Hibernate ORM vs JPA: What's the Difference?

What are the main differences between Hibernate ORM and JPA?

Hibernate ORM is an implementation of the Java Persistence API (JPA). JPA is a specification, while Hibernate is a framework that provides additional features beyond JPA.

Can you explain some specific features that Hibernate offers over JPA?

Sure! Hibernate offers features like caching, lazy loading, and a powerful query language (HQL) that are not part of the JPA specification.

Is it possible to use Hibernate without JPA?

Yes, Hibernate can be used as a standalone ORM framework without JPA, but using JPA allows for better portability across different ORM implementations.

Which one should I choose for my new project?

If you need advanced features and are okay with vendor lock-in, go with Hibernate. If you prefer a standard approach, use JPA.