What’s the difference between JPA and Hibernate?

JPA (Java Persistence API) and Hibernate are both used for object-relational mapping (ORM) in Java applications, but they serve different roles. JPA is a specification, meaning it defines a set of interfaces for managing relational data in Java but does not provide an actual implementation. Hibernate, on the other hand, is an ORM framework that implements JPA and provides additional features beyond the specification.

JPA offers a standardized approach to database interaction, allowing developers to switch between different ORM frameworks like Hibernate, EclipseLink, or OpenJPA. Hibernate extends JPA by providing lazy loading, caching, and an advanced query language (HQL – Hibernate Query Language), which improves performance and flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

• JPA is a specification, while Hibernate is an implementation.

• Hibernate includes extra features like caching and HQL.

• JPA allows switching between ORM providers, while Hibernate is more feature-rich.

• Hibernate can be used with or without JPA.