MyBatis vs JPA/Hibernate: When I Reach for Each

I've shipped systems with both MyBatis and JPA/Hibernate. They solve the same problem — getting data in and out — but pull in opposite directions on control versus convenience.

MyBatis: SQL you can see

• You write the SQL, so complex queries and tuning are explicit
• Great when the schema or queries are gnarly and performance matters
• More boilerplate for simple CRUD

JPA/Hibernate: mapping you don't repeat

• Entity mapping and generated queries remove CRUD boilerplate
• Strong fit for standard domain models and rapid build-out
• Needs care with fetching, transactions, and the N+1 problem

My rule of thumb

Reach for JPA/Hibernate by default on a fresh domain model; reach for MyBatis when queries are complex or I need precise control over the SQL the database actually runs.