ebean-orm/ebean
Ebean
Ebean is a Java object-relational mapping framework designed to simplify database persistence through automated query generation, schema migration, and transaction management. It uses metadata-driven mapping and bytecode enhancement to bridge the gap between application objects and relational database tables, providing a persistent layer that handles complex data interactions while maintaining consistency across unit-of-work boundaries.
The framework distinguishes itself through its focus on developer productivity and performance optimization. It provides type-safe query builders that generate code at compile time, enabling IDE auto-completion and static validation of database operations. Additionally, it includes integrated support for container-based testing, allowing developers to manage ephemeral database instances and automate schema initialization directly within their test suites.
Beyond core mapping, the project offers a comprehensive suite of tools for data management and observability. This includes automated schema evolution, read-replica routing for connection management, and multi-level caching to reduce database load. It also provides diagnostic capabilities such as query execution plan capture and distributed tracing to assist in performance tuning.
The library supports modern deployment workflows, including ahead-of-time compilation for native images to eliminate runtime reflection overhead. It is distributed as a standard Java library, with documentation and tooling available to support integration into existing build processes.
