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Overview

Overview

Data tools provide practical frameworks for accessing and manipulating database data from application code. This section covers object-relational mapping (ORM) tools that bridge the gap between your application’s object model and relational databases.

What You’ll Learn

  • Spring Data JPA - Java persistence with JPA and Hibernate
  • Elixir Ecto - Elixir database wrapper and query DSL

Available Tools

Spring Data JPA - Java Database Access

Spring Data JPA provides elegant database access for Java applications:

  • Entity Mapping - Map Java classes to database tables with annotations
  • Repository Pattern - Interface-based data access with automatic implementation
  • Query Methods - Generate SQL from method names automatically
  • JPQL Queries - Write database-agnostic queries in Java
  • Transaction Management - Declarative transaction control with @Transactional
  • Spring Boot Integration - Auto-configuration and minimal setup

Elixir Ecto - Functional Database Access

Elixir Ecto brings functional programming patterns to database access:

  • Schema Definitions - Define data structures with changesets for validation
  • Composable Queries - Build queries functionally with Ecto.Query
  • Migrations - Version control your database schema
  • Multi-Database Support - PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite adapters
  • Associations - Define relationships between schemas
  • Repo Pattern - Centralized database operations

Learning Approach

Each tool provides By Example tutorials with practical code:

  • Beginner - Core concepts, basic CRUD operations, query fundamentals
  • Intermediate - Complex queries, relationships, transactions
  • Advanced - Performance optimization, custom queries, advanced patterns

All examples are annotated and immediately runnable.

Choosing Your Tool

Use Spring Data JPA when:

  • Building Java applications with Spring Boot
  • Need JPA standard compliance
  • Working with complex object hierarchies
  • Want automatic SQL generation from method names
  • Require enterprise features (caching, auditing)

Use Elixir Ecto when:

  • Building Elixir/Phoenix applications
  • Prefer explicit, composable queries
  • Want functional programming patterns
  • Need changesets for data validation
  • Require strong compile-time guarantees

Getting Started

Choose the tool matching your language ecosystem:

Both tools assume basic SQL knowledge. Complete the SQL tutorial first if you’re new to relational databases.

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