JPA is the Java standard for data persistence, especially for relational systems. Here, we explore how Hibernate and JPA work together to make database processes easier.

Learn Hibernate Quickly: Simplified Java Persistence with Hibernate & JPA, covering both Hibernate 3.2.x and the JPA 2.0 compliant Hibernate 3.5.

I discovered Hibernate Validator, an open source project from JBoss. The framework impressed me with its simplicity and flexibility, so I am introducing it with this Java Tip.

As a second iteration, use the technologies you use on a daily basis, but this time set up from scratch. For example, if your project uses Hibernate, try configuring the session factory by hand.