Apache Camel
Apache Camel is an open-source integration framework that helps you connect different systems using predefined Enterprise Integration Patterns (EIPs).
š§ Think of it like this:
Camel is like a messenger service that takes a message from Point A, transforms or routes it as needed, and delivers it to Point B ā using a declarative DSL (Domain-Specific Language).
š Basic Workflow:
- Message comes in (e.g., from a file, queue, HTTP call)
- Camel routes it through a series of steps (EIP patterns)
- Message gets processed (transformed, split, routed, etc.)
- Message goes out to another system (e.g., DB, API, FTP)
š§± Key Components:
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Route | Defines the message flow (e.g., from ā to) |
| Endpoint | Source or destination (e.g., file, JMS, HTTP) |
| Processor | Custom Java code to handle logic |
| Bean | Reusable Java logic inside routes |
| Camel Context | The runtime container for routes |
š§ Example (Java DSL):
š¹ This route:
- Reads files from
input/folder - Filters for files with
type = invoice - Logs them
- Sends to a JMS queue named
billing
š Why Use Apache Camel?
- š Integrates with 300+ components (JMS, FTP, Kafka, HTTP, etc.)
- š Reusable patterns using EIPs
- š Readable DSLs: Java, XML, Kotlin, Groovy, Spring Boot
- š§© Works well with microservices, Spring Boot, and cloud-native apps