Final answer:
In order to create a bidirectional mapping between two related entities using JPA annotations, we can use the ManyToMany annotation and specify the owning side of the relationship using the mappedBy attribute.
Step-by-step explanation:
Achieving bidirectional mapping between two associated entities in Java Persistence API (JPA) involves employing the ManyToMany annotation.
This annotation proves instrumental in scenarios where a many-to-many relationship exists between the entities.
By annotating corresponding fields in both entities with ManyToMany and utilizing the mappedBy attribute, the owning side of the relationship can be precisely specified.
Consider two entities, Product and Category, as an illustrative example.
If a many-to-many relationship characterizes their association, where each product can belong to multiple categories and vice versa, the bidirectional mapping is established as follows:
Entity public class Product {ManyToMany (mappedBy = "products") private List<Category> categories;}
Entity public class Category {ManyToMany private List<Product> products;}
In this scenario, the Product entity assumes ownership of the relationship, evident in the mappedBy attribute pointing to the "products" field in the Category entity.
This bidirectional mapping offers a comprehensive representation of the intricate relationships between entities in JPA.