Polymorphism, a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming, allows objects of different types to be treated as instances of a common superclass. This flexibility is essential for creating systems that can be easily extended and maintained. While traditional SQL databases in combination with Jakarta Persistence (JPA) can handle polymorphic data, NoSQL databases offer distinct advantages. Unlike SQL databases, which require strict schema definitions, NoSQL databases take a schema-less approach, inherently supporting dynamic and flexible data structures. This flexibility becomes especially appealing when integrated with Jakarta NoSQL, a tool that provides robust support for defining and managing polymorphic fields through custom converters.
In many enterprise applications, there is a common need to manage different types of data objects. For example, an e-commerce platform may handle various payment methods such as credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers, each with specific attributes. Similarly, asset management systems in large corporations deal with different types of assets like real estate, machinery, and intellectual property, each with unique properties. Healthcare systems must accommodate various data types, from personal information to medical records and test results. Utilizing NoSQL databases with polymorphic fields can store and manage these diverse data types cohesively. The schema-less nature of NoSQL databases also makes it easier to adapt to changing requirements than relational databases.