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Jparepository Not supported for DML operations

java
transactional-semantics
jpa-operations
best-practices
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 5, 2024
TLDR

To resolve the delete DML operation issue with JpaRepository, employ the @Modifying and @Transactional annotations:

@Modifying @Transactional @Query("DELETE FROM EntityName e WHERE e.attribute = ?1") void performDeletion(String value);

Utilize @Modifying to inform Spring you're making an update/delete operation and @Transactional to handle the transaction, ensuring changes are propagated to the database.

Knowing the keystones and design principles behind Spring Data JPA is critical when implementing custom DML operations such as delete. The @Modifying annotation indicates data modification by a specific query, setting it apart from select queries. Plus, such methods should generally return void or int/Integer, where integer denotes the count of impacted records.

In your JpaRepository interface, make sure to use a @Modifying, @Query, and @Transactional combination for custom delete operations. This allows you to code queries that delete entities based on precise conditions. These queries’ parameters should be defined via the @Param annotation, offering a clear connection between method arguments and query placeholders.

Steering clear of transactional semantics

Don’t forget to annotate service methods, not repository interfaces, with @Transactional. This ensures transactional integrity managed by the service layer, upholding a neat segregation of responsibility within your application. Here's an example:

public interface MyService { void deleteSomeData(String value); } @Service public class MyServiceImpl implements MyService { private final MyRepository myRepository; @Autowired public MyServiceImpl(MyRepository myRepository) { this.myRepository = myRepository; } @Override @Transactional public void deleteSomeData(String value) { myRepository.performDeletion(value); // BOOM! Data vanishes just like my social life during coding weekends! } }

EntityManager vs JpaRepository: The eternal debate

If you're looking for extra control for more complex DML operations, EntityManager lends a more flexible hand than JpaRepository. For instance, when confronted with an overly intricate delete operation, opt for entityManager.createQuery().executeUpdate(). This technique offers granular transaction and query execution control. (One ring to rule them all, anyone? 😉)

Pitfalls to watch out for

  • Never ever use @Transactional on repository interface methods. Its rightful place is at service layer classes only.
  • Be careful with the import of @Modifying, @Transactional, and @Query annotations.
  • Be mindful of transaction propagation. Operations inside a @Transactional method should be treated as a unit of work, just like Avengers assembling!

Dynamic conditions, dynamic responses

With unforeseen dynamics at play, there might be situations where you need to eliminate entities based on fluctuating conditions. Enter Criteria API or Querydsl that offer more advanced options. These tools facilitate a programmatic way to create SQL queries dynamically, serving especially useful when finalizing filtering ops based on multifarious criteria known only at runtime.

Preparing for common errors

Watch out for common slip-ups like:

  • Misplacing JPQL query indexing with ?1, ?2, and so on, leading to some pretty bizarre behavior.
  • Missing out on the @Param annotation on method parameters causing parameter-binding woes.
  • Overlooking @Modifying necessity for delete/update operations, leading to unsupported operation errors. Just like forgetting your mask these days!