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# Understanding Descriptors

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TopLink uses descriptors to store the information that describes how an instance of a particular class can be represented by a data source. Descriptors own mappings that associate class instance variables with a data source and transformation routines that are used to store and retrieve values. As such, the descriptor acts as the connection between a Java object and its data source representation.

This chapter includes information on the following:

- Descriptor Types

- Descriptor Concepts

- Understanding the Descriptor API