# Spring Boot Devtools

> Skill: spring-boot-devtools

- Skill: `carlnaddy/spring-boot-devtools` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add carlnaddy/spring-boot-devtools`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/carlnaddy/spring-boot-devtools/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: CarlNaddy (https://skillmd.com/u/carlnaddy)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/carlnaddy/spring-boot-devtools

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# Skill: spring-boot-devtools

## Type
core

## Purpose

Ensure every Spring Boot project includes Developer Tools for faster local development feedback.

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## When to Use

Use in all Spring Boot-based projects unless explicitly disabled by product requirements.

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## Rules

- Add `org.springframework.boot:spring-boot-devtools` to `pom.xml`.
- For Maven, set `<optional>true</optional>` so devtools is not transitively inherited.
- Keep devtools as development-only behavior by default.
- Do not enable packaging behavior that forces devtools into production artifacts unless explicitly requested.

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## Maven Example

```xml
<dependency>
  <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
  <artifactId>spring-boot-devtools</artifactId>
  <optional>true</optional>
</dependency>
```

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## Packaging Guidance

- Default Spring Boot repackaging excludes devtools for production archives.
- Only configure plugin flags to include devtools when remote devtools behavior is explicitly required.

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## Anti-Patterns

- Do NOT add devtools as a required runtime dependency for production.
- Do NOT omit `<optional>true</optional>` in Maven projects.