Am I correct in saying that Hibernate does not provide a XML to java class mapper ? If so what is the most common way to first validate a XML file, map it to POJO files and then persist it with hibernate?

Thanks

I don't know what you mean by validate a xml file but if you do it right you don't have to write the xml files or pojos at all.

middlegen can create the mapping files from your database, with a nice little gui, then hbm2java (comes with hibernate) can turn those xml files into POJOs

Hibernate does not provide an XML -> POJO mapper but it provides an XML -> DB mapper. No need for an intermediate layer unless you need it in your application.

hehe, you weren't talking about writing code. I misunderstood your question.

So my overall desire is to take xml files from a 3rd party, validate them and spit out errors, or import them into the database. Where did I miss this documentation on how to do this with hibernate?

Chapter 19. XML mappings

Hibernate doesn't supply a XML Validating framework. Chapter 19. XML mappings however does provide a means of taking XML and persisting it into the Database using Hibernate Mapping files. No POJO's required.

You should be aware that this functionality is still listed as experimental.