How to Map Multiple URLs to Different Controllers in Spring MVC

How can I effectively map multiple URLs to different controllers in Spring MVC for handling various forms?

In Spring MVC, you can map multiple URLs to the same controller or different controllers based on your requirements. This guide will illustrate how to configure mappings for different URL patterns effectively, allowing you to manage several forms linked from a single page easily.

@Controller
public class DefaultController {

    @RequestMapping(value = {"/formA.html", "/formB.html", "/formC.html"})
    public String handleForms(@RequestParam String name, Model model) {
        // Handle form processing logic based on 'name'
        return "formView";
    }

}

@Controller
public class ControllerD {

    @RequestMapping(value = "/formD.html")
    public String handleFormD(Model model) {
        // Handle specific logic for Form D
        return "formDView";
    }

}  

// In your view, you'd manage the links as follows:
<a href="/formA.html">Form A</a>
<a href="/formB.html">Form B</a>
<a href="/formC.html">Form C</a>
<a href="/formD.html">Form D</a> 

// or using query parameters:
<a href="/form.html?name=A">Form A</a>
<a href="/form.html?name=B">Form B</a>
<a href="/form.html?name=C">Form C</a>
<a href="/form.html?name=D">Form D</a>  

// Modify the handleForms method in DefaultController accordingly to support query parameters.

Causes

• Multiple forms requiring different controllers for submissions.
• Desire for a unified handling mechanism for similar forms.

Solutions

• Use `@RequestMapping` with specific patterns for each controller.
• Utilize query parameters to distinguish between forms within a single controller.

Mistake: Not specifying URL mappings correctly, leading to 404 errors.

Solution: Ensure that the @RequestMapping annotations cover all intended URL patterns.

Mistake: Confusing the use of query parameters and path variables in URL mappings.

Solution: Decide on the use of query parameters if forms are handled by a single controller.