Hello,

I have been told that Hibernate as an ORM can function very well as an abstraction layer between Java and a purely relational Oracle Database.

The intent here is that Java will be able to work internally with the objects defined as they desire, while the database is designed in a purely relational manner (in order to provide internal efficiency, flexibility and so that it can be used by other non OO tools and languages.), and Hibernate providing the bridge between the two.

Is this true?

If so, what are the implications of doing so? Will this create an overwhelming amount of work for the Hibernate developer? Will this have great performance issues?

Many Thanks,

Paul Gomes

Hibernate has one use: To do what you describe. Does it fulfill this? Many say yes and it is a very successful and widely-used tool. It is also very easy to set up and experiment with. I would suggest you start with Chapter 1 in the manual and do a few tests of your own. A couple hours' time will be all you need to answer your basic questions.