Java SDK Setup Conventions

Setup Decision Tree

Is zero-code instrumentation sufficient?
├── Yes → Javaagent with declarative config (recommended)
│         -javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagent.jar -Dotel.config.file=otel.yaml
└── No  → Manual SDK setup
          ├── Spring Boot? → Spring Boot Starter
          └── Plain Java?  → Autoconfigure SDK extension

All paths support declarative configuration via -Dotel.config.file.

Path A: Javaagent + Declarative Config (Recommended)

The Javaagent automatically instruments HTTP, gRPC, DB, and messaging frameworks. Declarative config replaces the long list of -Dotel.* system properties.