What is the difference between CrudRepository and JpaRepository interfaces in Spring Data JPA?

java

spring-data-jpa

repository-patterns

performance-optimizations

byNikita Barsukov·Nov 4, 2024

CrudRepository offers essential CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, including save, findById, and delete. Conversely, JpaRepository being an extension of PagingAndSortingRepository, provides additional features like pagination and sorting, along with JPA-specific capabilities such as flush, saveAndFlush, batch operations, and getOne.

For quick CRUD:

// "Mockingjay": Take flight with this function to save data
<T> save(T entity); 

// "Sherlock Holmes": Find your entity's ID, no mystery is too big
Optional<T> findById(ID id); 

// "Thanos": One snap to delete an entity!
void delete(T entity);

For superior control with pagination:

// "Pagination Party": Let's navigate those large data sets
List<T> findAll(Pageable pageable);

// "Super Saver Custom Edition": Save and synchronize with the database in one elegant move
<S extends T> S saveAndFlush(S entity);

// "Batchman": Deletes a bunch at once; crowd control at its best
void deleteInBatch(Iterable<T> entities);

// "Lone Wolf": Fetch one entity using its ID, don't need no pack
T getOne(ID id);

Quick recap: CrudRepository for simplicity, JpaRepository for added JPA features.

Repository selection in different scenarios

Distinguish the scenarios where each of these repositories could play their part. While CrudRepository does a clean job for most general use cases, JpaRepository might be the choice for:

Advanced data handling needs
Managing bulk data with batch operations for superior efficiency
Using caching or vendor-specific features like Hibernate-specific functions

Moreover, we can extend existing repositories to implement custom functionality. Think of creating a ReadOnlyRepository that does away with modification functions for immutable datasets.

Performance differences and available optimizations

While discussing the basic and advanced operations, we ought not to disregard the performance implications and potential optimizations. JpaRepository comes with extra methods leading to significant performance improvements:

saveAndFlush() ensures immediate synchronization with the database—instant consistency, think "Flash."
deleteInBatch() wraps up deletion in one query—a "one-and-done" solution.
findAll(Pageable pageable)—the most efficient route for huge datasets.

Handling Exceptions and Transactions

The different repository interfaces also come with nuances in handling exceptions and transaction management. CrudRepository suffices for generic purposes, but JpaRepository takes it up a notch: