Understanding the difference between persist() and save() methods in Hibernate

When working with Hibernate, it's important to understand the nuances between the persist() and save() methods. The primary difference between these two methods lies in their behavior and use cases.

Focus keyword: Hibernate persist vs save

The persist() method:

The persist() method is used to make a transient entity persistent. It is specifically designed for entities that are not yet associated with the session. When persist() is called, Hibernate assigns an identifier to the entity and makes it persistent in the database. It is important to note that persist() does not guarantee immediate execution of the SQL insert statement. This method is typically used within a transactional context to save new entities.

The save() method:

In contrast, the save() method can be used with both transient and detached entities. When save() is called on a transient entity, Hibernate immediately executes the SQL insert statement and assigns an identifier to the entity. If save() is called on a detached entity, it reattaches the entity to the session and schedules an SQL insert statement. The save() method is more flexible compared to persist() in that it can be used outside of a transactional context.

In summary, the persist() method is used for transient entities within a transactional context, while the save() method can be used for both transient and detached entities with more flexibility. It is important to choose the appropriate method based on the specific requirements of your Hibernate application.