeout occurrence cannot be distinguished by the type of exception class.

Note that, since operation while using HttpRequestFactory is not verified, cause exception is likely to be different from the one described above. When other HttpRequestFactory is used, appropriate exception handling must be employed after assessing the exception occurred during the timeout.

5.2.2.8. Using SSL self-signed certificate

Implementation is as given below when a SSL self-signed certificate is to be used in the test environment.

Implementation example of FactoryBean

Implement org.springframework.beans.factory.FactoryBean to create org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestFactory to be passed in constructor argument, in Bean definition of RestTemplate.

import java.security.KeyStore;

import javax.net.ssl.KeyManagerFactory;
import javax.net.ssl.SSLContext;
import javax.net.ssl.TrustManagerFactory;

import org.apache.http.client.HttpClient;
import org.apache.http.impl.client.HttpClientBuilder;
import org.springframework.beans.factory.FactoryBean;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestFactory;
import org.springframework.http.client.HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory;

public class RequestFactoryBean implements
        FactoryBean<ClientHttpRequestFactory> {

    private String keyStoreFileName;

    private char[] keyStorePassword;

    @Override
    public ClientHttpRequestFactory getObject() throws Exception {

        // (1)
        SSLContext sslContext = SSLContext.getInstance("TLS");

        KeyStore ks = KeyStore.getInstance(KeyStore.getDefaultType());
        ks.load(this.getClass().getClassLoader()
                .getResourceAsStream(this.keyStoreFileName),
                this.keyStorePassword);

        KeyManagerFactory kmf = KeyManagerFactory.getInstance(KeyManagerFactory
                .getDefaultAlgorithm());
        kmf.init(ks, this.keyStorePassword);

        TrustManagerFactory tmf = TrustManagerFactory
                .getInstance(TrustManagerFactory.getDefaultAlgorithm());
        tmf.init(ks);

        sslContext.init(kmf.getKeyManagers(), tmf.getTrustManagers(), null);

        // (2)
        HttpClient httpClient = HttpClientBuilder.create()
                .setSSLContext(sslContext).build();

        // (3)
        ClientHttpRequestFactory factory = new HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory(
                httpClient);

        return factory;
    }

    @Override
    public Class<?> getObjectType() {
        return ClientHttpRequestFactory.class;
    }

    @Override
    public boolean isSingleton() {
        return true;
    }

    public void setKeyStoreFileName(String keyStoreFileName) {
        this.keyStoreFileName = keyStoreFileName;
    }

    public void setKeyStorePassword(char[] keyStorePassword) {
        this.keyStorePassword = keyStorePassword;
    }

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Create SSL context based on file name and password of keystore file which is specified in subsequent bean definition.
Keystore file of SSL self-signed certificate to be used is placed on the class path.
(2)
Create org.apache.http.client.HttpClient which uses SSL context thus created.
(3)
Create ClientHttpRequestFactory which uses HttpClient thus created.

Apache HttpComponents HttpClient library is required in order to use of HttpClient and HttpClientBuilder. Add below Apache HttpComponents HttpClient dependency library into pom.xml. Furthermore, the version of Apache HttpComponents HttpClient is managed by Spring IO Platform, Apache HttpComponents HttpClient version is not defined here.

  • pom.xml
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.httpcomponents</groupId>
    <artifactId>httpclient</artifactId>
</dependency>

Implementation example of bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

Define RestTemplatewhich carries out SSL communication using SSL self-signed certificate.

<bean id="httpsRestTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <constructor-arg>
        <bean class="com.example.restclient.RequestFactoryBean"><!-- (1) -->
            <property name="keyStoreFileName" value="${rscl.keystore.filename}" />
            <property name="keyStorePassword" value="${rscl.keystore.password}" />
        </bean>
    </constructor-arg>
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Specify created RequestFactoryBean in RestTemplate constructor.
Pass file name and password of keystore file in RequestFactoryBean.

How to use RestTemplate

The method to use RestTemplate is same as the method when SSL self-signed certificate is not used.

5.2.2.9. Basic authentication

Implementation is as below when a server requests a basic authentication.

