In the HQL Vs SQL section you will see how the SQL is different from the HQL and where the SQL depends and where the HQL depends. The HQL query is analogous to a real-life sentence in that it uses its own grammar and and its own syntax that is similar to that of a string. “from Employee e” for example. Hibernate is a framework that translates HQL queries into SQL queries.
SQL works directly on the database through queries while HQL works on objects and their properties which are then translated into traditional queries to run the database.
What matters for SQL and HQL query language? SQL and HQL, or any query language for that matter, are designed to allow users to retrieve data from databases as well as the information-holding system.
Table of Contents
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language and pronounced as “SEQUEL”. It is easy to learn and use and allows the user to communicate as the server. If you’re new to programming and want to work with RDBMS while also learning about Native Query, SQL is the way to go.
What is HQL?
HQL stands for Hibernate Query Language and is similar to SQL. It does not depend on table and columns it works with persistent objects and their properties. You can select HQL if your programming is strong and you know a lot about OOPs concept, including the features of oops and how to play with classes and objects.
SQL Vs HQL In Tabular Form
Following are the differences between HQL and SQL.
| # | SQL | HQL |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | SQL is database-oriented table query. | HQL is object-oriented query. |
| 2. | SQL manipulates data stored in tables and modifies its rows and columns. | HQL is concerned about objects and its properties. |
| 3. | SQL is concerned about the relationship that exists between two tables. | HQL considers the relation between two objects. |
| 4. | Native SQL is usually faster. | Non-native HQL is usually slower. |
| 5. | SQL offers complex interface to new users. | HQL provides user-friendly interface. |
| 6. | SQL stands for Structured Query Language. | HQL stands for Hibernate Query Language. |
| 7. | SQL doesn’t support OOP features like polymorphism, inheritance, and association. | HQL supports OOP features like polymorphism, inheritance, and association. |
| 8. | SQL is solely based on RDBMSs. | HQL is a combination of OOP with relational databases. |
| 9. | The SQL code is longer than HQL code. | But HQL code is smaller than traditional SQL code. |
Which is faster Hibernate or JDBC? We already know that we can access relational tables using java code using both Hibernate and JDBC. While comparing the performance of Hibernate vs JDBC when accessing the database, Hibernate is somewhat slower.
What are the major differences in syntax between SQL and HQL?
With tables, we use straight SQL command, but with HQL, we use pojo classes that map to database tables.
SQL: select * from <table-name>; select * from emp where empid = 1;
HQL: from <pojo-class>; from employee where empId = 1;
For more details click here to learn hibernate.
FAQ – HQL and SQL Difference
To send the entered SQL query to the database, we use Native SQL.
Yes, HQL is a query language that is database independent.
Yes, polymorphism, inheritance, and union supported in HQL?
This difference between Structured Query Language and Hibernate Query Language is the most asked question in the interview for beginner or experience who are looking for the Java interview for desktop development, website development, mobile development in java programming language.
Don’t get too confused if you’re a beginner and can’t decide whether to use HQL or SQL. Read the differences between HQL and SQL in tabular form first, and then you’ll be able to simply determine which one to use.
