Home Learn step by step Memorise Key terms Flashcards Notes Master answers Past questions Multiple choice Mock exam Practice & marker

Software Engineering › Learn step by step › Y12 Programming for the Web

Item 290 of 426 · Year 12: Programming for the Web, 56 of 59

Object-relational mapping (ORM)

Code pattern Key terms bank

Jump to a topic

See every item in the sequence

Definition

A technique that lets you read and write database tables as objects in your programming language instead of writing SQL. Code is focused on object manipulation.

Example

2025 Q9 answer: object manipulation = ORM; tables can be joined = ORM and SQL; programmers can choose the language used to access the database = ORM.

Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes.

Short version to memorise (key terms bank)

Object-relational mapping: database rows as objects.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.

Question types it can appear in

Matching or table: 2025 Q9: match each characteristic to ORM, SQL or both
Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Compare ORM with SQL

Where it has appeared in the paper

Programming for the Web (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

Code pattern: “A technique that lets you read and write database tables as objects in your programming language instead of writing SQL.” Then apply it: 2025 Q9 answer: object manipulation = ORM; tables can be joined = ORM and SQL; programmers can choose the language used to access the database = ORM.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

General advice

No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.

Official worked answer

2025 HSC Q9 (1 mark): ORM and SQL (1 mark): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

1: Correctly matches each characteristic to the appropriate approach.

Sample answer

(1) ORM only. (2) Both ORM and SQL. (3) ORM only.

Open the question page

Go deeper

Flashcard: Object-relational mapping (ORM) in Programming for the Web (Year 12) · study that set
Memorise: SQL vs ORM
Key terms bank entry: ORM
Notes: Compare Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) to SQL. (Programming for the Web (Year 12))
Notes: SQL vs ORM (Programming for the Web (Year 12))
Master answer: hsc2025-q9 (1 marks, matching table (tick which approach)) (Master model answers: Programming for the Web)
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Object-relational mapping (ORM)

Check yourself

Write or say the “Object-relational mapping (ORM)” pattern from memory: the syntax and what it does.

Reveal the answer

A technique that lets you read and write database tables as objects in your programming language instead of writing SQL. Code is focused on object manipulation.

Example: 2025 Q9 answer: object manipulation = ORM; tables can be joined = ORM and SQL; programmers can choose the language used to access the database = ORM.

Could be tested as: Matching or table, Multiple choice, Short answer.

Quick multiple choice

What does an object-relational mapper (ORM) do?

Encrypts the database file
Lets programmers work with database rows as objects in their language instead of writing SQL
Replaces the need for any database
Makes web pages load in the browser

Show the answer

An ORM maps tables to classes and rows to objects, hiding most SQL. 2025 Q9 asked which characteristics belong to ORM and which to SQL.

Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.