JPA and Hibernate

Overview Learning objectives What you’ll learn Module listing Key facts FAQs What our customers say Get in touch

Course overview

Learn how to use the Java Persistence API (JPA) and Hibernate to manage how Java applications store, retrieve and update data in relational databases. Over three days, you’ll cover the core techniques behind object-relational mapping, entity management and querying, then apply them to build cleaner, more reliable data access layers for enterprise Java projects.

Database mapping skills for Java developers

Designed for Java developers who already understand core Java, this three-day live virtual classroom course builds capability in using JPA and Hibernate to structure database interaction in enterprise applications. You’ll explore configuration, mappings, object states, transactions and query design, helping you develop the judgement to choose appropriate ORM (object-relational mapping) approaches. It is ideal if you’re a developer looking to progress into more complex back-end work or strengthen your skills for Java roles involving relational data.

Learning objectives

Set up Hibernate configuration
Define object-to-table mappings
Control entity states
Use transactions effectively
Carry out CRUD operations
Model associations between entities
Apply inheritance mapping
Write HQL and JPQL queries
Use the JPA EntityManager
Address ORM performance issues

What you’ll learn

Build the skills to use JPA and Hibernate with greater structure, control and confidence when working with relational database data. You’ll explore how Java objects are mapped, managed, queried and refined, then apply those techniques to development challenges where poor data access design can slow delivery, increase defects or make applications harder to maintain.

Object-to-database mapping

Learn how Java objects can be mapped to relational database structures using JPA and Hibernate. You’ll work with entity types, value types, embeddable classes, collections and key generation, building a clearer understanding of how mapping decisions affect code maintainability. This helps you create data models that are easier to understand, extend and troubleshoot when application requirements change.

Entity relationships

Develop the skills to model how entities relate to each other in Java applications. You’ll examine one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many associations, including direction, cascading and fetch behaviour. These decisions have a direct impact on how cleanly your application handles related data, helping reduce avoidable complexity in the codebase and improving the reliability of database interactions.

Querying application data

This course will build your confidence in retrieving and working with application data using HQL and JPQL. You’ll practice using joins, parameters, ordering and grouping to shape query results more precisely, giving you better control over how data is accessed and helping you write queries that are easier to maintain and better suited to changing business requirements.

Performance decisions

Understand how to recognise and address common causes of inefficient database access in Hibernate-based applications during this course. You’ll explore fetch strategies, query-specific fetching, caching and bulk updates, with a focus on making informed choices rather than applying generic fixes. This helps you reduce unnecessary database activity and support applications that respond more reliably under load.

What’s included

Instructor-led training over three-days
Live virtual classroom environment
Hands-on exercises and live labs
All relevant course materials

Full module listing

Click on each day below to see the breakdown of the modules that you'll cover on the course.

Day one

Day two

Day three

Day one

Session 1: INTRODUCTION TO HIBERNATE

The problems with JDBC
About ORM
The relationship between JPA and Hibernate
Hibernate architecture
Installing Hibernate
Configuring the SessionFactory (XML and Java)
Obtaining and using a Session (basic)

Session 2: BASIC ENTITY MAPPING

About entity mapping
XML mapping
Annotation mapping
Entity types
Value types
Embeddable types
Collections
Key generation

Session 3: THE HIBERNATE SESSION

About the Hibernate Session
Transient, persistent, and detached entity states
Hibernate transactions
Using the Session to perform basic CRUD operations

Day two

Session 4: COMPOSITE MAPPING

About composite mapping
One-to-one
One-to-many
Many-to-many
Uni vs bi-directional associations
Cascading
Eager vs lazy fetching
The n+1 problem

Session 5: INHERITANCE MAPPING

About inheritance mapping
Mapped superclass
Single table
Joined table
Table per class
Polymorphic queries

Day three

Session 6: HIBERNATE QUERY LANGAUGE (HQL)

About Hibernate Query Language (HQL)
Basic queries
Querying for a subset of the class's fields
Literal, ordinal, and named parameters
Single result queries
Functions
Queries with joins
Eager fetching
Ordering
Grouping
Native queries
Named queries
An introduction to criteria queries

Session 7: THE JPA ENTITYMANAGER

About the JPA EntityManager
Configuring the EntityManagerFactory (XML and Java)
Obtaining and using an EntityManager (basic)
About the Persistence Context
About the JPA Query Language (JPQL)
JPA EntityManager vs Hibernate Session

Session 8: PERFORMANCE TUNING

Discovering performance issues
Choosing the right fetch type
Query-specific fetching
Using Sets, not Lists, for many-to-many associations
Having the database do the heavy lifting
First and second-level cache
Performing bulk updates

Key facts

Certification

This is a skills and knowledge-based course without formal accreditation.

Who it's for

Designed for Java developers and technical professionals who want to create robust, maintainable persistence layers and apply ORM techniques effectively within enterprise applications

Prerequisites

You should be comfortable developing in Java and have practical experience working with JDBC, I/O and Collections

Exam information

No exam is included.

Optional extras

There are no optional extras with this course.

Pre-course

No formal pre-course work is required.

FAQs

This three-day JPA and Hibernate live virtual classroom course helps Java developers improve how application data is mapped, queried and managed in relational databases. The learning focuses on practical coding tasks, clearer data access design and performance-aware decisions that can support more reliable enterprise Java development.

Who is this course designed for?

This course is designed for Java developers who want to strengthen their back-end development skills where applications need to work reliably with relational databases. It is best suited to professionals who already understand core Java and are ready to build more confidence with mapping, querying, transactions and data access design.

Does the course include live labs?

Yes. The course includes live labs that give you structured time to practice JPA and Hibernate techniques in a supported training environment. You’ll apply concepts such as configuration, mapping, querying and performance review through practical exercises, helping you build confidence before using the same approaches in workplace Java projects.

Will I need previous database experience?

A basic understanding of relational databases and SQL will help you get more from the course. You do not need to be a database specialist, but familiarity with tables, queries and data relationships will make it easier to understand how Java objects are mapped and managed through JPA and Hibernate.

What will I be able to apply after the course?

You should be better placed to create clearer mappings, manage entity behaviour, write HQL and JPQL queries, and make more informed performance decisions. These skills can help when working on enterprise Java applications where data access needs to be reliable, maintainable and easier to troubleshoot.

What our customers say

“I have taken a number of virtual training courses over the years, and I have to say this one was the best, delivery-wise. Stuart was engaging and explanatory, extremely patient and no question seemed unimportant or ridiculous.”

Emma, Performance Analyst - Legal

“John made the subject matter interesting. The pacing was spot on, and he clearly knew what he was talking about and was able to communicate that easily. Very pleased and would highly recommend.”

Gavin - Government

Why study with TSG?

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Trusted by individuals, businesses and public sector organisations for over 25 years.

20,000+ learners trained

Join a network of learners focused on developing their software testing skills

98% customer satisfaction

TSG trainers are frequently rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ by our learners

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