Difference between JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis in Java

Hello guys are you tired of using plain old SQL to access your database? Are you looking for a better way to manage your database interactions in Java? Well, you're in luck because JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis are here to save the day! If you're a Java developer, you've likely come across the terms JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis when working with databases. While they all deal with object-relational mapping (ORM), they have their own distinct approaches and features. Understanding the differences between them can help you make informed decisions when choosing which one to use for your projects.

In the past, I have shared resources to learn JPA, Hibernate and MyBatis and this article, we'll explore the key differences between JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis. We'll look at their origins, architectures, capabilities, and use cases. 

By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer understanding of what each of these ORM frameworks and libraries brings to the table, and which one might be best suited for your specific project requirements. So, what are we waiting for? let's dive in!

What is difference between JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis?

JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis are popular frameworks for managing database interactions in Java. They provide a way to simplify database access and reduce the amount of boilerplate code that needs to be written.

JPA, or the Java Persistence API, is a specification for accessing and managing databases in Java. It provides a standard set of APIs for accessing databases, making it easier to develop applications that can work with different database management systems. JPA is implemented by several different providers, including Hibernate and EclipseLink, and provides a consistent way to interact with databases, regardless of the underlying database management system.

Hibernate is an open-source implementation of JPA that provides additional features for working with databases. In addition to providing the standard JPA APIs, Hibernate provides caching, lazy loading, and other features that make it easier to work with databases in a high-performance environment. Hibernate is widely used and well-supported, making it a popular choice for developers who want a feature-rich implementation of JPA.

MyBatis, on the other hand, provides a more flexible way to access databases in Java. Unlike JPA, which uses annotations to map Java objects to database tables, MyBatis uses XML or annotations to perform the same task. 

This provides greater control over the mapping process and makes it easier to handle more complex database access scenarios. MyBatis is also a good choice for developers who prefer to work with XML or annotations rather than JPA annotations.

So, which one should you choose? The answer to that question depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a standard way to access databases in Java and don't mind using a third-party implementation, JPA is a good choice. 

If you want a feature-rich implementation of JPA, Hibernate is the way to go. And if you want a more flexible way to access databases and don't mind writing XML or annotations to map your objects, MyBatis is the choice for you.

Let's look at a practical example. Suppose you have a database table named "User" with columns "id", "name", "email", and "age".

With JPA, you would create a Java class named "User" with fields matching the table columns and use JPA annotations to map the fields to the table columns. You would then use the EntityManager to perform CRUD operations on the User table. For example:

@Entity
public class User {
    @Id
    private Long id;
    private String name;
    private String email;
    private Integer age;
    // getters and setters...
}

public class UserDAO {
    @PersistenceContext
    private EntityManager em;

    public User findById(Long id) {
        return em.find(User.class, id);
    }

    public void save(User user) {
        em.persist(user);
    }

    public void update(User user) {
        em.merge(user);
    }

    public void delete(User user) {
        em.remove(user);
    }
}

With Hibernate, you would create a Java class named "User" with fields matching the table columns and use Hibernate annotations to map the fields to the table columns. You would then use the Session to perform CRUD operations on the User table. For example:

@Entity
public class User {
    @Id
    @GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)
    private Long id;
    private String name;
    private String email;
    private Integer age;
    // getters and setters...
}

public class UserDAO {
    private SessionFactory sessionFactory;

    public User findById(Long id) {
        Session session = sessionFactory.getCurrentSession();
        return session.get(User.class, id);
    }

    public void save(User user) {
        Session session = sessionFactory.getCurrentSession();
        session.save(user);
    }

    public void update(User user) {
        Session session = sessionFactory.getCurrentSession();
        session.update(user);
    }

    public void delete(User user) {
        Session session = sessionFactory.getCurrentSession();
        session.delete(user);
    }
}

With MyBatis, you would create a Java class named "User" with fields matching the table columns and write an XML mapping file or use MyBatis annotations to map the fields to the table columns. You would then use the SqlSession to perform CRUD operations on the User table. For example:

public class User {
    private Long id;
    private String name;
    private String email;
    private Integer age;
    // getters and setters...
}

public interface UserMapper {
    @Select("SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = #{id}")
    User findById(@Param("id") Long id);

    @Insert("INSERT INTO users(name, email, age) VALUES
    (#{name}, #{email}, #{age})")
    @Options(useGeneratedKeys = true, keyProperty = "id")
    void save(User user);

    @Update("UPDATE users SET name = #{name}, email = #{email},
     age = #{age} WHERE id = #{id}")
    void update(User user);

    @Delete("DELETE FROM users WHERE id = #{id}")
    void delete(User user);
}

public class UserDAO {
    private SqlSession sqlSession;

    public User findById(Long id) {
        UserMapper mapper = sqlSession.getMapper(UserMapper.class);
        return mapper.findById(id);
    }

    public void save(User user) {
        UserMapper mapper = sqlSession.getMapper(UserMapper.class);
        mapper.save(user);
    }

    public void update(User user) {
        UserMapper mapper = sqlSession.getMapper(UserMapper.class);
        mapper.update(user);
    }

    public void delete(User user) {
        UserMapper mapper = sqlSession.getMapper(UserMapper.class);
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis are all powerful tools for managing database persistence in Java applications. JPA provides a standard interface for ORM and is a great choice if you're starting a new project and don't have specific requirements.

Hibernate is a popular implementation of JPA and provides additional features, such as caching and query optimization, making it a good choice if you need more advanced features. MyBatis is a lightweight and flexible persistence framework that provides more control over SQL, making it a great choice if you need to perform complex SQL queries or use multiple databases.

That's all about difference between JPA, Hibernate, and MyBaits. In conclusion, JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis are all popular frameworks used in Java development for managing relational database persistence. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your project depends on factors such as project requirements, development team experience, and personal preference. 

JPA is a Java standard and provides a higher level of abstraction, making it easier to write and maintain code. Hibernate is a more mature and feature-rich ORM framework with powerful caching capabilities. 

MyBatis is a more lightweight and flexible framework, allowing for more control over SQL queries. By understanding the differences between these frameworks, developers can make informed decisions about which one to use in their projects.

Ultimately, the choice between JPA, Hibernate, and MyBatis will depend on your specific requirements and preferences. Whether you're a fan of code annotations or XML mapping, or you prefer a more standard approach or a more flexible one, there is a solution that will work for you. So, pick up your favorite, and start building amazing Java applications today!

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Thanks for reading this article, if you like this article and the JPA interview question then please share it with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback then please drop a comment.

P. S. - If you are new to Hibernate and want to learn Hibernate, Spring Data, and JPA in depth and looking for resources, then you can also check out this list of best Hibernate and JPA online courses to learn these two API And framework in depth. Hibernate its an essential Java framework and definitely worth learning.