What is the difference between save(), persist(), and saveOrUpdate()?

beginner

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save(): Saves the entity and returns the generated identifier. Can be called outside transaction.
persist(): Saves the entity but doesn't return identifier. Must be called within transaction.
saveOrUpdate(): Saves new entity or updates existing one based on identifier.

// save() - returns ID
Long id = (Long) session.save(user);

// persist() - no return value
session.persist(user);

// saveOrUpdate() - smart save/update
session.saveOrUpdate(user);

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