Hello...

I am trying to understand the proper way to define column names for my properties in mapping xml files.

The <column> element is not documented very well in the hibernate reference guide although it is used frequently in many examples. What is the purpose of this element?

Should I define a column attribute in the <property> element AND a <column> child element? I would like to provide as much information in my mapping files as possible. Is this the best way?

Is the <column> element only used for schema mapping tools???

Can anyone help clarify how I should use the <column> elements?

Thanks...

This is the same thing. So use either 1 of them.