we have an exsiting application, we decided to introduce hibernate into our application.
currently, there are lot of very complex query written in native SQL,we use feature such as union, native sql functions such as rank() and some OLAP functions.
I know we can use createSqlQuery, this may be the easiest way to convert the current application.
however,we like to take the advantage provided by hibernate, such as using HQL, critira API for complex searching screens.
any body have experience and suggestions on such complex SQL convertions.
Thank you

We use alot of native SQL queries in conjunction with HQL & Criteria queries. We have a very normalized (over normalized?) db that seems to necessitate native SQL (and stored procedures) in order have adequate performance. Despite our heavy reliance on native SQL, I still think Hibernate is a good fit -- we use whatever query technique is best for the situation.

HQL and Criteria queries can do pretty complex queries -- you need to spend the time in order to learn how.

I would recommend externalizing your native SQL (and HQL) queries as named queries whenever possible; use named parameters; if using Hibernate3, use <return-property...> rather than {} syntax for returning results from native SQL.

Curtis ...