HenriqueSombrio/pweb-backend ? reverse-engineered prompt

Build me a simple Java backend project for my Programming for Web class, something beginner friendly that I can use for a few exercises and keep expanding later.

I want a clean little web app with a basic API, some sample endpoints that return JSON, and a couple of practice exercises organized in separate parts of the project. Keep it easy to run and easy to understand, with sensible defaults and simple code that looks like something a student would actually turn in. If it makes sense, use Spring for the web part and follow current best practices, and look up current docs online if you need to.

Also include a short README that explains what the project is, how to run it, and where I should add new exercises. I do not need anything fancy, just a solid starter backend that shows the main ideas clearly.