When do you use JPQL, native SQL, Criteria API, or Spring Data specifications?

Chooses a query representation from static versus dynamic shape, portability, database features, readability, and performance evidence.

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TL;DR

JPQL queries entities and their mapped attributes, so it is portable across JPA providers and good for clear static entity-oriented queries. Native SQL gives full access to database-specific syntax, functions, windowing, and tuned plans but needs explicit result mapping and reduces portability. The Criteria API builds queries programmatically and is useful for truly dynamic composition, while Spring Data specifications package reusable predicates on top of Criteria.

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Entity-oriented queries, database-specific SQL, dynamic predicates, type safety, projections, and maintainability.

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Core answer
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Overview
The best query form is the clearest one that expresses the required data shape and produces acceptable SQL.
JPQL queries entities and their mapped attributes, so it is portable across JPA providers and good for clear static entity-oriented queries. Native SQL gives full access to database-specific syntax, functions, windowing, and tuned plans but needs explicit result mapping and reduces portability. The Criteria API builds queries programmatically and is useful for truly dynamic composition, while Spring Data specifications package reusable predicates on top of Criteria.
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Stronger answer
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I do not replace a readable fixed JPQL query with a large Criteria tree just for type safety. Derived repository method names work for simple filters but become difficult to read as conditions grow. Projections avoid loading full entities for read-only views. Native queries require tests for parameter binding, pagination or count behavior, column aliases, and migrations. Whatever syntax I choose, I inspect the generated SQL and execution plan for important paths.

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Details

Using Criteria for every static query.
Assuming JPQL automatically produces efficient SQL.
Allowing unbounded client-driven specifications.

When do you use JPQL, native SQL, Criteria API, or Spring Data specifications?

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