If you encounter the error "Package org.springframework.boot does not exist" in your Maven-based Spring Boot project, it means Maven cannot resolve Spring Boot dependencies. This issue commonly occurs due to incorrect Maven configuration, missing repositories, or incompatible dependencies.
In this guide, we’ll explore why this error happens and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.
Why Does This Error Occur?
The error typically appears when:
-
Spring Boot dependencies are missing in
pom.xml. - Incorrect or missing Maven repository (Spring repositories not configured).
- Maven project not properly loaded (IDE cache issue).
- Incorrect Java or Spring Boot version (version mismatch).
- Network/proxy issues (Maven unable to download dependencies).
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Verify Spring Boot Dependencies in pom.xml
Ensure your pom.xml includes the Spring Boot Starter Parent and required dependencies:
Basic Spring Boot Maven Setup
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-starter-parent
3.2.0
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-starter
If Not Using spring-boot-starter-parent
If you’re not using the Spring Boot Parent POM, explicitly define Spring Boot dependencies:
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-dependencies
3.2.0
pom
import2. Check Maven Repositories
Maven needs access to Spring repositories to download Spring Boot dependencies. Ensure your pom.xml includes:
spring-milestones
Spring Milestones
https://repo.spring.io/milestone
spring-snapshots
Spring Snapshots
https://repo.spring.io/snapshot
true3. Update Maven & Reload Project
Sometimes, the issue is due to IDE cache or Maven not syncing properly:
In IntelliJ IDEA
-
Right-click on
pom.xml→ Maven → Reimport. - File → Invalidate Caches → Restart IDE.
In Eclipse
- Right-click project → Maven → Update Project.
- Check "Force Update of Snapshots/Releases".
Command Line (if using terminal)
mvn clean install -U(-U forces Maven to update dependencies)
4. Check Java Version Compatibility
Spring Boot 3.x requires Java 17+, while 2.x works with Java 8+. Verify:
In pom.xml
17Check Installed Java Version
java -versionIf using an older Java version, upgrade JDK or downgrade Spring Boot:
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-starter-parent
2.7.185. Fix Network/Proxy Issues
If Maven cannot download dependencies due to corporate proxy/firewall, configure Maven settings:
Edit ~/.m2/settings.xml
corporate-proxy
true
http
proxy.yourcompany.com
8080
your-username
your-passwordFinal Working Example
Here’s a complete pom.xml that works with Spring Boot 3.2.0:
4.0.0
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-starter-parent
3.2.0
com.example
demo
1.0.0
17
org.springframework.boot
spring-boot-starter
spring-milestones
Spring Milestones
https://repo.spring.io/milestoneConclusion
To fix "Package org.springframework.boot does not exist":
- ✅ Check
pom.xmlfor correct Spring Boot dependencies. - ✅ Ensure Maven repositories are properly configured.
- ✅ Reload Maven project in IDE.
- ✅ Verify Java version compatibility.
- ✅ Check network/proxy settings if dependencies fail to download.
Following these steps should resolve the issue. If the problem persists, check Maven logs (mvn clean install -X) for detailed errors.
Further Reading
Did this solution work for you? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
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