How to Fix REST API Call Issues in Spring Boot: Switching from RestTemplate to WebClient

Discover how to resolve `REST API` call issues in Spring Boot by switching from RestTemplate to WebClient for seamless data fetching from external services.
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Resolving REST API Call Issues in Spring Boot

When developing applications in Spring Boot, it's common to integrate with various external APIs. However, developers often face challenges while fetching data from these APIs. One such issue frequently encountered is when a REST API call appears to be stuck or unresponsive. In this post, we will explore a common scenario involving a failed API call to the NSE for live options trading data. We will also present a solution that involves changing the HTTP client being used.

The Problem

In our example, the goal is to fetch live data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for BANKNIFTY options using a REST API call. Here’s the code snippet that was used to make this call:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Although the code appears straightforward, the request gets stuck, and the application fails to retrieve any response from the API. This can be frustrating and can halt development efforts for a while. So, what can we do to solve this issue?

The Solution: Using WebClient

After researching various options, one effective solution involves switching from RestTemplate to WebClient. WebClient is part of the Spring WebFlux framework and is designed to handle both synchronous and asynchronous requests more gracefully. Here are the steps you can follow to implement the switch:

Step 1: Include Dependencies

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Change the Code Implementation

Next, refactor your method to use WebClient instead of RestTemplate. Here’s how you can modify your code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Benefits of Using WebClient

Switching to WebClient offers several advantages:

Asynchronous Processing: WebClient handles requests asynchronously, allowing your application to continue functioning while waiting for a response.

Simplified Error Handling: It provides a more straightforward way to manage errors during API calls.

Reactive Programming Support: It integrates seamlessly with reactive programming paradigms, which can lead to more efficient code.

Conclusion

Handling API calls can often lead to roadblocks if the right tools aren’t in place. By switching from RestTemplate to WebClient, you can overcome issues related to unresponsive API calls and improve the overall efficiency of your application. This change is a fundamental step in modernizing your Spring Boot applications and leveraging reactive capabilities.

If you're facing similar issues with REST API calls in your Spring Boot application, consider making the switch to WebClient for a better experience.