Tutorial

How to build a Java based application on Heroku using Redis

February 26, 20263 minute read

Ajeet Raina

TL;DR:

Create a Redis Cloud database, install the Heroku CLI, clone the sample Java rate-limiting app, set REDIS_ENDPOINT_URI and REDIS_PASSWORD as Heroku config vars, and run git push heroku to deploy.

Deploy a Java application on Heroku with a Redis Cloud database. This tutorial walks through every step from account setup to a live deployment using a sample rate-limiting app built with the Jedis client.

#What you'll learn

How to create a Redis Cloud database and retrieve connection credentials
How to set up a Heroku account and install the Heroku CLI
How to connect a Java application to Redis Cloud using environment variables
How to deploy a Java app to Heroku with git push

#What are the prerequisites?

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Java 11+ installed (check with java -version)
Git installed (check with git --version)
A free Redis Cloud account
A Heroku account (Heroku requires a verified account with a payment method on file)

Note: Heroku no longer offers a free tier. Review Heroku's current pricing before proceeding. If you are looking for a free way to get started with Redis, see the Redis Cloud free tier.

#How do I create a Redis Cloud database?

Create your free Redis Cloud account. Follow this link to create a Redis Cloud subscription and database as shown below:

Redis Cloud subscription and database creation page

Save the database endpoint URL and password for future reference. You will need them when configuring Heroku environment variables.

For a deeper look at Redis Cloud setup, see the Redis on Heroku portal tutorial.

#How do I set up Heroku?

#Create a Heroku account

If you are using Heroku for the first time, create your new Heroku account through this link.

Heroku account registration and login page

#Install the Heroku CLI

#Log in to Heroku

#How do I connect a Java app to Redis Cloud on Heroku?

For this demonstration, we will be using a sample rate-limiting application that showcases Redis-backed request throttling with the Jedis client.

#Clone the repository

#Create a Heroku app

#Set environment variables

Go to the Heroku dashboard, click Settings, and set REDIS_ENDPOINT_URI and REDIS_PASSWORD under Config Vars. Use the credentials you saved when creating your Redis Cloud database.

Configuring Redis environment variables in the Heroku dashboard

You can also set config vars from the CLI:

#How do I deploy the Java app to Heroku?

Heroku generates a random name (in this case hidden-woodland-03996) for your app, or you can pass a parameter to specify your own app name. Deploy your code:

#How do I access the deployed application?

Open https://hidden-woodland-03996.herokuapp.com/ (replace with your app URL) to see the running application:

Screenshot of the Java-based application running on the Heroku platform

#Next steps

Learn Java + Redis fundamentals: Getting Started with Redis and Java covers the Jedis client, connections, and basic operations.
Explore the Heroku + Redis ecosystem: The Redis on Heroku portal walks through managing Redis Cloud as a Heroku add-on.
Try another language on Heroku: See how to deploy a Node.js app on Heroku with Redis.
Build more with Redis: Browse the full Redis tutorials catalog for caching, rate limiting, session management, and more.