What is Hibernate in Java and Why do we need it?

Hibernate is an open-source Object-relational mapper solution in Java. It is lightweight and overcomes all the shortcomings that we face while working with JDBC. In this article, we will learn about ‘What Is Hibernate In Java’ with all the functionalities and advantages of hibernate framework. Following are the topics discussed in this blog:

• What is Hibernate in Java?
• Need of Hibernate Framework
• Introduction to Hibernate in Java
• Advantages of Hibernate Framework in Java

What Is Hibernate In Java?

Hibernate is a framework in Java which comes with an abstraction layer and handles the implementations internally. The implementations include tasks like writing a query for CRUD operations or establishing a connection with the databases, etc.

A framework is basically a software that provides abstraction on multiple technologies like JDBC, servlet, etc.

Hibernate develops persistence logic, which stores and processes the data for longer use. It is lightweight and an ORM tool, and most importantly open-source which gives it an edge over other frameworks.

What Is An ORM Tool?

It is a technique that maps the object stored in the database. An ORM tool simplifies data creation, manipulation, and access. It internally uses the Java API to interact with the databases.

Let’s take a look at the need for using hibernate in Java.

Need For Hibernate Framework

Hibernate eliminates the shortcomings of other technologies like JDBC. Let’s take a look at how it optimizes the tasks better than JDBC.

• Hibernate overcomes the database dependency faced in the JDBC.
• Changing of the databases cost a lot working on JDBC, hibernate overcomes this problem with flying colors.
• Code portability is not an option while working on JDBC, which is handled by hibernate easily.
• Hibernate strengthens the object level relationship.
• It overcomes the exception-handling part which is mandatory while working on JDBC.
• Hibernate overcomes the object level relationship.
• It reduces the length of code with increased readability by overcoming the boiler plate problem.

Hibernate provides optimal and efficient solutions for any task by overcoming all the shortcomings of JDBC. Let us take a look at various operations along with technologies and databases we can work on while using the hibernate framework in Java.

Introduction To Hibernate In Java

Being an open-source framework, it is available for everyone without any cost. The source code can be found on the internet for hibernate which also allows modifications as well.

The advantage of being a lightweight framework can be seen considerably smaller package for installation. The efficiency increases with not using any container for execution. Even though hibernate can work with multiple technologies at once, but it does not mean that hibernate cannot work alone. We can work on hibernate alone as well i.e without any technologies.

Hibernate has a peculiar nature, where it does not have to implement hibernate API interfaces or extend from hibernate API classes since classes of hibernate application development are loosely coupled.

Functionalities Supported By Hibernate 

• Hibernate uses Hibernate Query Language which makes it database independent.
• It supports auto DDL operations.
• Hibernate has Auto Primary Key Generation support.
• It supports Cache memory.
• Exception handling is not mandatory for hibernate.
• The most important is hibernate is an ORM tool.

Supported Databases In Hibernate

Following are the databases supported by hibernate in Java.

• HSQL Database Engine
• MYSQL
• ORACLE
• FrontBase
• PostgreSQL
• DB2/NT
• Sybase SQL Server
• Informix Dynamic Server
• Microsoft SQL Server Database

Hibernate almost supports all the major RDBMS which makes it efficient and easy to work with.

Technologies Supported By Hibernate

Hibernate supports a variety of technologies.

• XDoclet Spring
• Maven
• Eclipse Plug-ins
• J2EE

Let’s take a look at a few advantages of hibernate in java.

Advantages Of Hibernate In Java

• Lightweight and open-source – Being lightweight and open-source makes it accessible and efficient.
• Increased performance – Using cache memory helps in fast performance.
• Database Independence – Being database-independent gives it the ability to work with different databases.
• Auto DDL Operations – automatic table creation saves us from manually creating tables.
• It takes care of mapping Java classes databases using XML files without writing any code.
• We can directly store and retrieve data directly from the database using simple APIs.
• It does not require any application server to operate.
• Minimizes database access with smart fetching strategies.
• It provides simple querying of data.

In this article, we have discussed what is hibernate in Java and various functionalities of hibernate along with the advantages. Hibernate is an object-relational mapper that overcomes the shortcomings of JDBC in Java. With optimal solutions and efficiency, it becomes fairly easy to work with databases without any dependencies. Java programming language is filled with such technologies, with the increased efficiency the demand for java developers has increased significantly during the last decade. With the increasing demand, it is extremely important to be on par with all the technological advancements with the programming language. To master your skills enroll in Edureka’s Java Certification program and kick-start your learning.

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