Chapter 1. Introduction to NHibernate

In this chapter, we will go over a very brief introduction to NHibernate. This chapter is mainly aimed at absolute beginners to either NHibernate or ORMs. Therefore, we will begin with a discussion around what is an ORM and what kind of problems it solves. We will then dive into NHibernate and talk about what NHibernate offers in specific. Next, we would talk about the latest version of NHibernate and what new features are added in the latest version. While I am introducing NHibernate to you, I will also touch upon the important building blocks of NHibernate. In the end, I would try to answer the question of whether it is a bad idea to use ORM, as portrayed by some experts.

For those of you who have used or read about Entity Framework (EF), I have added a section talking about features in NHibernate that are missing in the current version of EF. This is no way tries to present a picture that NHibernate is superior that EF. Rather, this information will help you to choose the right tool for the job.