Introduction

This application is meant for sending Kafka message via a graphical user interface, as well as by using an exposed controller to do so (read: using Postman or something).

How to Send Kafka Message

Via graphical user interface

Just use the goddamn interface, specify the topic name and kafka message, and press "Send Message!".

Isn't it a bit too easy?

Via Sending Request

By default, the application will run at port 32767 in your local machine (don't ask me why I chose that port number, because I want it that way! No Backstreet Boys pun intended, obviously, it is not like I tell you that or anything). So it will be http://localhost:32767.

Okay, here is your pun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fndeDfaWCg

The request information is as follow:

• Request path: /kafka-message/send
• Request method: POST
• Request parameter(s):
  • topic: The kafka topic name. If this parameter is not specified, the default topic debug will be used.
• Request body: A string. Can be anything, but I would recommend using JSON string. I don't care what you send, but for debugging purpose in your project, send a parsable JSON, or if you want to troll people, send anything you want, be it junk text or your own will.

Advance Arguments

Spring Arguments

Spring arguments are used to manipulate anything that is specified in the project application.yaml. For example, to change server port from default 32767 to 6969 (you naughty litle one), just add --server.port=6969 argument and be done with it.

Additional Arguments

I made an argument to tell the app to set your interface's look and feel to "Windows". Just add Windows-Look-And-Feel argument and you will see the difference. Well, this will not work on Linux or anything that is not Windows, or does not have Windows Look and Feel library. I like Windows, so I made Windows Look and Feel.

Example

Run the "packed" application

"Packed" here means you run the app directly with the .jar file. It can be found on your project's target folder after you execute maven clean install goal. This application is meant for testers who have no knowledge about Java programming but intelligent enough to understand what is Kafka topic and Kafka message, duh.

If you want to use Windows Look and Feel, use this command (in Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, I don't know about Linux or anything non-Windows):

java -jar YourDumbAppNameHere.jar Windows-Look-And-Feel

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If you want to change the server port from 32767 to something you like, use this command:

java -jar YourDumbAppNameHere.jar --server.port=6969

And of course, 6969 is the new server port. FBI should be knocking your door any minute now...

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To specify the Kafka bootstrap servers (your organization's kafka bootstrap servers, for example), use this:

java -jar YourDumbAppNameHere.jar --app.kafka.bootstrap-servers=192.168.0.69:9092,192.168.0.96:9092

Bootstrap servers are separated by comma character.

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And finally, words of wisdom:

Replace YourDumbAppNameHere with the jar file name, obviously! That Windows-Look-And-Feel can be put anywhere in your command arguments, as long as those goddamn things are separated by space character.

Use batch files

Those command can be put into batch files if you intend on using them frequently.

Add @echo off at the beginning of your batch file to not let the Command Prompt Windows display the command line when running.