Implementation example of Basic authentication

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.auth.userid}")
String userid;

@Value("${api.auth.password}")
String password;

Internal method

String plainCredentials = userid + ":" + password; // (1)
String base64Credentials = Base64.getEncoder()
        .encodeToString(plainCredentials.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8)); // (2)

RequestEntity requestEntity = RequestEntity
      .get(uri)
      .header("Authorization", "Basic " + base64Credentials) // (3)
      .build();
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Connect user ID and password with “":"”.
(2)
Convert (1) to byte array and perform Base64 encoding.
(3)
Authorization header specifies credentials information of Basic authentication.

Note

java.util.Base64 of Java standard is used for Java SE8 and later versions. Earlier, org.springframework.security.crypto.codec.Base64of Spring Security is used.

5.2.2.10. File upload (multi-part request)

Implementation is as below when file is to be uploaded (multi-part request) using RestTemplate.

Implementation example for file upload

MultiValueMap<String, Object> multiPartBody = new LinkedMultiValueMap<>();//(1)
multiPartBody.add("file", new ClassPathResource("/uploadFiles/User.txt"));//(2)

RequestEntity<MultiValueMap<String, Object>> requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .post(uri)
        .contentType(MediaType.MULTIPART_FORM_DATA)//(3)
        .body(multiPartBody);//(4)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Generate MultiValueMap for storing data sent as a multi-part request.
(2)
Specify parameter name in key and add file to be uploaded in MultiValueMap.
In the example above, file placed on the class path is added as an uploaded file by specifying parameter name as file.
(3)
Specify media type of Content-Type header in multipart/form-data.
(4)
Specify MultiValueMap in the request body wherein the uploaded file has been stored.

Note

Regarding Resource class offered by Spring Framework

Spring Framework offers org.springframework.core.io.Resource as an interface which represents the resource and can be used while uploading a file.

Main implementation classes of Resource interface are as below.

  • org.springframework.core.io.PathResource
  • org.springframework.core.io.FileSystemResource
  • org.springframework.core.io.ClassPathResource
  • org.springframework.core.io.UrlResource
  • org.springframework.core.io.InputStreamResource (file name cannot be linked to server)
  • org.springframework.core.io.ByteArrayResource (file name cannot be linked to server)

5.2.2.11. File download

Implementation is as below when file is to be downloaded using RestTeamplate.

Implementation example of file download (when file size is small)

RequestEntity requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .get(uri)
        .build();

ResponseEntity<byte[]> responseEntity =
        restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, byte[].class);//(1)

byte[] downloadContent = responseEntity.getBody();//(2)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Handle downloaded file with a specified data type. Here, byte array is specified.
(2)
Fetch data of downloaded file from response body.

Warning

Precautions to be taken while downloading a large file

If a large file is fetched in byte array using HttpMessageConverter registered as default, java.lang.OutOfMemoryError is likely to occur. Hence, when a large file is to be downloaded, it is necessary to write downloaded data to the file in parts by fetching InputStream from response.

Implementation example of file download (when file size is large)

// (1)
final ResponseExtractor<ResponseEntity<File>> responseExtractor =
        new ResponseExtractor<ResponseEntity<File>>() {

    // (2)
    @Override
    public ResponseEntity<File> extractData(ClientHttpResponse response)
            throws IOException {

        File rcvFile = File.createTempFile("rcvFile", "zip");

        FileCopyUtils.copy(response.getBody(), new FileOutputStream(rcvFile));

        return ResponseEntity.status(response.getStatusCode())
                .headers(response.getHeaders()).body(rcvFile);
    }

};

// (3)
ResponseEntity<File> responseEntity = this.restTemplate.execute(targetUri,
        HttpMethod.GET, null, responseExtractor);
if (HttpStatus.OK.equals(responseEntity.getStatusCode())) {
    File getFile = responseEntity.getBody();

    .....

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Create a process to create a return value of RestTemplate#execute,from the response fetched from RestTemplate#execute.
(2)
Read data from response body (InputStream) and create a file.
Created file, HTTP header and status code are stored in ResponseEntity<File> and returned.
(3)
Download file using RestTemplate#execute.

Implementation example of file download (when file size is large (example wherein ResponseEntity is not used))

When status code determination and HTTP header reference are not required, File should be returned instead of ResponseEntity as given below.

final ResponseExtractor<File> responseExtractor = new ResponseExtractor<File>() {

    @Override
    public File extractData(ClientHttpResponse response)
            throws IOException {

        File rcvFile = File.createTempFile("rcvFile", "zip");

        FileCopyUtils.copy(response.getBody(), new FileOutputStream(
                rcvFile));

        return rcvFile;
    }

};

File getFile = this.restTemplate.execute(targetUri, HttpMethod.GET,
        null, responseExtractor);
.....

