Creating Your First Clojure Project

Your first Clojure project should be boring in a good way: a predictable folder layout, a namespace you can load, a function you can call from the REPL, and at least one test you can run.

What you are building here

• A src/ namespace that loads cleanly.
• A test/ namespace that runs quickly.
• A dependency file (deps.edn or project.clj) that you can extend later.
• A simple entry point so you can run the code outside the REPL.

Java mental model: treat this as the smallest “Maven archetype” project, but optimized for interactive development.

Once you can create and run a tiny project end-to-end, you can iterate confidently in the later chapters without fighting your tools.

In this section

• Clojure 'Hello, World!' Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Java Developers
  Learn how to write and run a simple 'Hello, World!' application in Clojure using Leiningen and the Clojure CLI. This guide is tailored for Java developers transitioning to Clojure.
• Clojure Project Structure: A Comprehensive Guide for Java Developers
  Explore the intricacies of Clojure project structure, focusing on directories, files, and namespaces, to facilitate a smooth transition from Java to Clojure.
• Running and Testing Your Clojure Application: A Guide for Java Developers
  Learn how to run and test your Clojure applications effectively, leveraging your Java experience to master Clojure's testing frameworks and tools.
• Clojure Application Packaging: Creating an Uberjar
  Learn how to package your Clojure application into a standalone executable jar file using Leiningen, and understand how to run the packaged application effectively.