I don't understand the use of Middlegen.

I think I cannot do these steps with Middlegen:

1. Graphically design the Domain Model in a object oriented way (including inheritance and so on) with UML class diagram.
2. Generate .hbm files or Java classes with hibernate Xdoclet tags.
3. Generate and execute DDL.
4. For further modifications of the domain model, read the hbm files, not the DDL scripts.

As far as I read it, this is not possible with Middelgen.
1. First you have to input a DDL script which you have to write yourself or get it from somewhere.
2. Then you can see a ERD in the GUI and modify it. But it is not object oriented, maybe because Middlegen originally was made for Entity Beans.
3. Then you can generate hbm files. After this you can generate Java classes. You can not generate Java classes with hibernate Xdoclet tags without generating hbm files prior.
4. Then you can generate and execute DDL.
5. For further modifications of the domain model, the Middlegen properties are read, not the hbm files.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Middlegen is for users with existing database schemas, called "legacy" databases. It is not the right tool if your approach is "top down", starting with a domain model.

Hi,

What would be the right tool for "top down" approach?

TIA,
--steve p.

Thanks. This explains everything. ;)

Which way would you go? Create Hibernate hbm files or Java files with Hibernate XDoclet tags?

Just updated: http://www.hibernate.org/102.html

At last years JAOO we did a tool workshop which coverned the various approaches. Have a read and a play. http://hibernate.bluemars.net/159.html.