5.2.2.12. How to handle RESTful URL (URI template) and implementation example

Implementation can be carried out by using URI template for handling RESTful URL.

How to use getForObject method

Field declaration part

@Value("${api.serverUrl}/api/users/{userId}") // (1)
String uriStr;

Internal method

User user = restTemplate.getForObject(uriStr, User.class, "0001"); // (2)
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Variable {userId} of URI template is changed to value specified while using RestTeamplate.
(2)
One variable of URI template is replaced with a value specified in third argument of getForObject method and processed as “http://localhost:8080/api/users/0001”.

How to use exchange method

@Value("${api.serverUrl}/api/users/{action}") // (1)
String uriStr;

Internal method

URI targetUri = UriComponentsBuilder.fromUriString(uriStr).
        buildAndExpand("create").toUri(); //(2)

User user = new User();

//...

RequestEntity<User> requestEntity = RequestEntity
        .post(targetUri)
        .body(user);

ResponseEntity<User> responseEntity = restTemplate.exchange(requestEntity, User.class);
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Variable {action} of URI template is changed to value specified while using RestTeamplate.
(2)
By using UriComponentsBuilder, first variable of URI template is replaced by value specified in the argument of buildAndExpand and “http://localhost:8080/api/users/create” URI is created.
Refer Javadoc of UriComponentsBuilder for details.

5.2.3. How to extend

This chapter explains how to extend RestTemplate.

5.2.3.1. How to register an arbitrary HttpMessageConverter

If the requirements of message conversion are not met by HttpMessageConverter registered as default, an arbitrary HttpMessageConverter can be registered. However, since HttpMessageConverter registered as default is deleted, the required HttpMessageConverter should all be individually registered.

How to define a bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<bean id="jaxb2CollectionHttpMessageConverter"
      class="org.springframework.http.converter.xml.Jaxb2CollectionHttpMessageConverter" /> <!-- (1) -->

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <property name="messageConverters"> <!-- (2) -->
        <list>
            <ref bean="jaxb2CollectionHttpMessageConverter" />
        </list>
    </property>
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define a bean for implementation class of HttpMessageConverter to be registered.
(2)
Inject HttpMessageConverter bean registered in messageConvertersproperty.

5.2.3.2. Application of common process (ClientHttpRequestInterceptor)

By using ClientHttpRequestInterceptor, a process can be executed before and after communicating with the server.

Here, implementation example for

is introduced below.

5.2.3.2.1. Logging process

When a log for communication with server is to be output, implementation is as below.

Implementation example of communication log output

package com.example.restclient;

import org.springframework.http.HttpRequest;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestExecution;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestInterceptor;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpResponse;

public class LoggingInterceptor implements ClientHttpRequestInterceptor { //(1)

    private static final Logger log = LoggerFactory.getLogger(LoggingInterceptor.class);

    @Override
    public ClientHttpResponse intercept(HttpRequest request, byte[] body,
            ClientHttpRequestExecution execution) throws IOException {

        if (log.isInfoEnabled()) {
            String requestBody = new String(body, StandardCharsets.UTF_8);

            log.info("Request Header {}", request.getHeaders()); //(2)
            log.info("Request Body {}", requestBody);
        }

        ClientHttpResponse response = execution.execute(request, body); //(3)

        if (log.isInfoEnabled()) {
            log.info("Response Header {}", response.getHeaders()); // (4)
            log.info("Response Status Code {}", response.getStatusCode()); // (5)
        }

        return response; // (6)
    }

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Implement ClientHttpRequestInterceptor interface.
(2)
Implement a common process to be carried out prior to sending a request.
In the implementation example above, details of request header and request body are output in a log.
(3)
Run execute method of ClientHttpRequestExecution received as an argument for intercept method and send a request.
(4)
Implement a common process which is to be carried out after receiving a response.
In the implementation example above, response header details are output in a log.
(5)
Similar to (4), status code details are output in a log.
(6)
Return the response received in (3).

