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can I perform a query inside of JPA entity to get back a single column

I have a dumb question. It would be great if this could be done, but I am not holding my breath.

I need a single column from a table linked to my JPA entity to be a collection in said JPA entity. Is there any way, that I can just get back that column alone that is related to that entity, instead of having to get back an entire table (which could be very costly?)

Can I perform a query inside that JPA entity that will be performed and loaded eagerly into a collection?

I am trying to avoid having to make several calls to the database by just executing a couple of queries.

What are your thoughts on this?

Solution 
  • @ElementCollection(fetch=FetchType.EAGER)
        @CollectionTable(name="QUICK_LAUNCH_DISTLIST",joinColumns=@JoinColumn(name="QUICK_LAUNCH_ID"))
        @Column(name="LIST_ID")
private List<Long> distListIDs;

    The ElementCollection attribute is what I was looking for. It seems to work pretty well in addition to that.

    Thanks for the help and inspiration guys.