GetMapping

GetMapping is a common annotation used in web frameworks, particularly in Java with the Spring framework, to map HTTP GET requests to specific handler methods. It is a declarative way to define the endpoints of a web application. When a client sends a GET request to a URL that matches a path specified in a GetMapping annotation, the corresponding method is invoked.

The GetMapping annotation is a specialized version of the RequestMapping annotation, specifically designed for the HTTP GET method. It simplifies the process of handling GET requests by reducing the need for explicit method type specification. When using GetMapping, developers can define the URL path that the method should respond to. For example, @GetMapping("/users") would indicate that the annotated method should be executed when a GET request is made to the "/users" endpoint.

Developers can also specify request parameters, headers, and media types that the handler method should accept. This allows for more granular control over request handling. For instance, a GetMapping can be configured to only accept requests with a specific content type or to expect certain query parameters. The return value of the method annotated with GetMapping is typically serialized into an HTTP response, often in formats like JSON or XML, depending on the application's configuration. GetMapping is a fundamental tool for building RESTful web services and APIs, enabling efficient and organized handling of incoming HTTP requests.