Object-Relational Mapping
Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) is a programming technique that allows developers to interact with a relational database using object-oriented programming languages, without writing raw SQL queries. It maps database tables to classes, rows to objects, and columns to object attributes, abstracting the underlying database structure. This enables developers to work with data as objects in their code, improving productivity and reducing boilerplate code.
Developers should learn ORM when building applications that require persistent data storage in relational databases, as it simplifies database interactions and reduces SQL-related errors. It is particularly useful in web development, enterprise applications, and any project where object-oriented code needs to integrate seamlessly with a database, enhancing maintainability and speeding up development cycles. ORMs also provide features like connection pooling, caching, and migration tools, making them essential for scalable applications.