Chapter 4. Mapping persistent classes

This chapter presents the fundamental mapping options, explaining how classes and properties are mapped to tables and columns. We show and discuss how you can handle database identity and primary keys, and how various other metadata settings can be used to customize how Hibernate loads and stores objects. All mapping examples are done in Hibernate's native XML format, and with JPA annotations and XML descriptors, side by side. We also look closely at the mapping of fine-grained domain models, and at how properties and embedded components are mapped.

First, though, we define the essential distinction between entities and value types, and explain how you should approach the object/relational mapping of your domain model.