Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks bridge the gap between object-oriented programming and relational databases by abstracting SQL operations into type-safe, language-native code. ORMs handle schema management, query generation, and data mapping automatically, enabling developers to work with database records as objects while the framework manages connection pooling, transactions, and query optimization. The key mental model to remember: ORMs trade some performance and control for developer productivity and type safety, but understanding when to use eager loading vs lazy loading, how to prevent N+1 queries, and when to drop down to raw SQL separates effective ORM usage from performance disasters.