How do the annotations @Component, @Service, and @Repository differ in the context of Spring, and what are their features?

In Spring, the annotations @Component, @Service, and @Repository are used to mark classes as components that will be managed by the Spring container (IoC). They are all specialized variants of @Component but have different semantic meanings:

• @Component — a general stereotype for any Spring component. Used when the class does not fit into more specific categories.

• @Service — indicates that the class implements business logic or a service layer. This helps understand the purpose of the class and can be used for additional processing (e.g., transactions).

• @Repository — denotes a class that works with data (DAO). Spring can automatically handle database exceptions and translate them into unified exceptions.

Thus, choosing the annotation helps structure the application and utilize additional Spring features related to the specific role of the component.