5.2.3.2.2. Process to configure a request header for Basic authentication

When it is necessary to configure a request header for Basic authentication to access the server, implementation is as given below.

Implementation example of request header configuration process for Basic authentication

package com.example.restclient;

import org.springframework.http.HttpRequest;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestExecution;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpRequestInterceptor;
import org.springframework.http.client.ClientHttpResponse;

public class BasicAuthInterceptor implements ClientHttpRequestInterceptor { //(1)

    private static final Logger log = LoggerFactory.getLogger(BasicAuthInterceptor.class);

    @Value("${api.auth.userid}")
    String userid;

    @Value("${api.auth.password}")
    String password;

    @Override
    public ClientHttpResponse intercept(HttpRequest request, byte[] body,
            ClientHttpRequestExecution execution) throws IOException {

        String plainCredentials = userid + ":" + password;
        String base64Credentials = Base64.getEncoder()
                .encodeToString(plainCredentials.getBytes(StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
        request.getHeaders().add("Authorization", "Basic " + base64Credentials); // (1)

        ClientHttpResponse response = execution.execute(request, body);

        return response;
    }

}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Add a request header for Basic authentication in intercept method.

5.2.3.2.3. Applying ClientHttpRequestInterceptor

When ClientHttpRequestInterceptor created in RestTemplate is to be applied, define a bean as given below.

How to define a bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<!-- (1) -->
<bean id="basicAuthInterceptor" class="com.example.restclient.BasicAuthInterceptor" />
<bean id="loggingInterceptor" class="com.example.restclient.LoggingInterceptor" />

<bean id="restTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <property name="interceptors"><!-- (2) -->
        <list>
            <ref bean="basicAuthInterceptor" />
            <ref bean="loggingInterceptor" />
        </list>
    </property>
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define a bean for implementation class of ClientHttpRequestInterceptor.
(2)
Inject ClientHttpRequestInterceptor bean in interceptors property.
When multiple beans are to be injected, execute the process in a chain sequence starting from top of the list.
In the example above, processes prior to request are implemented in the sequence - BasicAuthInterceptor -> LoggingInterceptor -> ClientHttpRequest. (the sequence will be reversed for the processes after receiving a response)

5.2.3.3. Asynchronous request

When an asynchronous request is to be carried out, org.springframework.web.client.AsyncRestTemplate is used.

5.2.3.3.1. Bean definition for AsyncRestTemplate

Define a bean for AsyncRestTemplate.

How to define a bean definition file (applicationContext.xml)

<bean id="asyncRestTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.AsyncRestTemplate" /> <!-- (1) -->
Sr. No. Description
(1)
When AsyncRestTemplate is to be used as per default setup, register a bean by using a default constructor.
In case of default configuration, SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory which has set org.springframework.core.task.SimpleAsyncTaskExecutor is set as org.springframework.core.task.AsyncListenableTaskExecutor in org.springframework.http.client.AsyncClientHttpRequestFactory of AsyncRestTemplate.

Note

Applying ClientHttpRequestInterceptor to AsyncRestTemplate

ClientHttpRequestInterceptor cannot be applied in AsyncRestTemplate. Hence, a common process must be executed independently.

Note

How to customise AsyncRestTemplate

SimpleAsyncTaskExecutor set as default generates threads without using a thread pool and there is no restriction on number of concurrent execution of threads. Hence, when the number of threads to be used concurrently is very large, OutOfMemoryError is likely to occur.

By setting a Bean of org.springframework.core.task.AsyncListenableTaskExecutor interface, in the constructor of AsyncRestTemplate, upper limit for thread pool count can be specified. An example of setting org.springframework.scheduling.concurrent.ThreadPoolTaskExecutoris given below.

<!-- (1) -->
<bean id="asyncTaskExecutor" class="org.springframework.scheduling.concurrent.ThreadPoolTaskExecutor">
    <property name="maxPoolSize" value="100" />
</bean>

<!-- (2) -->
<bean id="asyncRestTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.AsyncRestTemplate" >
    <constructor-arg index="0" ref="asyncTaskExecutor" />
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define a bean for AsyncTaskExecutor.
Thread operation using a thread pool is carried out by using ThreadPoolTaskExecutor.
Further, number of threads can be controlled by setting maxPoolSize property.
(2)
Define a bean for AsyncRestTemplate.
Register a bean by using a constructor which specifies ThreadPoolTaskExecutorin the argument.

