java.io.FileNotFoundException: class path resource [application.properties]

Are you encountering the dreaded java.io.FileNotFoundException: class path resource [application.properties] error in your Java project? Don’t panic! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue and get your application back on track.

1. Check File Location

First things first, let’s ensure that your application.properties file is in the right place within your project’s resources folder. It should reside in the src/main/resources directory, following the standard Maven project structure.

project-root
└── src
    └── main
        └── resources
            └── application.properties

2. Verify File Name

Check the spelling and case sensitivity of your file name. Remember, Java is case-sensitive, so even a minor typo can lead to a FileNotFoundException. Ensure the file name matches exactly, including any uppercase or lowercase letters.

3. Use ClassLoader

If you’re loading the file using a ClassLoader, make sure you’re providing the correct path. You can try loading it using the following code snippet:

InputStream inputStream = getClass().getClassLoader().getResourceAsStream("application.properties");

4. Check Build Configuration

Ensure that your build tool (e.g., Maven, Gradle) includes the resources folder in the classpath during compilation and packaging. Let’s take a look at how you can configure this in a Maven pom.xml file:

<build>
    <resources>
        <resource>
            <directory>src/main/resources</directory>
        </resource>
    </resources>
</build>

5. Clean and Rebuild

Sometimes, stale or corrupted build artifacts can cause this issue. Try cleaning your project and rebuilding it to ensure that all dependencies and resources are correctly included.

6. Run Configuration

If you’re running your application from an IDE, ensure that the resources folder is included in the classpath within your run configuration settings. This ensures that your application can locate the application.properties file during runtime.

7. Use Absolute Path (Temporary Solution)

As a temporary solution for testing purposes, you can try using an absolute path to load the file. However, this is not recommended for production code due to its inflexibility and potential security risks.

InputStream inputStream = new FileInputStream("/path/to/application.properties");

By following these troubleshooting steps and ensuring that your application.properties file is correctly located and loaded within your project’s classpath, you should be able to resolve the java.io.FileNotFoundException issue once and for all.

Happy coding!