Question

As a beginner to Java-database projects, how does one decide when one should use Hibernate in Java code instead of simple jdbc?

Answer 1

Use hibernate if 1 to 4 are satisfied

1. If you are designing the database schema and your domain objects afresh.
2. You envision that your domain objects and your schema will be in sync, for example an automobile vendor application where your vehicle objects are likely to be close to your table structures. Just an example.
3. You really want to use an ORM and tie your objects closely to schema.
4. Want to use a ORM framework to handle connections etc.

Else

I would recommend ibatis. This is still an ORM framework but leaves flexibility in handling schema and domain objects separatley. It offers more flexibility in handling queries etc.

Spring jdbc also has good features offering flexibility. But i feel it still not near to an ORM. But spring does offer templates to handle orms like hibernate and ibatis.