Here are a few title options, emphasizing the question format: * Hibernate \'persist()\' vs. \'save()\': Which Method Should You Use? * When is Hibernate\'s \'persist()\' the Right Choice, and When

Examining the Differences between Hibernate's 'persist()' and 'save()' Methods

In Hibernate, 'persist()' and 'save()' methods are used to make transient instances persistent. While both methods achieve this purpose, their nuances differ significantly. Let's delve into their distinct behaviors to understand their respective advantages.

persist()

• Transaction Dependency: 'persist()' does not require the execution of an INSERT statement if it is called outside of transaction boundaries. This is particularly useful in long-running conversations with an extended Session/persistence context.
• Identifier Assignment: The spec does not guarantee that the identifier value will be assigned to the persistent instance immediately; it may happen only at flush time.

save()

• Immediate Execution: Unlike 'persist()', 'save()' always executes an INSERT statement to get the identifier. This occurs immediately, regardless of whether it's inside or outside a transaction.
• Identifier Return: 'save()' returns an identifier, indicating that an INSERT statement has been performed.

Additional Distinction:

As mentioned in a forum post, 'persist()' is "well-defined," meaning it strictly makes a transient instance persistent. On the other hand, 'save()' provides broader functionality, including INSERT and identifier retrieval.

Conclusion:

When selecting between 'persist()' and 'save()', consider the following guidelines:

• For long-running conversations and situations where immediate identifier assignment is not critical, 'persist()' allows for deferred INSERTs and increased flexibility.
• If an immediate INSERT is required to retrieve an identifier (e.g., identity generator), 'save()' is the appropriate choice.

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