This guideline introduces an implementation example to customise the task execution process only, however HTTP communication process can also be customised for AsyncRestTemplate. Refer Javadoc of AsyncRestTemplate for details.

Also, customisation for other than thread pool size is possible for ThreadPoolTaskExecutoras well. Refer Javadoc of ThreadPoolTaskExecutor for details.

5.2.3.3.2. Implementation of asynchronous request

Implementation example of asynchronous request

Field declaration part

@Inject
AsyncRestTemplate asyncRestTemplate;

Internal method

ListenableFuture<ResponseEntity<User>> responseEntity =
        asyncRestTemplate.getForEntity(uri, User.class); // (1)

responseEntity.addCallback(new ListenableFutureCallback<ResponseEntity<User>>() { // (2)
    @Override
    public void onSuccess(ResponseEntity<User> entity) {
        //...
    }

    @Override
    public void onFailure(Throwable t) {
      //...
    }
});
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Send asynchronous request by using each method of AsyncRestTemplate.
In the implementation example above, getForEntity method is used.
ResponseEntity wrapped in org.springframework.util.concurrent.ListenableFutureis sent as return value.
How to use each method is similar to RestTemplate.
(2)
Register org.springframework.util.concurrent.ListenableFutureCallback in ListenableFuture and implement a process when a response has returned.
Implement the process in onSuccess method when a successful response has returned and implement a process in onFailurewhen an error has occurred.

5.2.4. Appendix

5.2.4.1. How to configure HTTP Proxy server

When the server is to be accessed via HTTP Proxy server, HTTP Proxy server must be configured in system property or JVM starting argument, or Bean definition of RestTemplate. When the server is configured in system property or JVM starting argument, it impacts the overall application. Hence, an example wherein HTTP Proxy server is configured for each RestTemplate is introduced.

HTTP Proxy server for each RestTemplate can be configured for SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory which is a default implementation of ClientHttpRequestFactory interface. However, since credentials cannot be configured in SimpleClientHttpRequestFactory, HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory is used while authenticating Proxy. HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory is an implementation class of ClientHttpRequestFactory interface which generates a request using Apache HttpComponents HttpClient.

5.2.4.1.1. How to specify a HTTP Proxy server

Connection destination of HTTP Proxy server for which credentials are essential is specified for RestTemplate by using HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory.

pom.xml

<!-- (1) -->
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.apache.httpcomponents</groupId>
    <artifactId>httpclient</artifactId>
</dependency>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Add Apache HttpComponents Client to dependent library of pom.xml in order to use Apache HTTP Client which is used in HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory.
Note that, since Apache HttpComponents Client version is managed in Spring IO Platform , it is not necessary to define Apache HttpComponents Client version here.

Bean definition file

<!-- (1) -->
<bean id="proxyHttpClientBuilder" class="org.apache.http.impl.client.HttpClientBuilder" factory-method="create" >
    <!-- (2) -->
    <property name="proxy">
        <bean class="org.apache.http.HttpHost" >
            <constructor-arg index="0" value="${rscl.http.proxyHost}" />    <!-- (3) -->
            <constructor-arg index="1" value="${rscl.http.proxyPort}" />    <!-- (4) -->
        </bean>
    </property>
</bean>

<!-- (5) -->
<bean id="proxyRestTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate" >
    <constructor-arg>
        <!-- (6) -->
        <bean class="org.springframework.http.client.HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory">
            <!-- (7) -->
            <constructor-arg>
                <bean factory-bean="proxyHttpClientBuilder" factory-method="build" />
            </constructor-arg>
        </bean>
    </constructor-arg>
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Use org.apache.http.impl.client.HttpClientBuilder and configure org.apache.http.client.HttpClient.
(2)
Configure org.apache.http.HttpHost which performs HTTP Proxy server setting, in proxy property of HttpClientBuilder.
(3)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyHost configured in property file in the first argument of HttpHost constructor, as a host name of HTTP Proxy server.
(4)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyPort configured in property file in the second argument of HttpHost constructor, as a port number of HTTP Proxy server.
(5)
Define a Bean for RestTemplate.
(6)
Configure HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory in the argument of RestTemplate constructor.
(7)
Configure HttpClient generated from HttpClientBuilder in the argument of HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory constructor.

