Java Developer interview question · Most asked
Describe the request flow in a Spring MVC (Spring Boot) application.
Summary
The servlet container runs the filter chain (including Spring Security), then the DispatcherServlet finds a handler via HandlerMapping, runs HandlerInterceptor.preHandle, resolves and validates arguments (message converters, @Valid), invokes the controller, writes the return value (or renders a view after postHandle), applies exception resolvers such as @ControllerAdvice when something throws, runs afterCompletion, and the response travels back out through the filters.
Longer Answer
@Transactional and @Cacheable apply through proxies around service calls inside the controller step. Knowing the order explains why exceptions thrown in filters bypass @ControllerAdvice and why interceptors can see which handler will run but filters can't.
Key Points
- @Transactional and @Cacheable apply through proxies around service calls inside the controller step
- Knowing the order explains why exceptions thrown in filters bypass @ControllerAdvice and why interceptors can see which handler will run but filters can't
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What interviewers look for
A correct ordered flow naming filters, interceptors and exception resolvers
- Use the answer to connect the concept back to a realistic production or interview scenario for 'Describe the request flow in a Spring MVC (Spring Boot) application.'
Comparison / Tradeoffs
| Aspect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Core idea | The servlet container runs the filter chain (including Spring Security), then the DispatcherServlet finds a handler via HandlerMapping, runs HandlerInterceptor.preHandle, resolves and validates arguments (message converters, @Valid), invokes the controller, writes the return value (or renders a view after postHandle), applies exception resolvers such as @ControllerAdvice when something throws, runs afterCompletion, and the response travels back out through the filters. |
| Practical tradeoff | ## What interviewers look for |
A correct ordered flow naming filters, interceptors and exception resolvers. |
Explanation
What interviewers look for
A correct ordered flow naming filters, interceptors and exception resolvers.