What are the different types of caching in Hibernate?

What are the different types of caching in Hibernate?

Hibernate provides two main types of caching: first-level cache and second-level cache. The first-level cache is associated with the session and is enabled by default, while the second-level cache is optional and can be shared across sessions.

Can you explain the first-level cache in more detail?

Sure! The first-level cache is a session-specific cache that stores objects during a session. It helps to reduce database access by keeping track of the entities that have been loaded or saved within that session.

What about the second-level cache? How does it work?

The second-level cache is a session factory-level cache that can store data across multiple sessions. It allows for sharing cached data among different sessions, which can significantly improve performance by reducing the number of database queries.

Are there any specific caching providers recommended for the second-level cache?

Yes, popular caching providers for Hibernate's second-level cache include Ehcache, Infinispan, and Hazelcast. Each has its own features and configurations.