5.2.4.1.2. How to specify credentials information of HTTP Proxy server

When credentials (user name and password) are required for accessing HTTP Proxy server, credentials are set by using org.apache.http.impl.client.BasicCredentialsProvider.

Since setCredentials method of BasicCredentialsProvider contains two arguments, a Bean cannot be generated by using a setter injection. Hence, a Bean is generated by using org.springframework.beans.factory.FactoryBean.

FactoryBean class

import org.apache.http.auth.AuthScope;
import org.apache.http.auth.UsernamePasswordCredentials;
import org.apache.http.impl.client.BasicCredentialsProvider;
import org.springframework.beans.factory.FactoryBean;
import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Value;

// (1)
public class BasicCredentialsProviderFactoryBean implements FactoryBean<BasicCredentialsProvider> {

    // (2)
    @Value("${rscl.http.proxyHost}")
    String host;

    // (3)
    @Value("${rscl.http.proxyPort}")
    int port;

    // (4)
    @Value("${rscl.http.proxyUserName}")
    String userName;

    // (5)
    @Value("${rscl.http.proxyPassword}")
    String password;

    @Override
    public BasicCredentialsProvider getObject() throws Exception {

        // (6)
        AuthScope authScope = new AuthScope(this.host, this.port);

        // (7)
        UsernamePasswordCredentials usernamePasswordCredentials =
                new UsernamePasswordCredentials(this.userName, this.password);

        // (8)
        BasicCredentialsProvider credentialsProvider = new BasicCredentialsProvider();
        credentialsProvider.setCredentials(authScope, usernamePasswordCredentials);

        return credentialsProvider;
    }

    @Override
    public Class<?> getObjectType() {
        return BasicCredentialsProvider.class;
    }

    @Override
    public boolean isSingleton() {
        return true;
    }
}
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Define a BasicCredentialsProviderFactoryBean class which implements org.springframework.beans.factory.FactoryBean.
Configure BasicCredentialsProvider in the type of Bean.
(2)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyHost set in property file in instance variable, as a host name of HTTP Proxy server.
(3)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyPort set in property file in instance variable, as a port number of HTTP Proxy server.
(4)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyUserName set in property file in instance variable, as a user name of HTTP Proxy server.
(5)
Set value of key rscl.http.proxyPassword set in property file in instance variable, as a password of HTTP Proxy server.
(6)
Create org.apache.http.auth.AuthScope and configure scope of credentials. This example specifies host name and port number of HTTP Proxy server. For other configuration methods, refer AuthScope (Apache HttpClient API).
(7)
Create org.apache.http.auth.UsernamePasswordCredentials and configure credentials.
(8)
Create org.apache.http.impl.client.BasicCredentialsProvider and configure credentials and its scope by using setCredentials method.

Bean definition file

<bean id="proxyHttpClientBuilder" class="org.apache.http.impl.client.HttpClientBuilder" factory-method="create">
    <!-- (1) -->
    <property name="defaultCredentialsProvider">
        <bean class="com.example.restclient.BasicCredentialsProviderFactoryBean" />
    </property>
    <property name="proxy">
        <bean id="proxyHost" class="org.apache.http.HttpHost">
            <constructor-arg index="0" value="${rscl.http.proxyHost}" />
            <constructor-arg index="1" value="${rscl.http.proxyPort}" />
        </bean>
    </property>
</bean>

<bean id="proxyRestTemplate" class="org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate">
    <constructor-arg>
        <bean class="org.springframework.http.client.HttpComponentsClientHttpRequestFactory">
            <constructor-arg>
                <bean factory-bean="proxyHttpClientBuilder" factory-method="build" />
            </constructor-arg>
        </bean>
    </constructor-arg>
</bean>
Sr. No. Description
(1)
Configure BasicCredentialsProviderin defaultCredentialsProviderproperty of HttpClientBuilder.
BasicCredentialsProvider creates a Bean by using BasicCredentialsProviderFactoryBeanwhich implements FactoryBean.

5.2.4.2. Configuration while using JSR-310 Date and Time API in JSON

For configuration while using JSR-310 Date and Time API as a property of JavaBean which represents a resource (Resource class), refer “Configuration while using JSR-310 Date and Time API / Joda Time “.