When it comes to understanding the world of Java persistence, two terms frequently pop up: JPA and Hibernate. They are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they have distinct roles in Java development. In this blog post, I will delve into what JPA (Java Persistence API) and Hibernate are and highlight the differences between them.
On StackOverflow we can find great sentence:
Source: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/9881611/whats-the-difference-between-jpa-and-hibernate
JPA is the dance, Hibernate is the dancer.
Java Persistence API (JPA):
JPA, short for Java Persistence API, is a specification that describes the standard for object-relational mapping (ORM) in Java. The JPA specification serves two primary purposes:
- Documentation: JPA provides detailed documentation that outlines the rules and standards for mapping Java objects to relational databases.
- API (Application Programming Interface): JPA defines a set of interfaces, annotations, enumerations, and exception classes described in its documentation. These elements form the contract that must be adhered to by any provider aiming to implement the JPA specification.
It’s important to note that JPA itself does not include concrete implementations of these interfaces. Instead, it serves as a blueprint for how persistence should work in Java. Providers, like Hibernate, fill the gap by offering implementations that adhere to the JPA specification.
Hibernate:
Hibernate is one of the implementations of the JPA specification. Alongside other providers like EclipseLink, Hibernate acts as the bridge between JPA and the underlying database. In essence, Hibernate provides the actual classes that serve as implementations of the interfaces defined in the JPA specification.
So, what sets Hibernate apart? Hibernate brings its own unique style to the JPA dance floor. Just as dancers add their distinctive moves and flair to a dance style like Tango, Hibernate extends the standard JPA functionality by introducing its own features and optimizations. These Hibernate-specific features make it stand out from other JPA providers.
In summary, while JPA lays down the rules and standards for Java persistence, Hibernate is like the skilled dancer who executes those moves with its unique style. Other JPA providers, like EclipseLink, offer their interpretations of the JPA dance, each with its own distinctive characteristics.
In the world of Java persistence, JPA is the dance, and Hibernate is the dancer, adding its own special twist to the performance. Understanding this relationship can help you navigate the realm of ORM in Java with clarity and confidence.