Configuration File Not Loaded from Environment
Application has configuration file (application.yml or .env) but settings aren't being loaded. Default values are used instead, causing application to attempt connections to wrong database, wrong API endpoints, or with wrong credentials.
Configuration file exists and is readable but isn't being discovered by the application.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Config file not in correct location (not in classpath or working directory)
- Filename doesn't match application's expected name (application.yaml vs application.yml)
- Config file excluded from build (not copied to target or dist directory)
- Working directory at runtime different from expected location
- Spring profile active but matching config file (application-prod.yml) not found
How to Fix It
Verify config file location: should be in src/main/resources/ or current working directory. Check filename matches expected: application.properties, application.yml, or .env. Confirm file is included in build artifacts. Log configuration source at startup. Use explicit path: java -jar app.jar --spring.config.location=/path/to/config.yml
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
Where should config files be located?
src/main/resources/application.yml (built into JAR) or same directory as JAR file at runtime.
How to use profile-specific configs?
Create application-{profile}.yml (e.g., application-prod.yml). Activate with: spring.profiles.active=prod
How to pass config via command line?
java -jar app.jar --key=value. Properties from CLI override file values.