Hibernate is an open-source object-relational mapping (ORM) tool for the Java programming language). It provides a framework for mapping an object-oriented domain model to a relational database). Hibernates primary feature is mapping from Java classes to database tables, and mapping from Java data types to SQL data types). Hibernate also provides data query and retrieval facilities, generates SQL calls, and relieves the developer from the manual handling and object conversion of the result set). Hibernate was started in 2001 by Gavin King with colleagues from Cirrus Technologies as an alternative to using EJB2-style entity beans). Hibernate reduces lines of code by maintaining object-table mapping itself and returns the result to the application in the form of Java objects. Hibernate sits between traditional Java objects and the database server to handle all the works in persisting those objects based on the appropriate O/R mechanisms and patterns. Hibernate is freely available to download and is licensed under the open-source GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) .
In addition to its use as an ORM tool, the term "hibernate" can also refer to a power-saving mode for computers. In this mode, the computer saves its current state to the hard drive, including all opened programs and data, so that when the computer is booted up again, the state will be saved, and the user can quickly access any work theyve stepped away from. Hibernate uses much less power than sleep mode, making it a good option when you know you wont use your laptop for an extended period of time and are unsure of when youll have the chance to charge it again.
